Multi-ply lifting is a specialized discipline within powerlifting where athletes utilize highly supportive, multi-layered garments during their attempts to lift maximum weight. This style stands apart from "raw" or "unequipped" powerlifting due to its reliance on this sophisticated gear, which significantly enhances a lifter's strength and stability.
The Core of Multi-Ply: Specialized Gear
At the heart of multi-ply powerlifting is the concept of “multi-ply” gear, which refers to supportive garments made from durable materials and designed to provide additional stability, compression, and reinforcement to key areas of the body during lifts. These garments are typically constructed from multiple layers of very stiff, tightly woven materials like canvas, denim, or polyester.
The primary function of this gear is to store and release elastic energy, much like a spring. When a lifter descends into the bottom of a squat or lowers the bar to their chest in a bench press, the stretched multi-ply material compresses tightly against the body. This compression creates a "rebound" effect, assisting the lifter out of the bottom position and allowing them to lift significantly more weight than they could without the gear.
Types of Multi-Ply Gear
Each of the three powerlifting movements—squat, bench press, and deadlift—has specific multi-ply gear designed to optimize performance:
- Multi-Ply Squat Suit: A full-body suit designed to support the hips, glutes, and quadriceps. It greatly assists in the eccentric (lowering) phase of the squat and provides a powerful rebound out of the bottom, enabling lifters to handle massive weights.
- Multi-Ply Bench Shirt: A specialized shirt, often made with multiple layers across the chest and shoulders. It stores kinetic energy during the descent of the barbell to the chest, providing an explosive pop off the chest for the concentric (lifting) phase.
- Multi-Ply Deadlift Suit/Briefs: Similar to the squat suit but often with different seam placements to optimize for the deadlift mechanics. Briefs are worn under the suit to add an extra layer of compression and support to the glutes and hips.
Why Lifters Choose Multi-Ply
Multi-ply lifting offers distinct advantages and challenges that appeal to a specific segment of the powerlifting community.
Key Advantages
- Increased Lifting Capacity: The most prominent advantage is the ability to lift substantially heavier weights. The stored energy and support provided by the gear can add hundreds of pounds to a lifter's total.
- Enhanced Stability & Support: The tight compression of the gear provides exceptional stability to the joints and core, which can be particularly beneficial when handling extreme loads.
- Potential Injury Mitigation: While debated, some lifters feel the gear provides an extra layer of protection by keeping muscles and joints tightly compressed, potentially reducing the risk of strains or tears during maximal attempts.
Challenges and Considerations
- Steep Learning Curve: Mastering multi-ply gear requires significant practice. The unique mechanics of moving against the resistance of the gear necessitate a different technique compared to raw lifting.
- Discomfort and Mobility Restriction: The gear is incredibly tight and restrictive, often making it difficult to breathe or move freely. Training sessions in multi-ply gear can be physically demanding and uncomfortable.
- Cost and Maintenance: High-quality multi-ply gear is expensive, and it requires careful maintenance to preserve its integrity and supportive properties.
Multi-Ply vs. Raw Powerlifting
The fundamental difference between multi-ply and raw powerlifting lies in the use of specialized supportive gear. This distinction significantly impacts technique, performance, and competition standards.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Multi-Ply Powerlifting | Raw Powerlifting |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Usage | Required (multi-ply suits, shirts, briefs) | Limited (belt, wrist wraps, knee sleeves allowed) |
| Technique Focus | Adapting to gear's resistance and rebound | Pure strength, biomechanics, and body control |
| Typical Weights | Significantly higher due to gear assistance | Lower, reflecting unassisted strength |
| Accessibility | Niche, requires gear investment and specialized coaching | More accessible, foundational strength discipline |
| Competition Style | Gear-specific rules and divisions | Broadest category, less equipment-dependent rules |
Who is Multi-Ply Lifting For?
Multi-ply lifting is typically for experienced powerlifters who have built a strong raw foundation and are looking to push the boundaries of strength further. It appeals to those who enjoy the technical challenge of mastering the gear and the thrill of lifting truly colossal weights. It's a competitive niche with its own federations and record books, celebrated for its display of extreme power and the synergy between lifter and equipment.
