If you’ve ever seen knee wraps or sleeves being used in the gym, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “What’s the difference between knee wraps and knee sleeves?” Although they might look similar, they are not the same. Each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, and one might serve you better depending on your weightlifting goals.

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two, and which one is best for you.

Knee sleeves are super fast and easy to use. You simply slide them over your knee and you’re ready to hit your weightlifting workout. They come in different levels of tension: level 1 is more elastic, offers less support but more comfort, and level 4 is much more rigid, and offers more support, but less comfort. Any weightlifter or high-performance athlete who works with compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and cleans is better off using sleeves over wraps.

Competitive weightlifters and powerlifters will appreciate the customizable support provided by knee wraps over sleeves, as they offer full control over the desired tension level.

While wraps may take longer to apply, the adjustable tension ensures optimal support tailored to your needs. By carefully controlling the stretch of the strap during the wrapping process, you can achieve the perfect balance of support and tension for your knees.

Experienced powerlifters frequently rely on knee wraps during squats to prevent serious injury and enhance their performance.

Choose knee wraps for a personalized and performance-driven weightlifting experience.

The type of knee support you should use will come down to your fitness goals. In general, wraps are preferred by powerlifters and bodybuilders. Sleeves, on the other side, can also benefit powerlifters but are mostly used by Olympic weightlifters and cross-training athletes!