How to assemble your Harris Heavy Duty and Extreme Duty lever belt

How to Measure for a Powerlifting Belt (Australia)

Choosing the Correct Size for Your Harris Lever Belt

Choosing the correct size is one of the most important parts of buying a powerlifting belt. A properly fitted belt will provide better support, improve your ability to brace and make heavy squats, bench press and deadlifts feel more stable.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is ordering a belt based on their pants size. Clothing sizes vary between brands and rarely match the measurement needed for a lifting belt.

Instead, take a few minutes to measure yourself correctly before ordering.

How to Measure for Your Lifting Belt

The easiest way to measure is with a flexible tape measure.

Stand naturally and measure firmly around your torso just above your navel.

If you already know where you prefer to wear your belt, measure around that exact position instead.

Many smaller athletes and women prefer to wear their belt slightly higher, between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the hips. This often provides a more comfortable fit and helps prevent the belt digging into the hips during squats and deadlifts.

Once you have your measurement, compare it with the Harris size chart below.

SIZE CHART

SIZE	CM	INCHES
XS	62-79cm	24-31"
SMALL	69-86cm	27-34"
MEDIUM	79-97cm	31-38"
LARGE	89-107cm	35-42"
XL	97-112cm	38-44"
2XL	102-119cm	40-47"
3XL	104-122cm	41-47"
4XL	111-128cm	44-50"
5XL	118-134cm	47-53"
6XL	122-138cm	48-55"

 

What If I'm Between Sizes?

Our belt sizes intentionally overlap to give you flexibility.

If your measurement falls between two sizes, think about your long-term goals.

If you're planning to lose weight for competition or are currently dieting, the smaller size is usually the better choice.

If you're in a gaining phase or expect your bodyweight to increase over time, choosing the larger size will provide more adjustment as you grow.

 

Should I Measure My Waist or My Pants?

Always measure your waist.

Never order a lifting belt based on your jeans or clothing size.

Your lifting belt sits differently to your everyday clothing, and manufacturers use different sizing standards.

Taking an accurate waist measurement will always give the best fit.

 

Choosing Your Lever

Once you've selected the correct belt size, it's time to choose your preferred lever.

 

Heavy Duty Lever

Our standard Heavy Duty Lever is included with every Harris Lever Belt and is ideal for the vast majority of lifters.

It provides fast adjustments, reliable performance and is backed by a 12-month warranty.

 

Extreme Duty Lever

The Extreme Duty Lever is designed for athletes training with the heaviest loads possible.

Built from billet aluminium and backed by a lifetime warranty, it's the ultimate choice for serious powerlifters.

 

Assembling Your Lever Belt

Your Harris Lever Belt arrives tightly wrapped and pre-curved.

This shape helps the leather maintain its strength and makes fitting the lever much easier.

Assembly only takes a few minutes.

For a complete step-by-step demonstration, follow our Lever Belt Assembly Guide below.

Upon receiving the belt it will be tightly wrapped and pre-curved to allow the lever to attach on to the belt without popping off.  Below is a video demonstrating how to assemble your Harris Lever Belt.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should my lifting belt be?

Your belt should be tight enough that you can brace firmly into it without restricting your breathing. You should still be able to take a deep breath before lifting.

What happens if I choose the wrong size?

If your belt is too small, you'll have limited adjustment and may struggle to fasten it comfortably. If it's too large, you'll quickly run out of adjustment holes as your training progresses. Measuring before ordering is the best way to avoid sizing problems.

Can I change the lever position later?

Yes. The lever can be removed and repositioned at any time using a screwdriver. This allows you to adjust your belt as your bodyweight changes.

How long does it take to break in a leather belt?

Leather belts gradually soften and mould to your body over several weeks of regular training while maintaining excellent support.

Are Harris Lever Belts suitable for competition?

Yes. Our leather lever belts are designed for serious strength training and are suitable for many Australian powerlifting federations. Always check your federation's current equipment rules before competition.

 

Final Thoughts

A correctly fitted lifting belt will feel comfortable, supportive and allow you to brace confidently during every heavy lift.

Taking a few minutes to measure properly before ordering ensures you'll get the best performance from your Harris Lever Belt for years to come.

Whether you're buying your first belt or upgrading before your next competition, choosing the correct size is the first step towards lifting with confidence.