Most people don't need to choose lifting straps in a traditional size like S, M, or L. The choice is instead about the strap's length, your hand size, and how much material you want around the bar.
StrapIt Standard is the versatile choice that suits most people. StrapIt Short has a shorter strap and is relevant if you have smaller hands or prefer a more compact and direct connection to the bar.
StrapIt Premium is primarily chosen for its extra comfort and padding – not as a distinct size.
Are lifting straps available in different sizes?
Lifting straps can be constructed differently. Some brands use sizes, while other models primarily vary in strap length, material, or padding.
At MakeIt, the most important differences between the models are:
- The length of the part that wraps around the bar.
- The amount of material around the hand.
- The feel and contact with the bar.
- The padding around the wrist.
- How quickly the strap can be fastened.
This means you usually don't need to measure your hand down to a specific number of centimeters to choose StrapIt.
StrapIt Standard – the versatile choice
StrapIt Standard is the starting point for most strength trainers. The regular strap length allows for a secure wrap around various bars and handles.
Standard is especially relevant if you:
- Want to use the same straps for several different exercises.
- Have medium or larger hands.
- Prefer more material around the bar.
- Primarily use straps for deadlifts and Romanian Deadlifts.
- Are in doubt and want the most versatile starting point.
Standard can be used for, among other things:
- Deadlifts.
- Romanian Deadlifts.
- Barbell rows.
- Dumbbell rows.
- T-Bar Rows.
- Shrugs.
- Lat pulldowns and cable rows.
StrapIt Short – the shorter model
StrapIt Short has a shorter free strap than Standard. This means there is less material to wrap around the bar or handle.
Short might be the right choice if you:
- Have smaller hands or shorter fingers.
- Find that regular straps feel too long.
- Want a more compact connection to the handle.
- Want to spend less time wrapping the strap.
- Primarily train rows, pulldowns, or other machine exercises.
A shorter strap is not automatically better for smaller hands, nor is it limited to specific exercises. Many choose Short simply because of the more direct feel.
Should you choose Standard or Short?
| Choose Standard if you | Choose Short if you |
|---|---|
| Want the most versatile option | Want a shorter and more compact strap |
| Primarily use straps for deadlifts and RDL | Primarily use straps for rows and pulldowns |
| Prefer more material around the bar | Prefer less material around the handle |
| Have medium or larger hands | Have smaller hands or shorter fingers |
| Are in doubt about your choice | Know that regular straps feel too long |
The table is a practical guideline and not a strict sizing rule. Both models can be used across hand sizes and exercises.
How do you know if your straps fit?
A pair of lifting straps has a suitable length when you can:
- Place them comfortably around your wrist.
- Securely wrap the strap around the bar or handle.
- Tighten the connection without difficulty.
- Keep your wrist in a natural position.
- Release yourself again in a controlled manner.
The strap should be snug during the lift, but it should not cut or create undue pressure around the wrist.
Signs that the strap feels too long
- You have to wrap an unnecessarily large number of layers around the bar.
- It takes a long time to set up your grip.
- A lot of material gathers in the palm of your hand.
- The connection to the bar feels less direct.
- The end of the strap gets in the way during setup.
If you consistently experience these problems, StrapIt Short might be a better solution.
Signs that the strap feels too short
- You have difficulty getting the strap securely around the handle.
- The strap loosens before you have established your grip.
- You lack length for thicker handles or machines.
- The setup feels insecure or rushed.
If the strap cannot be securely fastened around the equipment you are training with, you should choose a longer model.
Should you measure your hand?
You can measure your hand as a reference, but the measurement alone should not be the sole factor. There isn't one universal centimeter limit that determines whether everyone should choose Standard or Short.
The choice is also influenced by:
- The length of your fingers.
- The diameter of the bar or handle.
- The exercise you are performing.
- How many wraps you prefer.
- How direct a contact you want with the bar.
If you have regular straps that feel unnecessarily long, it points towards Short. If you haven't used straps before and want maximum versatility, Standard is usually the best starting point.
Which model is best for deadlifts?
StrapIt Standard is the natural starting point for deadlifts because its regular length allows for good attachment of the strap around a barbell.
Short can still be used for deadlifts if you prefer a shorter strap and can establish a secure connection to the bar.
Also read our complete guide to lifting straps in deadlifts.
Which model is best for rows and pulldowns?
Many prefer StrapIt Short for rows and pulldowns because the shorter strap can provide a more direct connection to the handle.
This applies to, among others:
- T-Bar Rows.
- Barbell rows.
- Dumbbell rows.
- Lat pulldowns.
- Cable rows.
Standard also works for these exercises and is the best choice if you want to use the same model for rows, pulldowns, and deadlifts.
What about StrapIt Premium?
StrapIt Premium should not be considered a separate hand size. Premium is primarily chosen if you want extra comfort and padding around the wrist.
The model is especially relevant for:
- Heavy working sets.
- High training volume.
- Many weekly pulling exercises.
- A desire for extra comfort around the wrist.
If your most important question is the strap's length and direct contact with the bar, the comparison between Standard and Short is more relevant.
Is Short only for women?
No. StrapIt Short is not a gender-specific model.
Hand size and personal preferences vary from person to person. Some women prefer Standard, while some men prefer Short.
Therefore, choose based on hands, exercises, and desired strap length – not gender.
Which model is best for beginners?
StrapIt Standard is usually the best starting point for beginners because it is versatile and can be used for most pulling exercises.
However, Short might be the right first choice if you have smaller hands or already know that you prefer a shorter and more compact strap.
Can you get a special length?
Standard and Short cover the needs of most people. If you have special measurements or find that none of the models provide the right fit, a customized length might be relevant.
Contact MakeIt if you are unsure about the fit or need help with a special need.
Danish-produced lifting straps
MakeIt has been producing StrapIt lifting straps in Denmark since 2014. More than 100,000 straps have been sold, and the models are developed with a focus on functionality, comfort, and durability.
You can see all StrapIt models here.
Conclusion: Which size should you choose?
Choose StrapIt Standard if you want the most versatile model or primarily use straps for deadlifts and Romanian Deadlifts.
Choose StrapIt Short if you have smaller hands, find regular straps feel too long, or want a more compact connection to the handle.
Choose Premium if your primary priority is extra comfort and padding rather than a shorter strap length.
If you are still in doubt, Standard is the safest starting point for most.
Frequently asked questions
Which size lifting straps should I choose?
Most people should choose between Standard and Short based on hand size, exercise, and desired strap length. Standard is the versatile starting point, while Short feels more compact.
Should I measure my hand?
A hand measurement can be used as a reference, but there isn't one centimeter limit that determines the choice for everyone. The thickness of the bar, the exercise, and your preferences also play a role.
What is the difference between Standard and Short?
Short has a shorter free strap and less material around the bar. Standard provides more length and is therefore more versatile across different exercises and handles.
Is StrapIt Short only for smaller hands?
No. People with larger hands can also choose Short if they prefer a shorter and more direct connection to the bar.
Which model is best for deadlifts?
Standard is the natural starting point for deadlifts. Short can also be used if you prefer a shorter strap and can securely fasten it around the bar.
Is Premium a different size?
Premium is primarily chosen for extra comfort and padding. It should therefore not be considered a traditional larger or smaller hand size.
