Choosing the Right Lifting Belt Size

Why Belt Size Matters More Than You Think

Getting your lifting belt size wrong is one of the most common and costly mistakes a lifter can make, especially on a custom belt where returns are not an option. This guide walks you through exactly how to measure, what size to order, and how a correctly fitted belt should feel under load.

A belt that is too small won't fasten properly. A belt that is too large won't brace effectively. It will shift around mid-lift and give you a false sense of security. Neither is acceptable when you're moving serious weight.

Your belt size is also not your trouser size. This is the single most common mistake people make when ordering. Trouser size is a completely different measurement taken at a different point on your body. Always measure fresh.

How to Measure for a Lifting Belt

You'll need a flexible tape measure. Nothing else will give you an accurate reading.

Where to measure: Around your navel, not your narrowest point, not your trouser waist. The navel is where the belt sits during a lift.

How to measure:

• Stand up straight in your normal training posture
• Pull the tape measure tight around your navel, but do not breathe in or suck your stomach in
• Record the measurement in inches

If you train in a thick hoodie or layers, add 1 inch to your measurement.

The Gunsmith Size Chart

Prong Belt vs Lever Belt Sizing

The type of belt you're ordering affects where within the size range you should aim to sit.

Prong belts: Aim to be near the middle of your size range. Prong belts have multiple holes which give you adjustment variance. Being in the middle means you have room to go tighter or looser depending on the lift or the day.

Lever belts: Aim for the middle of the range to avoid excess belt length bunching uncomfortably underneath the buckle. Lever belts are set to one fixed position, so getting the fit right at the point of order is more important.

If you're between sizes: Go up. A belt that is slightly large is easier to work with than one that is too small, particularly on a non-refundable custom order.

What a Correctly Fitted Belt Should Feel Like

Put the belt on over your training clothes, positioned at your navel.

• You should be able to fit one to two fingers between the belt and your body when relaxed
• When you brace, breathe in deeply and push your core outward into the belt. It should feel firm and supportive
• Do not crank the belt as tight as possible and suck your stomach in. That defeats the purpose of wearing a belt and won't give you proper intra-abdominal pressure

A new leather belt will feel stiff. That's normal. Allow 2 to 3 weeks of training for it to break in and mould to your body before judging the fit.

Still Not Sure?

Use our dedicated belt size guide which includes a full measurement diagram and step-by-step instructions. Or drop us a message before you order. We would rather help you get it right the first time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my belt size the same as my trouser size?
No. Trouser size is measured at a different point on your body. Always measure around your navel with a tape measure before ordering.

What if I'm between two sizes?
Go up. A slightly larger belt is workable; one that is too small can't be worn at all.

Do prong and lever belts size the same way?
The measurement process is the same, but where you want to sit within the range differs. For prong belts, aim for the middle for maximum adjustment variance. For lever belts, aim for the middle to avoid excess belt length under the buckle.

How tight should my belt be?
You should be able to fit one to two fingers between the belt and your body at rest. When you brace properly, breathing into your belly and pushing outward, the belt should feel firm and supportive, not crushing.

How long does a leather belt take to break in?
Allow 2 to 3 weeks of regular training. The leather will soften and mould to your body over time.