Breaking in a Double Denim Bench Shirt

[CytoMel]

Well I got an velcro back radical cut double denim bench shirt from Inzer today and it was ME bench day so I took it and tried it out.

I bench 400 raw so here is how it went:

hit 315 raw then put on the shirt

with shirt:

365 stopped halfway down so pushed it up

405 stopped 2 inches away from the chest-BLASTED it back up

425 It went down all the way but came down on my upper chest so I couldnt move it- I told the spotters took it.

It seems like the shirt was riding up towards the upper chest and armpits somewhat too.

I was wondering about some of the best have to say like powerlifterjay and benchmonster and others:

Do you guys get someone to pull down the front (and back) of the shirt between attempts?

Does the shirt wrinkle and bunch up a little around the upper chest?

Also I remember hearing about a lot of board pressing with the shirts. I think I need to get used to the shirt and "break it in"somewhat. I wasnt able to find previous posts about I but I am planning on doing a 1RM shirt presses with boards each week. Something like

Shirt Board Presses
Week #
1 5 board
2 4 board
3 3 board
4 2 board
5 full bench no boards

I heard about the bands up and down too but think the regular boards will work for the first time around.

YES Its a long question (s) but thanks everyone who replies

 

[benchmonster]

If it is an Inzer with an intact neck, in my experience it will cause the bar to hit to high on the chest. I have to cut out the neck before they will fit me right. Before doing that, though, make sure it will still be a legal shirt where you lift.

That being said, board presses are a great way to break in the shirt while giving your lockout a super overload. Don't sweat the bands for now. Boards plus a shirt is radical enough for now.

I would not mess with the 5 board unless you have a very long stroke. I only do 3 boards and 2 boards, but I am short, so maybe use a 4 board if you are big (6 foot or so).

As far as pulling the shirt down, I have my shirts customized to the point where I don't have to do this. If the neck was intact, I would have a hard time getting the shirt pulled down far enough to hit my groove (this was the problem in McAlester when I bombed with 20-30 lbs less than my max at that time)

I actually have a partner reach inside the shirt and pull my pecs up, while pulling the shirt down. I get a lot of laughs from Screwball at my "cleavage" but it works. I only do this for 3rd attempts, as the 1st two would not touch with this method.

If the bar is hitting anywhere above your belly, then I don't think the shirt is fitting you right. Easiest way to fix this, if legal where you lift, is to take some scissors to the back of the neck of the shirt. Be aware, however, that this makes the shirt tighter across the chest, and you will have to be able to lockout more weight to use the shirt. But if you can do it, this is the best way.

I have no idea why Inzer doesn't just begin making the shirts with about 6 inches of extra material around the back of the neck/upper back area to accomodate the way most people like to wear them. This would allow a shirt that actually fits, and is legal in all double ply orgs. I am having a shirt made, that should arrive in today's mail, from Karin's that is just what I am talking about here. Very tight across the chest, but very loose across upper back so it should fit like an open back, but still be acceptable everywhere.

I can't get shit out of a double denim as they come off Inzer's shelf. I know some people do well with these, but to get it tight enough to do any good at all off the chest, I am getting choked to death by the shirt. Cutting the neck will solve almost all your problems, if not all of them.

I know this was a long answer, but this is not an easily answerable topic.

B.

 

[CytoMel]

Thanks for all the advice benchmonster

I am 6'2 with a 78'inch (about 6.5 feet) reach in boxing terms so I actually can use the 5 board fairly well. Wow how I sometimes envy shorter armed benchers! But these long arms are good for deadlifting.

I took the shirt right outta the box without any changes.

I have seen those shirts with the necks cut out before. I have only competed in one meet thus far but it looks like just about all Florida meets allow cut necks as far as I have seen and heard.

I am hesitant to cut out the neck myself just because I am not experienced with it at all and dont wanna risk messing up and ruining a new $ shirt. Is it as easy as cutting out the neck? I wonder if Karins does that kind of altering-because I would want someone with experince with it before it goes under the knife.

I think I won't not cut it myself for now and start board pressing with it for awhile and check out the cutting options as I go along.

Thanks again benchmonster your advice is much appreciated

 

[benchmonster]

APF, IPA, and WPO all allow the neck to be cut out. WABDL does not. And yes, it is as easy as taking a knife or scissors and cutting right up the split in the material above the velcro through the thick material at the neck. Nothing more to it than that. And Karin will no longer do alterations on an Inzer shirt, sorry.

75 inch reach is pretty darn long arms, my friend. Your already impressive bench is that much more impressive with that knowledge. Now that I know that, go ahead with your plan of dropping out a board per week till you get down to the bar on your chest.

If the shirt restricts your breathing at all, or makes it impossible to pinch your shoulderblades together, cut the neck out. And do a ton of lockout type triceps movements cause you are gong to need some strong ass triceps if that shirt fits right.

Good luck and hope this helps.

B.

 

[powerlifterjay]

When i used a denim with the neck in tack i used to pull it down too. I wear a belt to hold it in place. Be sure to get a good handoff so your shirt will remain in tack. It went to your upper chest because thats where it wanted to go. Stay in the hardest groove of the shirt. YOu bring that bar down low it will go low. And it will be tight. But wet it with warm water, and use the boards to break it in. I think they work great for that. Also take your shirt to a shoe repair shop and reinforce the stiching around the arms and chest. You can adjust the tightness of the shirt by putting it on and if you simulate a most muscular pose and have some close it , it will be looser to work in (openers and shit). Lean up against a wall and do a push up and have someone close really tight and it will be much tighter. With the radical cut it should put the bar low. If not try moving your grip out one finger, or you may have to have the arms brought in a hair foryour height. Finding the perfect shirt is tough. Until you have a shit load of them its hard to know what you want 100%. I have ideas that i want but dont know how to put it in words. I got to send my Karin shirt off soon. I dont need it till Oct but i think with a few adjustments i will work fine. Hope i helped some.

 

[CytoMel]

Thanks Jay.

Thats great advice Jay. I just threw it on yesterday. Next time I am gonna try all those ideas next week when I shirt up for the boards!

Shoe repair shop is something I never knew about either. I will do it.

Thanks again Jay and Benhmonster