Bikini/ Figure /Body Building Competition Suits
The suit you wear on competition day has been described as the paint on the canvas that is the beautiful body that has been formed through hard work, dedication, and a supreme planned diet/exercise regimen. So it is time to showcase it and the suit that compliments your individual frame, skin tone, hair, and eye color all should be taken into consideration. Read on for a guide to selecting and choosing the unique and right suit for you.
FIGURE SUITS
How to pick? For figure and bikini suits, here are basic considerations:
o Designers- a plethora of designers exist out there on the web and each one will have individual styles in making suits of different varieties to fit in many ways
o Custom order- each competitor may pick her own fabric, color, crystals, design, cut, & style
o Style for figure: Figure suits come in both one and two piece styles
o Cost: Average costs for new/used can range from $200-600 or more
Specific for you
o Take specific measurements at each of the following sites to know that the fit will be best for you…http://www.competitionsuits.com/design_center/measuring.htm
§ The website above gives explicit points of measurement and tips on taking them with guided pictures
o Best colors for blondes: pinks, greens, light blue, and any natural tones
o Best suit color for brunettes: Any jewel color matches dark hair such as violets, sapphire, crimson red, or turquoise
§ Warm toned brunettes: The gold undertones in skin for darker auburn or dark brown shades are paired best with warm colors like deep brown, and bold oranges, reds, yellows, and dark olive green
§ Cool toned brunettes: For the fairer skinned and lighter eyes of this type of brunette, choose bright vivid colors
o Best suit color for red heads: For any redhead, green is a great option! For strawberry blondes, jewel tones of the bold variety are recommended. For the copper/auburn darker red shades, selecting gold browns, olive, lilac, or aqua are recommended.
o Best suit colors for warm toned skin: Red undertones of skin for medium complexions have those rose pink and various brighter fruit shades to compliment this skin type. Green, orange, and yellow are also complimentary.
o Best suit colors for olive skin: earth tones and strong bright colors; taupe and beige also bring out the brown richness in skin. Red and purple also work well. Avoid yellow based shades or pastels.
o Best suit colors for darker skin tones: Metallic! Gold and bronzes blend beautifully as do bright neon popping colors!
o Best suit colors based on eye colors:
§ Pale blue = lilac or pastel pink
§ Hazel = moss green or dark purple
§ Dark green = deep purple or peach
§ Pale green = lavender or blue grey
§ Light brown = honey brown or green
§ Dark brown = olive green or lighter brown
Inside Tips
o When selecting suits, take photos from front, side, and back poses to compare
o Fittings for suits should be done 2 weeks prior to stage
o Gluing is highly recommended using adhesive commonly selected like “bikini bite” with the help of another person to apply to competitors’ gluts and pressed on to remain secure during show. For the top portion, all three sides of the top may be glued.
o
BIKINI
Come in different cuts- always two piece
§ Tops
Choose from the following:
· Padded underwire: this kind of bra will be slightly more expensive but is a quality fit and can allow up to 2 sizes increase with a padded insert
· Triangle underwire: While this is the less expensive option and provides less support, this type is better made for larger breast sizes naturally and is a classic choice for competitors
· Halter top- This top brings the shape of individual at the top more slim as it narrows more dramatically on person wearing it.
· Butterfly top: This top flares around in more of a side shape.
· Rounded top: These are built much like the triangles but obviously give a more rounded look as the same describes.
Bottoms
Front Selection:
· V seamed front
· Scooped front
· Cut away front
· Super low front
· V gather front- may provide most coverage of front area
Back Selection:
· Full back- provides the most coverage of the gluts
· Butterfly style- This from behind provides half coverage of gluts and also has ¼” revealed on side
· Brazilian Back- this comes half way in terms of coverage of gluts and rides up 1/4” on the side
· Thong Back- this is the narrowest coverage
· Heart Shape: provides half the glut coverage and ¼” on the side
Variety of colors and fabrics examples
§ Electric waves
§ Lycra- wet look
§ Crushed velvet
§ Flat velvet
§ Velvet sparkle
§ Swirl
§ Aztec
§ Shattered glass/metallic
§ Custom design available through specific makers/websites
Selection of connectors: Connectors add a flare and specificity to the suit based on individual preference. Some are sold with connectors and other suits may be purchased separate. Connectors are available to fasten both side, top, and bottom areas of suit.
§ Top Strap Connectors: Choose between silver, crystal, gold variety shape such as chained, bowtie, round, hexagonal, flower, etc.
§ Side ware Connectors: Choose between silver, crystal, gold and shape as well can include chandelier, buckle chain, ribbon crystal, horshoe shape, oval or block crystal just as examples
Accessories/Garments/Bling for the two piece suit
§ Cost for adornments can range from $30-400
§ Examples of the accessories include:
· Bracelets: bangled, rhinestone, crystal, etc.
· Earrings: chandelier style, crystal, hooped, flower design- all custom selected by competitor for each suit
· Connectors- see above for example
· Jewels on the suit: Typically rhinestones or Swarovski crystals are selected
Frequently asked questions
§ Rules and Regulations for suits: Avoid thongs! And avoid the color white! Make sure to check with organization of the show for concrete regulations to ensure that each suit falls within that organization’s guidelines.
§ Bikini competitors wear high heels on stage like figure competitors.
§ Bikini suits may be purchased off the rack/local store. This is more common in novice shows.
§ Suits may be purchased without jewels and added for an additional cost based on custom needs of competitor.
§ Suits may also be purchased with or without a cotton lycra underlining.
