Choosing the right Soft Suit

How to Choose the Right Powerlifting Singlet (Soft Suit) – Australian Buying Guide

 

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Competition

If you're entering your first powerlifting competition, one of the first questions you'll ask is:

"What singlet do I need?"

Whether you call it a powerlifting singlet, soft suit or competition suit, every powerlifting federation has specific equipment rules that competitors must follow.

Choosing the right size and style before competition day ensures you're comfortable on the platform, comply with your federation's rules and can focus entirely on your lifting.

At Harris Stability Systems, we've supplied Australian powerlifters for decades. This guide will help you choose the correct competition soft suit and ensure you're ready for your next meet.

 

What Is a Powerlifting Soft Suit?

A soft suit (also known as a powerlifting singlet) is the standard competition uniform worn in raw powerlifting.

Unlike equipped lifting suits, a raw competition soft suit provides no additional lifting assistance. Its purpose is simply to meet competition rules while allowing judges to clearly assess squat depth, lockout and overall lifting standards.

Most Australian raw powerlifting competitions require athletes to wear an approved competition singlet for all three lifts.

 

Who Needs a Competition Soft Suit?

A competition soft suit is recommended for:

• First-time powerlifters

• Competitive powerlifters

• Junior lifters

• Masters competitors

• Drug-tested and non-tested competitions

If you're planning to compete, purchasing a quality competition suit early allows you to train in the same equipment you'll wear on competition day.

 

Why Choose a Harris Competition Soft Suit?

The Harris Competition Soft Suit has been designed specifically for Australian powerlifting competition.

Features include:

• Comfortable four-way stretch fabric

• Secure fit without restricting movement

• Durable construction for repeated competition use

• Designed for raw powerlifting

• Suitable for many Australian powerlifting federations

Whether you're stepping onto the platform for your first novice competition or preparing for national championships, the Harris Soft Suit is built for performance and comfort.

 

Choosing the Correct Size

Choosing the correct size is one of the most important decisions when purchasing your competition suit.

Unlike general gym clothing, your competition soft suit should fit close to the body without restricting your movement.

Our sizing chart has been developed and tested by members of the Harris Pro Team using their actual competition bodyweight to ensure consistent sizing across the range.

SIZE CHART 

SIZE	WEIGHT
2XS	38-49kg
XS	49-60kg
Small	60-73kg
Medium	73-89kg
Large	86-100kg
XL	100-114kg
2XL	114-128kg
3XL	128-142kg
4XL	142kg+

*Sizing will vary depending on build and height.

 

For the most accurate fit:

• Select the bodyweight you expect to compete at—not your off-season weight.

• If you're planning to cut weight before competition, size according to your expected weigh-in weight.

• If you're between sizes, consider whether you prefer a tighter competition fit or slightly more comfort.

 

Please refer to the Harris Competition Soft Suit Size Chart below before ordering.

Is This Soft Suit Competition Legal?

The Harris Competition Soft Suit has been designed to meet the requirements of many Australian powerlifting federations, including:

• CAPO

• GPC Australia

• APL

• Other federations with similar raw competition equipment rules

Competition rules can change over time, so we always recommend checking your federation's current equipment regulations before competing.

 

Soft Suit vs Gym Singlet

Many first-time competitors assume they can wear a standard gym singlet on competition day.

Unfortunately, that's usually not the case.

A gym singlet leaves the shoulders uncovered and doesn't meet the competition uniform requirements of most powerlifting federations.

A competition soft suit is specifically designed to satisfy federation rules while allowing judges to assess each lift correctly.

 

Soft Suit vs Equipped Lifting Suit

These are completely different products.

A competition soft suit is worn in raw powerlifting and provides no lifting assistance.

An equipped lifting suit is made from extremely supportive materials designed to increase performance in equipped competition.

If you're competing in raw powerlifting, you'll almost certainly need a competition soft suit.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What size powerlifting singlet should I buy?

Choose the size that matches your expected competition bodyweight and always refer to the Harris size chart before ordering.

Should my competition singlet be tight?

Yes. Your singlet should fit close to the body without restricting your ability to squat, bench or deadlift.

Can I train in my competition singlet?

Absolutely. Many experienced powerlifters train in their competition suit before competition day to ensure they're comfortable and confident.

Can I wear a gym singlet in a powerlifting competition?

Generally, no. Most federations require an approved competition soft suit.

Is the Harris Soft Suit suitable for beginners?

Yes. It's designed for everyone from first-time competitors through to experienced Australian powerlifters.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right competition soft suit is one of the simplest ways to remove unnecessary stress before your first meet.

By selecting the correct size, training in your suit before competition and ensuring it complies with your federation's rules, you'll arrive on the platform ready to focus on your performance.

The Harris Competition Soft Suit has been trusted by Australian powerlifters across all levels of competition and is designed to provide comfort, confidence and performance when it matters most.

 

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Below is a video which will give a more detailed discription on how to choose your harris soft suits.