Lifting Belt Size Guide: How to Measure and Choose the Right Size

Buying a lifting belt online is easy. Buying the right size is where many people go wrong. A belt that's too big won't tighten enough to brace against, and one that's too small won't fasten at all, especially after a big meal or a bulking phase. This guide shows you how to measure properly so your belt fits from the first session.

The golden rule: don't use your trouser size

Your trouser size tells you very little about your lifting belt size. Trousers usually sit lower, on your hips, while a lifting belt sits higher, around your midsection. Most lifters measure noticeably bigger at belt height than their trouser size suggests.

How to measure for a lifting belt

1. Find the spot. Your belt sits between your ribs and hips, roughly around your belly button. That's where you measure.
2. Wear your usual training clothes. Measure over a gym T-shirt or vest, as you'll wear the belt over clothing.
3. Stand naturally. Don't suck your stomach in or push it out.
4. Wrap a soft tape measure around your waist at belly-button height and pull it firmly so it sits flat against you.
5. Read the measurement in inches and compare it with the size chart on the product page.

How to read our size chart

Our leather lever and prong belts are sized by waist measurement in inches:

Some products, including our self-locking belts and custom belts, have their own size options, so always check the chart on the product you're buying. Our custom belts run from XS to 3XL.

What if you're between sizes?

• Think about where your weight is heading. If you're bulking, the larger size gives you room. If you're cutting, the smaller size will fit better in a few months.
• Prong belts have a row of holes, so each size covers a range comfortably.
• Lever belts can be adjusted by moving the buckle to a different set of holes with a screwdriver, which gives you some flexibility either way.
• Nylon self-locking belts adjust to almost any point within their range, so they're the most forgiving if you're unsure.

How should a lifting belt fit?

A well-fitted belt should feel snug but still let you take a big breath into your stomach and push out against it. A simple check is to slide a flat hand between the belt and your stomach: it should be a tight squeeze, not impossible and not loose. The belt should sit level all the way round, covering your belly button area, without digging into your ribs or hip bones. Our guide to when and how to wear a lifting belt explains bracing in more detail.

Signs your belt is the wrong size

• You're on the last hole and it still feels loose: it's too big.
• You can only just fasten it with your stomach sucked in: it's too small.
• It digs painfully into your ribs or hips: it may be too wide for your torso, or sitting in the wrong place.
• It slides up or down during the lift: it's probably too loose.

Does thickness change the size you need?

Not the size itself, but thicker belts feel stiffer, so a 13mm belt can feel tighter than a 10mm belt at the same setting. Learn more in 10mm vs 13mm weightlifting belts.

Lifting belt size FAQs

Where exactly do I measure for a lifting belt?

Around your waist between your ribs and hips, roughly at belly-button height, over your training clothes.

Should a lifting belt be tight?

Snug enough that you have to brace hard against it, but not so tight you can't breathe into your stomach.

My belt feels too stiff to tighten. Is it the wrong size?

Not necessarily. New leather belts are stiff and get easier to fasten as they break in. See our guide to caring for a leather lifting belt.

Are men's and women's belt sizes different?

No. Lifting belts are unisex and sized purely by waist measurement.

Try your belt on at home first

Whether you live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or elsewhere in the UAE, try your new belt on at home over a clean T-shirt before you take it to the gym, and keep the packaging and tags until you're sure of the fit. We offer size exchanges within 10 days of delivery on unused, unwashed items in their original packaging, subject to stock. Full details are in our exchange policy. Custom belts are made to order, so measure carefully before you design one.

Find your size

Browse our leather lever belts, prong belts and self-locking belts, all with size charts on each product and delivery to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the rest of the UAE. Not sure which buckle to choose? Read lever vs prong belts.