§ Seams are built into many suits in the top portion for padded inserts.
§ Gluing is to help the suit stay in place and so adhesive commonly selected like “bikini bite” is used with the help of another person to apply to competitors’ gluts and pressed on to remain secure during show. For the top portion, all three sides of the top may be glued.
Accessories like connectors, earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry are encouraged.
§ Budget suits in terms of cost are in about $100 range to the more custom, fully designed $400 cost from various designers.
§ Tailored to you…
· Find your body type to best highlight you: Women with shorter waists can achieve a longer waist look by adjusting the bottom lower on the waist and to achieve the look of a longer waist the bottom suit may be adjusted higher.
· Scars- Can be hidden with a custom cut so that a c-section scar for example can remain not visible.
· Cup inserts- to be added to the top suit, this can add an entire cup size or 2 depending on the individual AND there are two types to select:
§ 1: Standard made of soft knit, dry material or silicone can be used more for support and shape instead of drastically changing the picture created. Up to one size enlargement may be subtly noticed.
§ 2: Push-up Pads: Made for the dramatic effect and grab the attention of 1-2 cup sizes increased and a noticeable lift is added to the breasts.
· Best color suit for you:
o Avoid white at all times and staying away from bright neon colors is a good idea since the eye-popping colors might draw attention more to the suit than the body that is being showcased.
o With tanning products worn, all skin tones will be darker, however guidelines for wearing a certain color based on skin toned can follow:
§ Best suit colors for warm toned skin: Red undertones of skin for medium complexions have those rose pink and various brighter fruit shades to compliment this skin type. Green, orange, and yellow are also complimentary.
§ Best suit colors for olive skin: earth tones and strong bright colors; taupe and beige also bring out the brown richness in skin. Red and purple also work well. Avoid yellow based shades or pastels.
§ Best suit colors for darker skin tones: Metallic! Gold and bronzes blend beautifully as do bright neon popping colors!
MEN’S BODY BUILDING
Frequently asked questions/guidelines
§ Cost: $40-50 average through websites online
§ Suit must be v-shaped (no thong!). Always make sure to check with each organization for each particular show about the suit qualifications.
§ The suits that are worn for the pre-judging and finals are not to have any fringe, words on them, or extra sparkle/bling.
§ Find your body type to determine best suit style: Men with shorter waists are recommended to select a smaller trunk size to expose more skin and therefore create the picture of more to reveal in terms of a longer waist line and better ultimate V-shape. Vice versa, those with longer waists want to purchase a fuller trunk size covering up more skin so that the individual does not appear top heavy.
§ Men do not wear any shoes and appear on stage barefoot.
§ Gluing- Often recommended for an adhesive to be applied to back of suit on the skin to remain in place. Competitors need assistance to do this.
§ Care for suit: Some suits will say machine wash is acceptable, but hand washing is recommended. To do so, make sure to use gentle liquid detergent and brush the inside of the suit with either or toothbrush or gently with hands. Avoid anything abrasive or hard for the exterior of the suit. Often, the inside needs to be scrubbed delicately several times in a small tub or sink to remove glue or other particles from inside. The process of gently scrubbing and sloshing in the cold water tub/sink may need to be repeated. Avoid soaking. To dry, it is recommended to lay the suit flat between two towels and then keep the suit flat for storage.
Style/Design
Examples of common designs/cuts include:
§ French cut=top seller, sides are ¾” wide
§ Flex cut = ¾ coverage in back with ¼” wide sides
§ Brazil cut = ½”wide sides, has narrowest coverage in back
§ American cut = more classic look sitting high on the hips with 2” sides and full back coverage
Examples of various styles based on brands out there include:
§ Regular posing suit
§ Wet look posing suit(this is comprised mostly of 72% Nylon and 37% spandex material)
§ Velvet fabric posing suit
§ Satin Spandex
Color
§ Plain colors are suggested to help the focus/eye aim on the body of the individual instead of the suit.
§ Color options out there include:
WOMEN’S BODY BUILDING
Frequently asked questions/guidelines
§ Women also appear barefoot on stage for body building
§ Average cost from online websites range around $80
§ 2 piece suits are required
§ Bottom piece must be v-shaped (no thongs!)
§ Women competing should not alter the suit after it is put on in any way by pulling up material from the sides
§ Gluing highly recommended as routines for women’s body builders and poses require more movement and therefore adhesive commonly selected like “bikini bite” is used with the help of another person to apply to competitors’ gluts and pressed on to remain secure during show. For the top portion, all three sides of the top may be glued.
Style/Design
§ The style and design of women’s body building is more simple than figure and bikini
§ Always worn as two pieces
§ Accessories not common for this category of competitors
§ Make sure to always check with specific organizations on rules for suits/designs per specific competitions.
Color
o Avoid white at all times and staying away from bright neon colors is a good idea since the eye-popping colors might draw attention more to the suit than the body that is being showcased.
o With tanning products worn, all skin tones will be darker, however guidelines for wearing a certain color based on skin toned can follow:
§ Best suit colors for warm toned skin: Red undertones of skin for medium complexions have those rose pink and various brighter fruit shades to compliment this skin type. Green, orange, and yellow are also complimentary.
§ Best suit colors for olive skin: earth tones and strong bright colors; taupe and beige also bring out the brown richness in skin. Red and purple also work well. Avoid yellow based shades or pastels.
§ Best suit colors for darker skin tones: Metallic! Gold and bronzes blend beautifully as do bright neon popping colors!
Websites/Resources
o www.bodybuildingbikinis.com/bikini