Suit Selection

Here is my personal take on selecting a suit--it's much like selecting your prom or wedding dress.  I don't take suit selection lightly, and neither should you. A great suit will help you shine like the star you are! The Bikini Athlete with the best or tightest physique doesn’t always win the competition.  One must bring the total package to the stage, and the perfect suit can give the necessary edge.

Below I will lay out some basics and fundamentals to keep in mind and help guide you, but please be sure that the final suit selection is individualized and all your own.  Have fun!!!

Below is some basic criteria to help you along in the process:
Choose a Color that flatters your skin tone
Choose Connectors that flatter your physique
Choose a Cut that flatters your physique  and is appropriate for the show that you are doing. 
Choose a Design that enhances the overall bikini, rather than detracts: crystals, rhinestones, glitter, lace, etc.
Choose Accessories that enhances your overall look, rather than detracts.

So What Makes a Great Suit?

Color

Your suit color should enhance your overall look, more specifically your skin tone, eye color and hair color.

Regardless of who you are, I typically believe a hue in one of these colors below will look great, it’s simply choosing the right one for the winning look.  Most everyone will look amazing in more than one color, BUT it is my honest belief that there is always one or two colors that look the absolute best.

Blue
Red
Yellow
Green
Purple
Black

If you’re absolutely dead-set on a color not listed above, such as orange, pink, white or a pastel color here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Lighter colors such as pastel pink, white, and even yellow get easily stained and will appear dirty or a different color wherever the tan product touches.  My yellow bikini turned permanently bright orange in certain areas where I got tanner on it.
• Lighter colors such as pastel pink may washout under the light -- lowering your chance of having that WOW or POP factor that the judges love to see on stage
  
• Depending on your natural complexion, colors such as orange and pink (even red) can blend in with your tanned skin, so be aware of this, as you want there to be a beautiful balance and contrast between your suit and skin, as this will allow the beauty of your physique to shine.
• NOTE:  This is not to steer you away from any of these colors.  I've seen all of these bikini colors look fabulous on and off stage.  Just be cautious and know what may happen.                                        

Cut

Cut refers to the shape of your bikini top and bottom. 

Tops

5 styles of tops. Most popular are triangle and halter style.

1.  Triangle style: strings ties neck and back. Hook can be added by request.
2.  Halter style: hook behind neck, thicker strap; it offers more support.
3.  Underwire style: made of molded bra cup with underwire support.
4.  Butterfly style top: string ties neck and back.
5.  Front criss-cross top: string ties behind neck, hook behind back.

Basics to look for and know from your suit designer

• top is fully lined with built-in inside pocket for padding (if desired, recommended for most). Most suit designers provide free padding. 
• Tops for bikini competitors are typically cut smaller and narrower to show more cleavage.  If you want more coverage, you may need to specify this.

Bottoms

4 style of bottoms.

1. Moderate:  This is the style chosen by many first time competitors in the NPC
2. Rio/Brazilian: This style has a little less coverage than the moderate.  Opt for this style if you are very confident in your glute development and want to showcase it
3. Full Coverage:  It isn't popular, but if you need this, then it's doable
4. Pro Cut:  This is the style recommended for National and Pro level competitors - least amount of coverage

Basics to look for and know from your suit designer

• Bottoms are lined at the front and they are scrunch back bottoms.
• Be sure your bikini is made by regulations for the organization you're competing in  (NPC, IFBB, FAME, Bikini Universe, etc.)
• Bikini suits are low-rise, they sit lower on the hip than say a  figure suit.  Be sure that your bottom doesn't sit too low or too high.

                    Rio                                                        Moderate

Connectors

No matter which you choose, just be sure that they are flattering to your physique and compliment the rest of your suit.  My only main suggestion is that if you are petite or have shorter legs, to be careful getting the long dangle connectors.  Some shorter Bikini A and B women can pull this off look without a problem. 

Tips
Connectors are about the easiest thing to change on a bikini, so in the long run if you're not pleased, you can always switch them out--so don't stress!  Even the most expensive pair of connectors won't cost more than $35 per connector.  Some connectors are as low as $2-4 bucks.  No one wants to waste money, but with time you may find it fun to see the different looks simply switching connectors can offer.

Design (Crystals, Rhinestones, Glitter, Lace, etc.)

Honestly, at the NPC level you do not need crystals or an overpriced suit.  My first suit cost me $550.00 (fully encrusted), while my second suit was crystal-less and under $200.  Believe it or not, but I loved my $200 suit better. 

Tips

• Choose Crystals to stand out on stage over rhinestones and glitter. Crystals add so much more sparkle and sass to the bikini. The more the better. Crystals come in so many colors.  The crystals can also come in Crystal AB and Sapphire AB, adding a different element and flare to the bikini. 
• If getting a crystallized bikini is out of your budget I recommend getting a sequin fabric.  Sequin can have just as much pizzazz as a crystallized bikini if executed properly
• A hologram or metallic fabric also plays well in the light, if having crystals added to your suit is out of budget
• You can always opt to have crystals added on later (I've done this)
• At the National level I would stay away from lace and glitter. 

Accessories

Keep it classy—use them to enhance your look.  Too much bling will look tacky and distracting.

Tips:

• 1-3 bracelets
• 1-2 rings
• Pair of hoop, hanging, or chandelier earrings