Wrist wraps provide extra wrist support during heavy pressing exercises like bench presses and overhead presses. They can be particularly relevant if your wrist tends to hyperextend, or if a lack of stability limits your lift.
In this guide, you'll learn what wrist wraps do, when you should use them, and how to choose between short and long models.
The short answer
- 40 cm: Moderate support, good freedom of movement, and a versatile choice for most workouts.
- 60 cm: A firmer fit and more support for heavy pressing exercises and powerlifting.
- Use them as needed: Put them on for sets where your wrist needs support, and preferably train lighter sets without them.
What are wrist wraps?
Wrist wraps are elastic bands that are wrapped around the wrist before a lift. They create compression and help you maintain a more stable wrist position under load.
They don't lift the weight for you and cannot replace correct technique. Their purpose is to provide support around the wrist, allowing you to better transfer force from your forearm to the bar.
What is the difference between wrist wraps and lifting straps?
Wrist wraps and lifting straps solve two different problems:
- Wrist wraps support the wrist during pressing exercises such as bench press, shoulder press, and dips.
- Lifting straps help you maintain your grip on the bar during pulling exercises such as deadlifts, rows, and lat pulldowns.
If your wrist feels unstable during pressing movements, wrist wraps are the relevant choice. If your grip fails before your back muscles during pulling exercises, you should use lifting straps instead. You can read more in our complete guide to lifting straps.
When do wrist wraps make sense?
Wrist wraps are primarily used for exercises where the wrist is loaded by a weight being pressed away from the body.
Bench Press
During a bench press, the wrist should ideally be held stable over the forearm. If it bends too far back, it can become harder to control the bar and transfer force effectively. Wrist wraps can help you maintain a more stable position during heavy sets.
Shoulder Press and Overhead Press
When pressing overhead, the wrist must stabilize the weight throughout the entire movement. Here, wrist wraps can provide extra support, especially when the load becomes heavy.
Dips
During dips, the wrists bear a large part of the body weight. The load becomes even greater if you add extra weight. Wrist wraps can therefore be relevant if the wrists limit the exercise.
Other heavy pressing exercises
Wrist wraps can also be used for incline bench press, close-grip bench press, and other exercises where a heavy load pushes the wrist backward.
When should you not use wrist wraps?
You don't need to use wrist wraps throughout your entire workout. For lighter warm-up sets, you can often train without them, allowing your wrists and forearms to work naturally.
Wrist wraps are also not the right tool for deadlifts, rows, and other pulling exercises where grip strength is usually the limiting factor. Here, you should choose lifting straps.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or numbness in your wrist, you should stop training and have the problem assessed. Wrist wraps are training equipment, not a treatment for an injury.
Wrist wraps at 40 or 60 cm – which should you choose?
The length affects how many times the wrap can be wound around the wrist, and thus how much support and stiffness you experience.
| Length | Support | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 40 cm | Moderate support and good freedom of movement | General strength training, moderate loads, and beginners |
| 60 cm | More support and a firmer fit | Heavy pressing exercises, powerlifting, and experienced lifters |
Choose 40 cm if you want a good balance between support, comfort, and freedom of movement. This length is suitable for most workouts.
Choose 60 cm if you train very heavy or prefer firmer support around your wrist. The extra length allows for more wraps.
The longest model is not automatically the best. The right choice depends on your level, your exercises, and how much support you prefer.
How to use wrist wraps correctly
- Place the thumb loop around your thumb.
- Wrap the strap over the wrist joint, so it's not just on the forearm.
- Wrap the strap around your wrist with even tension.
- Fasten the Velcro closure when the support feels stable.
- Check that the wrap is secure without causing numbness or tingling in your hand.
The wrap should support the transition between the hand and forearm. If it's too far down on the forearm, it won't provide the desired wrist support.
You can loosen the wraps between your heavy sets if they are very tight. Stop and adjust them if you experience tingling, numbness, or clear discomfort.
How tight should wrist wraps be?
They should be tight enough to provide support, but not so tight that blood circulation is significantly affected. For moderate lifts, you can use a slightly looser fit. For very heavy sets, you can tighten them more and loosen them again after the set.
If your hand becomes numb or your fingers tingle, the wraps are too tight.
Which wrist wraps are best?
The best wrist wraps are those that suit your training style and the support you need. Look especially for:
- Appropriate length: Choose 40 cm for versatile training and 60 cm for more support.
- Even elasticity: The material should be able to be tightened without feeling uneven.
- Strong Velcro closure: The wrap should stay in place throughout the entire set.
- Solid stitching: The stress is repeated many times, so the seams must be durable.
- Comfort: Edges and materials should not irritate the skin during training.
MakeIt Wrist Wraps – produced in Denmark
At MakeIt, we produce our Wrist Wraps in Denmark with a focus on support, comfort, and durability. They are available in lengths of 40 and 60 cm, so you can choose the model that suits your training.
See our Wrist Wraps and choose your desired length.
Free shipping over DKK 499 and 100-day return policy.
Frequently asked questions about wrist wraps
What do wrist wraps do?
Wrist wraps create compression around the wrist and help you maintain it in a more stable position during heavy pressing exercises.
Are wrist wraps and lifting straps the same?
No. Wrist wraps support the wrist during pressing exercises. Lifting straps help you maintain your grip during pulling exercises by better connecting your hand to the bar.
Should I choose 40 or 60 cm wrist wraps?
Choose 40 cm if you want moderate support and more freedom of movement. Choose 60 cm if you want a firmer fit and more support for heavy pressing exercises.
Can beginners use wrist wraps?
Yes. Beginners can use wrist wraps when the wrist limits an exercise, but it's a good idea to first learn correct technique and use them for the sets where support is actually needed.
Can wrist wraps prevent injuries?
Wrist wraps can help stabilize the wrist, but they cannot guarantee that you will avoid injuries. Correct technique, appropriate load, and gradual progression are still crucial.
How tight should wrist wraps be?
They should fit snugly and supportively without causing numbness, tingling, or obvious discomfort. Adjust the tightness according to the exercise and load.
