History of Bench Shirt

[cwpick]

Was curious if anybody knows the history of the bench shirt. When did lifters start using them and when did competitions start allowing them. Why did they allow them why not just keep everything raw. I have a raw bench of 450 and wonder what range a shirt would give me. Are raw bench competitions popular?

 

[araiber]

I know that when kazmaier set the record of 664 raw on the bench there was no shirt allowance for it- that was in early 1980's. I dont know when they came into play (or why). But they have been added quite recently considering the 100+ years of powerlifting competively.

 

[donsj]

I believe that John Inzer invented what we know today as the bench shirt.

 

[WC82]

If you are looking for raw competitions try the AAU.