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Weight lifting is not only for men. Women also actively engage in powerlifting activities. Whether you are a newbie to lifting or a seasoned expert, it's important to have a supportive weight lifting belt around your waist. In fact, many people believe that these belts can help them perform lifts better than ever before and hit new personal records.
Today we are taking a close look at some of the top-rated weight lifting belts for women in 2024. Since you may want to buy one for yourself or an important woman in your life, our recommendations and reviews will help narrow down your choice. We also included a helpful buyer's guide advising you on how to choose and wear the optimal one.
The Finest Weight Lifting Belt for Women in 2024
Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt For Women — Best Overall
This 100% genuine cowhide leather weight lifting belt is a suitable choice for both powerlifting novices and experts. The Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt For Women features a buckle, hook, and loop fastening system that keeps it securely fastened around your waist. It boasts double stitching for maximum durability and a dual side tongue buckle for secure fastening and superior strength. It is 4mm thick and 4 inches wide providing maximum support to your spine and front torso. While wearing it, you can comfortably lift up to 600 pounds. Its durability, strength, and material all make it our top pick overall.
Pros
- Strong and extremely durable
- Crafted using 100% genuine cowhide leather
- Suitable for both women and men
Cons
- Not very thick
Harbinger Foam Core Weight Lifting Belt — Most Comfortable
Finding a weight lifting belt that is both supportive and comfortable is a difficult feat. That's why we included the Harbinger Foam Core Weight Lifting Belt on our list. It features nylon construction incorporating a flexible yet ultralight foam core and a breathable, plush tricot lining. This option stabilizes the core muscles and protects your back while remaining soft against your skin as you perform heavy lifts. Being soft, this option allows full range of motion during strength training exercises.
Pros
- Soft and breathable
- Flexible yet extremely supportive
- Available in different colors and sizes
Cons
- Slips a little
Iron Bull Strength Women’s Weight Lifting Belt — Most Affordable
This pick is a great choice for people on a budget. It features a thin, light, and extremely comfortable nylon construction. The belt is highly durable, supporting your abdomen and lower back even as you conduct the most intense weight lifting exercises. This weight lifting belt for women is 2 inches thick with 5-inch wide nylon back support. It has a foam core interior and a breathable plush tricot lining. We also like it for the heavy-duty straps that keep it tight throughout your training session.
Pros
- Durable, lightweight, and comfortable
- Ensures maximum support and comfort
- Cute two-tone design
Cons
- Back support does not cover a wide portion
Element 26 Weight Lifting Belt For Women — High Performance
If you ever experience difficulty fastening a weight lifting belt around your waist, this option from Element 26 is bound to make it much easier. It ensures ultimate performance, comfort, and security with its self-locking fastening system. This pick is very simple and easy to use, releasing immediately as you pull the release roller, but won’t become undone regardless of how much weight you lift. The belt exerts even and consistent intra-abdominal pressure that increases your stability as you lift. Plus, it’s approved for use in Olympic lifting and functional fitness competitions.
Pros
- Many colors and sizes to choose from
- Breathable, soft, and comfortable
- Self-locking mechanism for secure fastening
Cons
- Difficult to tighten enough
RitFit Weight Lifting Belt For Women — Most Supportive
Our final pick is this weight lifting belt from RitFit. It’s made using nylon with a waterproof foam core and brushed tricot lining and soft edges. The adjustable design allows you to customize the fit while the self-locking buckle keeps it snug and secure. It helps reduce spinal flexion and creates safer biomechanics as you lift. The 6-inch width provides optimum back and abdominal support. It’s a unisex option that any lifter can use, including women. We really like this belt because its durable stitching prevents it from snapping or tearing so it can withstand even the toughest daily lifting regimens.
Pros
- Made using high-quality nylon
- A great combination of quality, comfort, and durability
- Makes you feel protected and confident
Cons
- Only one color option
Finding a Supportive Weight Lifting Belt: A Buyer’s Guide
While weight lifting belts for women are essentially the same as those for men, the manufacturers make these in smaller sizes. This buyer's guide will help you choose the optimal one for your needs:
What To Consider When Choosing a Weight Lifting Belt for Women
When shopping for a women’s weight lifting belt, size is not the only factor to consider. Below we have identified some others that come into play:
Material
Powerlifting belts for women come in a variety of materials. However, nylon and leather are the two most popular choices.
Nylon belts are softer and more comfortable to wear. They are easier to fasten and provide adequate support to engage your core without being too bulky. Plus, they are also cheaper.
Leather belts, on the other hand, are more durable and long-lasting. The strong material can easily withstand excessive pressure applied to it as you lift heavy weights. Since these belts contain multiple layers of finished leather, they tend to provide more rigidity for the torso.
Your choice of material depends upon your intended use, budget, and comfort. Do note that if you are getting a weight lifting belt to enroll in competitions, you should steer away from nylon ones because they are completely banned.
Thickness
With nylon belts, thickness is not a major issue because they are quite flexible as is. With leather belts, however, checking the thickness is crucial because it has a direct impact on the belt's performance, and in turn yours.
You can find women's weight lifting belts in 10mm and 13 mm thickness. The 10mm ones are useful for women who are still exploring the powerlifting world. They are more comfortable to wear and quicker to break in. The lesser thickness allows them to quickly conform to your body's curves.
The 13mm belts, on the other hand, are firmer and uncomfortable to wear before it’s broken in. Don't expect this to change quickly because they take a lot of time to break in. On the plus side, the extra thickness enables you to lift heavier and faster. That's why 13mm is the preferred thickness for advanced powerlifters.
Fastener system
There is nothing more injury-inducing than a weight lifting belt becoming undone in the middle of a lift. That's why it's important to get a belt with a secure fastening system.
You'll come across belts that offer a Velcro closer. But they can easily become undone when you lift heavier weights. Look for a model that incorporates a buckle closure into its design. Such belts come with holes so you can easily customize the fit according to your waistline. Plus they fasten very securely.
How To Make the Most of Your Weight Lifting Belt
If you want to maximize your weight lifting potential, you should focus on how you are wearing your belt. Here are some helpful pointers:
- A weight lifting belt is usually worn right under the ribs. It is best to keep the lower border just above the belly button for optimal spinal support.
- Many athletes choose to wear it lower for improved comfort. But this position does not provide maximum back support.
- When you wrap the belt around yourself, it should come in full contact with the front torso, sides, and back.
- You should inhale slightly before tightening the belt. It should be tight but not uncomfortable. Your stomach needs some space to expand for you to create brace and tension.
- Start breathing after fastening the belt. It helps you expand and become comfortable inside it.
- A loosely worn belt is useless, but one that is worn too tightly also does more harm than good. Make sure that you fasten it snugly enough to not move out of place as you lift weights.
- Once the belt is secure, check how it feels. If you experience any pinching or discomfort, chances are the belt is in the wrong position.
