Muscleape wrist wraps are adjustable elastic wrist supports with thumb loops, made to stop the wrist bending backwards under pressing loads. Use them for bench press, overhead and push press, front squats, dips and heavy machine work — anywhere the bar drives back into your palm. They do nothing for grip: if the bar is slipping you want chalk, and if your fingers are opening you want lifting straps. All orders ship free across India with 30-day no-questions-asked returns.

Wrist wraps or lifting straps — which do you need?

This is the most common mix-up in the category, and the names are to blame. Wrist wraps stabilise the wrist joint when you are pressing. Lifting straps attach your hands to the bar when you are pulling. They solve opposite problems and are not interchangeable.

What length wrist wrap should you buy?

• 12″–18″ — light to moderate support, quick to put on. Good for general training and CrossFit.
• 20″–24″ — the most versatile range for most lifters, and the best first purchase.
• 36″ — maximum stiffness for near-maximal bench. Slow to apply and too restrictive for everyday work.

Under IPF technical rules, competition wrist wraps may not exceed 1 m in length and 8 cm in width, so check before buying a very long pair for meet use.

How do you wrap your wrists correctly?

Start the first turn across the wrist joint itself, roughly half above and half below the joint line — not up the forearm, which is the most common error. Wrap in a firm, even spiral, secure the closure, then take the thumb loop off your thumb before lifting. Loosen between sets rather than leaving them cinched all session.

Our wraps vs straps vs figure-8 guide covers this in full.

Frequently asked questions

Are wrist wraps and wrist straps the same thing?

No. Wraps support the wrist joint for pressing; straps attach your hands to the bar for pulling. The similar names cause a great many wrong purchases.

What size wrist wraps should a beginner buy?

A 20″–24″ pair. Enough material for firm support on heavy pressing while still practical for everyday training.

Should the thumb loop stay on while lifting?

No. It holds the wrap in position while you apply it. Take it off before the set or it pulls on the joint under load.

Can I use wrist wraps for deadlifts?

You can, but they do very little — the deadlift loads your grip, not your wrist in extension. Use chalk if the bar slips, straps if your fingers open.