How to Choose a Squat Suit: An Ultimate Guide

When you’re ready to take your squatting to the next level, it’s time to invest in a quality squat suit. But with so many brands and styles on the market, how do you know which is right for you? Here’s our ultimate guide to choosing a squat suit that will help you achieve your personal best.

What is a Squat Suit?

A powerlifting squat suit is a tight suit resembling a singlet used by powerlifters to squat the most weight possible. It also supports the hips and helps the lifter stay in a tight position.

How Does a Squat Suit Work?

The firm material of a squat suit is usually at least two or three layers thick. They are meant to be worn as tight as you can handle, and a rule of thumb is that if you can fit fingers inside it, it’s not tight enough.

As a squatter descends into the lower portion of the squat movement, the firm material stretches more tightly over the hip joint. The lowest positions in the squat are the most mechanically difficult, and the squat suit matches the strength curve of a lifter. For this reason, the support at the bottom of the lift is usually enough to increase a lifter’s squat strength immediately.

What Are The Best Squat Suit Options?

Generally, anything made by a great brand like Titan, Inzer, SBD, or STrong will typically fit the needs of the average squatter. However, perhaps the best squat suit available is the Titan Super Centurion Squat Suit. It comes in a wide range of sizes and design choices and is an IPF-approved suit made in the USA and used by thousands of powerlifters.

Titan is currently offering an upgraded version of the Centurion, which is the best-performing 1-ply suit approved in the IPF. The new Super Centurion is constructed from NXG Super Plus, which is an ultra-strong fabric created by Titan specifically for powerlifting. It also has a wide, three-centimeter seam formed into an anatomically accurate harness system to support you during your squats. If you’re looking to build a bigger squat, and especially if you’re looking to compete, this would be the perfect squat suit for you.

Tips When Choosing a Squat Suit

In general, you’re going to want the highest quality squat suit within your budget. If you have a couple hundred dollars, this will definitely be the Super Centurion by Titan. However, even if it isn’t, there are a few design considerations you need to be sure of before getting a squat suit.

Wide Stance vs. Regular Stance

There are two main designs for squat suits, with differences mainly in the leg areas. Regular stance suits are made with slightly longer leg sections, while wide stance versions are shorter. This is because an extra wide squat stance will be difficult to achieve with the suit going so far down your legs. It’s recommended to get a regular stance version if you have a narrow or moderate squat and only get a wide one if your squat is particularly wide.

Aplix Straps

Aplix straps are available on some squat suits like the Super Centurion. However, the added convenience comes at the cost of IPF approval. If you plan to go to the highest reaches of powerlifting competition, you cannot use Aplix straps or any hook and loop strap system. Your straps will have to be continuous, which can be more cumbersome to put on and take off. However, that’s the price you’ll have to pay to compete in the IPF.

Sizing and Fit

Sizing for a squat suit can seem somewhat complicated and challenging. However, most squat suit makers will provide a simple sizing chart which is invaluable in choosing your size. Typically, your body weight can give you an idea of the sizes you’d need for a regular fit, meet fit, or competition fit. A meet fit is tighter than a regular fit, and a competition fit is tighter than a meet fit. If you’re uncertain that a particular recommended size will fit you, you can usually submit your hip and thigh measurements to ensure that it fits where it counts.

In Summary: A High-Quality Squat Suit Helps You Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Using a squat suit is beneficial to your goals and is especially helpful when you choose a high-quality suit that fits properly. A squat suit can increase your longevity in the sport, allow you to squat more weight, and give you the confidence to attempt big PRs with its sturdy support. However, these benefits are only found when you ensure that the suit you buy is from a reputable source and fits your body well.