Are IPF or USPA approved wrist wraps necessary if I don't compete?

No. Federation approval (IPF, USPA, IPL) only matters if you plan to compete in sanctioned powerlifting meets, where wrap length and construction are regulated. For gym use, approval is a quality marker but not required. Reviewers note that many approved wraps happen to be very well-built, which is why they show up in non-competition recommendations too.