Narissa Thelo 
One of the most exciting parts of your competition prep journey is picking the bikini bodybuilding suit. For experienced athletes making the choice can be simple but for new competitors, the decision can be difficult. Why? Because the suit needs to enhance your best features and qualities on stage.
And to help you with that, we are here. This guide will help you pick the right bodybuilding bikini suit, from understanding suit styles & fit to choosing the right color. We will cover everything for you.
1. Choosing The Right Suit Color
Picking the right color plays a crucial role, and it’s not as simple as picking your fav color. Instead, you need to choose a color that contrasts well with your skin tone, tan shade, and even hair color. For example, you may like green because it goes with your eyes but when you are on stage, it can blend too much, especially when paired with a dark tan. Your goal needs to be to pick a color that pops under the stage lights, so opt for more contrasting shades from your tan and skin color to make you stand out. 
A good example is to switch from green to red. Why? Because red is the opposite of green on the color wheel, giving you the ultimate color contrast. Another thing to consider is not to choose too dark shades because they might then blend with your tan and hair color. Lighter suit shades with clear crystals on them will brighten your appearance and even prevent blending with the stage backdrop. 
Pro top: Avoid wearing yellow or orange shades because these colors clash with your tan and make your tan look orange. There are exceptions but generally steer clear from these to avoid mishaps.
2. Staying Trendy With Suit Styles
The style of your bodybuilding bikini competition suit is an important factor. Trends change, so styling your competition suit will ensure you look up-to-date on the stage. As of now, a simple bedazzled suit strap is popular, while junkier jewels and connectors are out of style.
If you want, you can check out the most recent winners from Olympia and other competitions. They can give you a good sense of what’s trending and what’s not. When it comes to the connectors, you have the freedom to customize the top and bottom as you like. Show your personality when adding this detail.
3. The Cut Of The Suit
The most popular cut currently is the high-rise style. A high-rise cut sits higher on the waist and helps elongate your torso and accentuates your glutes, creating a more flattering and rounded appearance. While low-cut suits were popular in the past, they don’t deliver the same effect on stage anymore. Especially if you have a shorter torso, a high-rise cut may work better for you. It will sit higher on your body. For athletes with longer torsos, high-rise cuts are ideal because they help achieve symmetry and balance.
4. Bikini Tops
The suit top can make or break your entire stage look. This is why a large number of athletes are going for molded top cups because they provide structure, especially for those with smaller chests. If you have a smaller bust, a molded cup will give you a more polished look. 
There are other top styles also – underwire and adjustable slider. These also work well for athletes with larger busts or implants as they naturally fill the suit. But if you are on the smaller side, invest in molded cups for extra support.
Now, let’s talk about some new changes in the bodybuilding bikini world.
New Fit Model Division: Npc & Ifbb Pro League Updates…
Earlier this year, NPC & IFBB introduced a division called the Fit Model division. This is designed to create more accessibility for new athletes entering the bodybuilding bikini competition world. The goal here is to show a less developed physique than traditional bikini or wellness competitions. Competitors in the fit model division will have smaller muscle mass, no visible muscle separation, and firm but not too overly developed glutes.
The competition suit requirements for the Fit Model division include:
- Solid colors (no bling or crystals)
- Moderate bikini bottom coverage
- Simple front and back posing presentation
If you think you are ready to compete in this division, keep in mind that no crossover with other wellness or bikini competitions is allowed. However, you can still enter multiple categories within the Fit Model division. 
In conclusion, the right bikini competition involves a lot of balance. From ensuring your suit stands out to following the current trends, it is all about creating the perfect balance.
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