How to Put On & Properly Fit Your Knee Sleeves for Maximum Support

Train Smarter. Protect Your Knees. Level Up.

Whether you're chasing PRs in the squat rack or grinding through accessory work, knee sleeves are one of the most important pieces of weightlifting gear you can own. But only if you use them right.

Inspired by the discipline of anime warriors and the relentless pursuit of strength, this guide will teach you how to put on, fit, and maximize the power of your knee sleeves. Because in the Village Hidden in Iron, we don’t leave anything to chance. Every rep matters.

Why Knee Sleeves Matter

Stability, Warmth, and Support

Knee sleeves do more than just look cool under your pump cover. They:

• Provide compression to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation
• Keep your knees warm to reduce injury risk
• Add support and stability during heavy lifts like squats and lunges

Key Benefits

• Increased confidence under load
• Reduced knee pain post-training
• Better control and depth in your squats

How to Choose the Right Size

Measure with Precision

Don’t guess. Grab a measuring tape and follow this method:

1. Stand straight with your leg slightly bent (not locked out)
2. Measure the circumference of your knee joint, directly across the kneecap
3. Refer to the size chart on our product pages to find the perfect fit

Size Down If:

• You are a competitive powerlifter or aspire to be one
• You are looking for additional strength at the bottom of a squat
• You want maximum compression

Size Up If:

• You've never used knee sleeves before and are looking to start
• You plan to wear them for the duration of a lengthy leg workout
• You have larger calves than an average lifter

How to Put On Knee Sleeves (Without a Fight)

The Donut Method

This is the go-to method for tight-fitting sleeves:

1. Flip the bottom inch of the sleeve up and the top half of the sleeve down, forming a "donut"
2. Slide your foot through and use both hands to pull it up over your calf
3. Unfold the sleeve over your knee and adjust the alignment

Key Placement Tips:

• Center the sleeve so the kneecap is in the middle
• Make sure the bottom edge sits just above the top of your calf
• Avoid bunching or wrinkles that could limit movement

When to Wear Knee Sleeves

Don’t wear them all day—save them for battle.

• Wear: Heavy leg days, compound lifts, high-volume squat sessions
• Avoid: Long cardio sessions or light accessory work

Train Like a Shinobi—Support Like an Elite

Your sleeves should feel tight but not unbearable. You want them snug enough to give support, but not so tight that they cut off circulation. Like the perfect grip on a katana—firm, precise, and unrelenting.

Action Step: Gear Up With Purpose

Wearing your sleeves right is only half the battle. Make sure you’re using elite lifting equipment designed to help you dominate.

Explore anime-inspired knee sleeves, wrist wraps, lever belts, and more from our Village Hidden in Iron collections. Built for lifters. Forged in discipline. Worn by warriors.

Final Thoughts

Properly fitted and worn knee sleeves can be the difference between injury and progress, between failure and the next PR. Respect your training. Respect your body. Master your gear like you master your technique.

Train hard. Stay sharp. Become more.