Olympic Weightlifting Uniforms and Competition Dress Code

Olympic weightlifting uniforms split into two categories: the competition singlet required on the platform, and the club apparel athletes wear everywhere else at a meet. The singlet is specialty cut-and-sew apparel that the Pro Shops catalog does not carry; clubs source singlets from USAW-approved suppliers. The club warm-up apparel, daily training apparel, and meet-day kit all run through Pro Shops with no minimum order. This guide walks through both halves.

The Competition Singlet

USA Weightlifting (USAW) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) require a one-piece singlet on the platform at sanctioned meets. The singlet rules:

• One-piece construction. Top and bottom connected. Two-piece outfits are not allowed.
• Form-fitting fabric. Skin-tight but not transparent. Most singlets use a lycra-spandex blend.
• Coverage. Must cover the torso. Cannot show below the kneecap.
• Color and design. Free choice. Most clubs run a club-colored singlet with the club name or USAW logo.

The Pro Shops catalog does not carry competition singlets. The cut-and-sew construction and the form-fitting fabric require specialty manufacturing outside the Pro Shops platform. Clubs source singlets from USAW-approved suppliers like Nike (under contract with USAW historically), Eleiko, and specialty lifting retailers.

What the Singlet Is Worn With

The singlet is the platform uniform but it is not the only thing the athlete wears at a meet. The full meet-day kit:

• Under the singlet. Compression shorts or briefs. Some lifters wear a sports bra (women) or a snug performance tee (men) under the singlet for support.
• Footwear. Olympic lifting shoes with raised heel and stiff sole.
• Belt. Lifting belt during platform attempts.
• Wrist wraps and knee sleeves. Optional. Allowed under USAW rules within sizing limits.
• Over the singlet during warm-up. Athletes pull club apparel (warm-up jacket, joggers, hoodie) on between attempts to stay warm. Off comes for the platform; back on for the warm-up area.

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Club Warm-Up Apparel That Pairs with the Singlet

The warm-up apparel that goes on over the singlet between attempts is where Pro Shops handles the kit:

• Bear Grips Comfort Soft Hoodie. Pullover hoodie with the club name across the chest. The standard meet warm-up piece.
• Champion Performance Hoodie. Premium pullover with brand recognition.
• Gildan Classic Zip-Up Hoodie. Zip-up alternative that comes off and on easier between attempts.
• Independent Trading Co Mens Midweight Performance Joggers. Joggers for the bottom half of the warm-up kit.
• Jerzees Mens Open Bottom Sweatpants. The classic open-bottom sweatpant alternative.

Athletes wear the warm-up kit during check-in, between platform attempts, and at awards. The club logo on the warm-up apparel identifies the team across the meet venue.

Meet-Day Dress Code Outside the Platform

USAW does not specify a dress code outside the platform. Athletes generally wear:

• Check-in. Casual club apparel: tee or hoodie with joggers or shorts.
• Warm-up area. Training kit (tee, athletic shorts, lifting shoes) with warm-up hoodie layered between attempts.
• Awards. Club tee or warm-up hoodie. Some clubs print a meet-specific tee that athletes wear after their final attempt.
• Spectators (coaches, family, supporters). Casual club apparel. Most clubs sell spectator tees in the club store so coaches and supporters wear the same identity at the meet.

Custom Club Warm-Up Apparel Order

For a club building a meet-day warm-up kit, the recommended order:

1. Club name printed across the chest of the Bear Grips Comfort Soft Hoodie. Standard daily and meet warm-up piece.
2. Optional athlete name printed on the back of the hoodie for personalized meet apparel.
3. Independent Trading Co joggers with the club logo printed on the hip.
4. Cotton training tee with the club name on the chest, worn under the singlet warm-up routine.

All four pieces run through one Pro Shops store. Athletes order their own size at checkout. No bulk order required. The full warm-up kit runs about $80 to $110 at retail per athlete with $25 to $35 of margin to the club.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Olympic weightlifting uniform?

On the competition platform: a one-piece singlet meeting USAW and IWF rules. Off the platform: club warm-up apparel (tees, hoodies, joggers). The singlet is sourced from specialty suppliers; the warm-up apparel runs through Pro Shops.

Does Bear Grips Pro Shops make competition singlets?

No. Competition singlets use specialty cut-and-sew construction outside the Pro Shops catalog. Pro Shops covers the club warm-up apparel, training apparel, and meet-day support pieces. Clubs source competition singlets from USAW-approved specialty suppliers.

Can a club print its name on a singlet?

Yes, when sourced from a specialty supplier that offers custom singlets. USAW allows the club name and logo on the singlet. The Pro Shops platform does not carry singlets; for that, the club works directly with a specialty cut-and-sew supplier.

What is the meet-day dress code at USAW competitions?

On the platform: singlet, lifting shoes, optional belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves within USAW rules. Off the platform: USAW does not specify a dress code. Athletes typically wear club warm-up apparel between attempts.