Competition Prep Library

Start here if you’re a first-time Bikini, Wellness, or Figure competitor.

Choose a topic below to get step-by-step answers.

Start Here: First-Time Competitors

New competitor? Learn divisions, costs, timelines, and what to expect on competition day.

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How to Choose Your Competition Suit

How to choose suit color, style, cut, connectors and crystal coverage for your division.

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Heels, Jewelry & Stage Accessories

What heels are allowed? What jewelry looks best on stage? Get rules, styling tips, and shop recommended accessories.

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Stage Presence & Posing Tips: What Judges Look For

Walk, posing, confidence, and presentation — learn what judges are actually looking for and how to stand out.

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Show Day & Travel Prep

Packing checklists, backstage must-haves, tan care, suit protection, and how to travel with your competition suit.

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NPC & IFBB Rules, Schedules and Deadlines

Show schedules, division rules, suit regulations, and when to order your suit for upcoming NPC and IFBB shows.

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What Do NPC Bikini Judges Look For? A Designer's Guide

What Do NPC Bikini Judges Look For? A Designer's Guide

What Do NPC Bikini Judges Actually Look For? NPC bikini judges are evaluating your overall physical presentation — balanced symmetry, feminine muscle tone, confident posing, and a polished stage package....
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: npc-ifbb-rules-schedules-deadlines
How to Measure Yourself for a Competition Bikini with a woman holding measuring tape on a sparkling background.

How to Measure Yourself for a Competition Bikini (Without Making Costly Mistakes)

Take your measurements 4-5 weeks before your show when your body is closest to stage-ready. Measure bust, underbust (ribcage), waist, and hips using a snug but not tight measuring tape. Always size...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: start-here-first-time-competitors
Competition Bikini Glue & Tape: Show Day Essentials featuring Saleyla products and a competitor in a custom bikini.

Competition Bikini Glue & Tape: Show Day Essentials

You need Body Glue or Body Tape to keep your suit from shifting during posing,  as a quick-fix backup, and a small emergency kit for last-minute repairs. Most first-time competitors...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: heels-jewelry-stage-accessories
Three competitors on stage showcasing different competition bikinis. What Color Competition Bikini Should You Choose?

What Color Competition Bikini Should You Choose?

Bold primary colors — red, royal blue, emerald green, fuchsia, and purple — almost always perform best on stage because they hold their saturation under bright lighting and dark competition...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: choosing-your-competition-suit
Care & Washing for Your Competition Bikini with Rhinestone-Safe Cleaning & Proper Drying Storage

How to Wash & Care for Competition Bikini (Rhinestones Safe)

  Hand wash your competition bikini in lukewarm water with gentle detergent, never machine wash, don't soak, only rinse under water, gently squeeze out water (don't wring), and lay flat to...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: show-day-travel-prep
competition bikini color trends for 2026: what's winning on stage featuring contestants in red, blue, and green bikinis

Competition Bikini Color Trends for 2026: What's Winning on Stage

The 2026 competition bikini color landscape is shifting dramatically from 2025. Neon brights are making a powerful comeback, blue is becoming a foundational neutral, and warm metallics are replacing cold...
— Silvia Unger
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR COMPETITION SUIT DOES NOT FIT YOU ANYMORE? Sparkling custom bikinis for stage-winning performances.

What to Do When Your Competition Suit Doesn't Fit Anymore (Body Changes During Prep)

Your suit arrived perfect three weeks ago, but now it's sliding off your hips or digging into your waist. This is completely normal. Most competitors experience significant body changes during prep—losing...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: choosing-your-competition-suit
Bikini vs Wellness vs Figure Suits: What's Actually Different? Athletes discussing division rules, style, and cost differences.

Bikini vs Wellness vs Figure Suits: What's Actually Different?

The biggest mistake athletes make when switching divisions? Thinking any competition suit works. It doesn't. Your suit is designed specifically for your division's judging criteria and body type. A figure suit...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: npc-ifbb-rules-schedules-deadlines
Competition Bikini Bottom Coverage Guide: Micro vs Rio Pro vs Rio vs Moderate vs Full—How to Choose

Competition Bikini Bottom Coverage Guide: Micro vs Rio Pro vs Rio vs Moderate vs Full—How to Choose

Coverage choice affects how your glute development, symmetry, and conditioning read on stage. Choose a coverage level that highlights your physique while keeping you confident through your entire routine. Why...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: choosing-your-competition-suit
Custom vs Ready-Made Competition Bikinis: Which Should You Choose? (Real Cost Breakdown) with colorful bikini options.

Custom vs Ready-Made Competition Bikinis: Which Should You Choose? (Real Cost Breakdown)

  Choosing between a custom competition bikini and a ready-made suit seems simple — until unexpected costs, fit issues, and last-minute stress appear. At first glance, ready-made suits look faster....
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: choosing-your-competition-suit
How to Choose Competition Bikini Bottom Coverage (NPC/IFBB)

How to Choose Competition Bikini Bottom Coverage (NPC/IFBB)

For NPC and IFBB bikini competitions, the safest and most flattering choices are Rio Pro or Rio coverage, both designed to meet the 50% back coverage and V-shape requirements. Rio Pro...
— Silvia Unger
Tagged: choosing-your-competition-suit
7 Competition Day Accessories Every NPC & IFBB Competitor Needs including body adhesive, jewelry essentials, and custom bikinis.

7 Competition Day Accessories Every NPC & IFBB Competitor Needs

Competition day essentials every NPC & IFBB athlete needs. Learn how to use body glue and fashion tape to prevent wardrobe malfunctions, plus 5 backstage must-haves for a flawless stage look.

— Silvia Unger
Tagged: heels-jewelry-stage-accessories