Raw powerlifting, called Classic in IPF federations, allows a non supportive singlet, a belt, knee sleeves and wrist wraps, but no gear that stores elastic energy. Equipped powerlifting adds supportive squat and deadlift suits, bench shirts and knee wraps, which help you lift more weight. Most new lifters start raw because it needs less gear and coaching.
This is general training information, not medical advice. If you have pain or an injury, see a qualified professional.
What does raw or classic powerlifting allow?
Under the IPF Technical Rulebook, Classic lifters wear:
- A singlet that is non supportive. It is just a uniform, not a lift aid.
- A T-shirt under the singlet for the squat and bench.
- A lifting belt. Belts are allowed in both divisions. See our guide to gym rules on belts and straps for training.
- Knee sleeves made of neoprene, up to 7 mm thick and 30 cm long.
- Wrist wraps up to 1 m long and 8 cm wide.
- Shoes and deadlift socks.
Knee wraps are not allowed in IPF Classic. The rulebook limits them to Equipped competitions. In IPF federations, all of this gear has to come from manufacturers on the IPF approved list, so check before you buy.
What does equipped powerlifting allow?
Equipped lifters can wear supportive gear that is built to resist bending and spring back:
- A supportive suit for the squat and deadlift, much stiffer than a singlet.
- A supportive bench shirt worn in place of the T-shirt.
- Knee wraps of up to 2 m in IPF rules, wound tightly around the knee. You cannot combine wraps and knee sleeves.
The gear has to be broken in and fitted, and you usually need helpers to get into it on meet day. Lifting in it is a different skill: the bar path, depth and timing all change.
How do USPA divisions compare?
The USPA Technical Rules split things into four divisions in section 3.14:
- Raw: non supportive singlet, belt, and optional wrist wraps, elbow sleeves and knee sleeves. Knee wraps of any length are not allowed.
- Classic Raw: the same as Raw, but knee wraps up to 2.5 m are allowed instead of sleeves.
- Single Ply: supportive single ply suits and bench shirts, plus knee wraps.
- Multi Ply: multi layer suits and shirts, plus extra items like erector and band shirts.
Note the naming trap: "Classic" means raw with sleeves in the IPF, but raw with knee wraps in the USPA. Always read the division rules for the federation running your meet. Our guide to finding a powerlifting meet lists the main US and Canadian federations.
Does equipped gear make you lift more?
Yes, which is why raw and equipped results are kept in separate divisions and records. Even the scoring formulas treat them separately: the IPF GL points formula uses different constants for Classic and Equipped totals. Our guide to DOTS, Wilks and IPF GL points explains how those scores work.
Are the lifting rules different in raw and equipped?
No. The rules of performance are the same. You still hit depth on the squat, pause the bench until "Press" and lock out the deadlift until "Down". The USPA rulebook says this outright for all four of its divisions. See powerlifting meet commands for how each lift is judged.
Should a beginner compete raw or equipped?
Raw, for most people. It needs only a singlet, a belt and sleeves, you can train exactly as you compete, and most local meets have their biggest raw fields. Equipped lifting suits lifters who have a few raw meets behind them, a training group that knows the gear, and access to someone who can help them get into a suit or shirt.
What gym do you need for each?
Both need a solid barbell setup: a power rack or combo rack, a bench, calibrated or accurate plates and room to deadlift. Equipped lifters often handle heavier weights and need spotters who understand suits and shirts, so a dedicated powerlifting gym helps a lot. Find powerlifting gyms near you on Proof of Chalk, or search the gym map for chalk friendly gyms.
Where do chalk and grip fit in?
Chalk is fine in both divisions. The IPF rulebook allows magnesium carbonate, resin, talc and baby powder on your body and attire, but not on wraps. Equipped deadlifters often use baby powder on their thighs so the bar slides over the suit, while chalk keeps their hands dry. Check which gyms allow chalk for training.
Common questions
Is raw the same as classic powerlifting?
In IPF federations, yes. Classic is the IPF name for raw. In the USPA, Raw means knee sleeves only, and Classic Raw allows knee wraps.
Can you wear knee sleeves in raw powerlifting?
Yes. Knee sleeves are allowed in IPF Classic and USPA Raw. IPF sleeves must be single ply neoprene, no more than 7 mm thick and 30 cm long.
Can you wear a belt in raw powerlifting?
Yes. A lifting belt is allowed in raw and equipped divisions in both the IPF and USPA rulebooks.
Are wrist wraps allowed in raw powerlifting?
Yes. Wrist wraps are allowed in raw and equipped. IPF rules cap them at 1 m long and 8 cm wide.
What is single ply vs multi ply?
Both are equipped divisions in the USPA. Single ply gear is made from one layer of material. Multi ply gear has several layers and allows extra supportive items.