Your grip often fails long before your back muscles when you're lifting heavy. A good pair of lifting straps solves this problem by relieving your forearms and connecting your hands directly to the barbell. This guide covers the different types, materials, and brands on the market. The goal is to provide you with the necessary knowledge so you can choose the equipment that perfectly suits your training style. Whether you're training Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, or general fitness, the right grip will help you lift heavier and more safely.
The difference between wrist wraps and lifting straps
Many beginners confuse these two pieces of training equipment. The difference lies in the movement itself and the purpose of the equipment. Wrist wraps are designed for pressing exercises like bench press and shoulder press. They are wrapped tightly around the wrist to stabilize the joint and prevent it from bending backward under heavy loads. Lifting straps, on the other hand, are used exclusively for pulling exercises like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups. They act as an extension of your grip. By wrapping the strap around the bar, you shift the load from your fingers and forearms to the larger muscle groups in your back.
| Equipment | Primary function | Typical exercises |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist wraps | Stabilizes the wrist | Bench press, shoulder press |
| Lifting straps | Relieves grip | Deadlift, barbell rows |
The three primary types of lifting straps
The market offers three main categories of straps. Each type is designed to solve specific challenges in different lifting styles.
Lasso straps (Traditional straps)
The lasso model is the most popular and versatile type. You thread one end of the strap through a sewn loop to create a lasso. This lasso is placed around the wrist, and then the remaining part of the strap is wrapped around the barbell. This type provides an excellent and secure grip for general strength training and bodybuilding. Our own StrapIt Lifting Straps in black are a classic example of a lasso strap that relieves the hands, allowing you to focus entirely on your lifting technique.
Figure 8 straps
These straps are shaped like an eight. You thread your hand through one loop, pass the strap under the bar, and then thread your hand through the other loop. Figure 8 straps are primarily used for strongman training and extremely heavy deadlifts. They completely lock you to the bar. This means you cannot release the bar quickly if something goes wrong. Brands like Gymreapers are often highlighted in international tests for their Figure 8 models.
Single-loop straps (Olympic straps)
Single-loop straps are designed specifically for Olympic weightlifting. They consist of a single piece of material shaped like a teardrop with a closed loop at one end. They are shorter than the lasso model and are only wrapped once around the bar. This design allows you to quickly release the bar if you miss an overhead lift, such as in a snatch. Safety is the primary reason why Olympic weightlifters prefer this type.
Materials: Cotton, nylon, or leather?
The material determines both comfort, durability, and how much maintenance your equipment requires. We work with carefully selected materials to ensure the best experience.
Cotton
Cotton is soft, effectively absorbs sweat, and is comfortable to use from the very first workout. It requires no break-in period. Mark Bell Sling Shot Heavy Duty is a well-known example of cotton straps, costing around $15 and measuring a full 2 inches in width. At MakeIt, we produce our StrapIt Lifting Straps Premium from a thicker and softer cotton material. This provides extra comfort during heavy lifts and prevents the material from digging into your wrist.
Nylon
Nylon is extremely durable and can bear enormous amounts of weight without stretching. The disadvantage is that nylon can feel harsh against the skin and cause chafing under heavy loads. To solve this problem, models like Iron Bull Unleash have added 5 mm neoprene padding on the inside. Nylon is ideal for powerlifters who prioritize absolute strength over soft comfort.
Leather and break-in
Leather straps, like Rogue Ohio Cotton and American Leather, typically cost around $25. They are incredibly durable and mold to your hands over time. The challenge with leather is that it is stiff initially and requires a break-in period. To soften leather straps faster, you can roll them tightly in both directions several times. You can also massage a small amount of leather conditioner into the surface. This makes the material pliable and improves your grip on the bar.
How to choose the right length for your lifting straps
Many guides overlook the importance of bar thickness when recommending equipment. If you primarily train with a standard Olympic barbell, a common length of 20 to 21 inches is often sufficient. Rogue Leather Lifting Straps, for example, measure 20.5 inches in length, 1.5 inches in width, and 2 mm in thickness. This provides enough material to wrap the strap twice around a standard bar.
However, if you use thicker bars like an axle bar, or if you have very wide wrists, you will need more length. A short strap will only reach once around a thick bar, which significantly impairs the grip. Iron Bull Unleash and Mark Bell Heavy Duty measure 24 and 25 inches respectively to meet this need. At MakeIt, we offer Long Straps, which provide extra grip and maximum support for heavy lifts on thick bars. You can also use our StrapIt size guide to find the perfect fit for your hands.
Maintenance: How to wash your lifting straps
Sweat and dead skin cells quickly make cotton and nylon straps smell unpleasant. Bacteria thrive in the moist environment that arises in your gym bag. You can extend the life and keep your equipment fresh with proper washing.
Soak your cotton and nylon straps in a bowl of warm water and a mild soap for 15 minutes. Then gently scrub them with a soft brush to remove ingrained dirt and lime from sweat. Rinse them thoroughly in cold water and let them air dry. Never put them in the dryer, as the intense heat will destroy the fibers and weaken the material. Leather straps should under no circumstances be washed with water. They should simply be wiped with a slightly damp cloth and treated with leather care a couple of times a year.
Popular brands and Danish alternatives
The international market is dominated by large brands such as Rogue Fitness, Gymreapers, and Iron Bull Strength. In Denmark, many people look for equipment at local retailers like Sport 24, which sells basic models like the Endurance 2-Pack, or at large online stores like Bodystore.
If you prefer Danish-produced quality and sustainability, MakeIt produces all equipment 100 percent in Denmark. Our StrapIt Lifting Straps have sold over 50,000 units and are used by more than 20,000 athletes, gyms, and trainers. We offer our straps in 10 different colors and provide a 100-day satisfaction guarantee. We also offer equipment customization for B2B customers, which is a rarity on the market. You can visit our physical store at Engvej 169 in Amager to see the equipment with your own eyes, or order online with 1 to 2 days delivery via GLS.
Frequently asked questions about lifting straps
Is it cheating to use straps?
No. Research shows that straps do not negatively alter back muscle activation during deadlifts. They simply allow you to train your back to full exhaustion without your grip failing first. It is a tool to overcome a weak link in the kinetic chain.
When should I start using them?
Only use them on your heaviest working sets. It's a good idea to warm up without straps to maintain and build your natural grip strength. When the weight becomes so heavy that your grip compromises your technique, put the straps on.
What is the difference between StrapIt and HookIt?
StrapIt are traditional straps designed for barbells and dumbbells. Our HookIt Cuffs, on the other hand, are self-adjusting training cuffs. They are ideal for cable machines, especially for exercises for glutes, legs, and arms, where you need to attach the cable directly to the ankle or wrist.
How do I use them on dumbbells?
Using straps on dumbbells can be a bit more tricky, as you only have one free hand to tighten the other strap. Start by wrapping the strap around the first dumbbell and tightening it. Then use the fingers of the hand that is already attached to help wrap the second strap tightly around the other dumbbell. It takes a little practice, but the lasso model is the easiest type to use for this purpose.
Optimize your training with the right lifting straps
Choosing the right lifting straps is about matching the material and type to your specific training style. Whether you prefer the quick release of the single-loop, the unwavering support of the figure 8, or the versatile lasso model, the right pair will significantly improve your lifts. Review your needs, consider the thickness of the bar, and invest in a pair that can withstand your training. A strong grip gives you the confidence to lift heavier, and with Danish-produced quality from MakeIt, you are guaranteed equipment that will last for many years.
