Your competition suit needs to stay perfectly in place from prejudging through finals—no riding up, no slipping straps, no wardrobe malfunctions. The right backstage accessories make that happen. Body glue and fashion tape are your first line of defense against suit shifts, while a few smart backup items (emergency sewing kit, jewelry case, plastic cups) handle everything else that can go wrong backstage.
After 17+ years creating custom competition suits for thousands of NPC and IFBB competitors, we’ve seen what works—and what leaves athletes scrambling backstage. Here’s exactly what to pack.
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What’s the Difference Between Body Glue and Fashion Tape for Competition Suits?
Body glue and fashion tape serve different purposes, and serious competitors carry both.
Body glue creates a direct fabric-to-skin bond. Use it where your suit meets bare skin—bikini bottom edges, bra cups, figure suit straps. The Saleyla Roll-On Body Glue is sweat-resistant, skin-safe, and provides long-lasting hold that survives hours under stage lights. Unlike spray adhesives that can stain suits or create uneven coverage, roll-on application gives you precise control exactly where you need it.
Fashion tape works for fabric-to-fabric bonds. Use it to secure overlapping straps, prevent gapping between connectors, or reinforce areas where two pieces of your suit meet. The Saleyla Body & Clothing Tape comes in 100 clear double-sided strips—sweat-proof, invisible under stage lights, and gentle on delicate competition fabrics.
When to use body glue
Securing bikini bottom edges to prevent riding up, keeping bra cups flush against skin, keeping front panel of the bottom secure.
When to use fashion tape
Keeping figure side straps in position, preventing molded top gaps, securing bikini bottom edges, emergency fixes for torn seams.
Saleyla Roll-On Body Glue
Sweat-resistant hold, skin-safe, and precise roll-on control for bikini edges, cups, and straps.
Shop Body Glue Shop AccessoriesHow to Use Roll-On Body Glue for Competition Suits
Apply body glue 10–15 minutes before you need to be on stage. This gives it time to become tacky without transferring to your hands or robe.
Application steps:
- Make sure skin is clean, dry, and tan is completely set
- Roll glue directly onto skin where suit edges will sit (bikini bottom perimeter, under bra cups, along figure suit straps)
- Let it get tacky for 30–60 seconds—don’t rush this step
- Press suit firmly into place and hold for 10 seconds
- Smooth edges outward to prevent lifting
The sweat-resistant formula holds through prejudging, finals, and everything in between. When you’re done competing, it washes off with soap and water—no residue, no damage to your suit.
Pro tip: Test body glue on a small area during your practice run to confirm you don’t have sensitivity. If the roller ball is stuck, loosen it through running water.
Want it in your show-day bag? Grab the Roll-On Body Glue here.
Why Fashion Tape Is Non-Negotiable for Backstage
You think your suit fits perfectly—until you start pumping up backstage and everything shifts. Fashion tape fixes what body glue can’t.
The Saleyla Body & Clothing Tape gives you 100 clear strips, which is enough for multiple applications throughout the day. Each strip is sweat-proof and invisible under clothing, perfect for:
- Figure suits Sides/Straps: Secure straps to prevent them from sliding down during posing
- Plunging necklines: Keep bra cups positioned exactly where you want them without gapping
- Wellness and bikini connectors: Reinforce rhinestone connectors so they sit high on your waist
- Bottom Back - for any competitor, add them to your backside to hold fabric in place
- Emergency repairs: Quick fix for loose straps, torn seams, or anything else that comes apart backstage
Keep the tape in a hard protective case so it doesn’t get crushed in your bag. You’ll likely use 3–5 strips throughout competition day—initial application, touch-ups after prejudging, final check before night show.
Saleyla Body & Clothing Tape (100 Strips)
Clear, sweat-proof strips for straps, connectors, and quick backstage fixes—made for heat + stage lights.
Shop Fashion Tape Shop Accessories5 More Essential Competition Day Accessories
Beyond body glue and tape, pack these five items to handle anything backstage throws at you:
1) Competition Jewelry in a Protective Case
Your earrings, rings, and bracelets should match your suit’s crystal color and stay protected until you put them on. A hard case prevents rhinestones from falling off and keeps everything organized. Pack your jewelry with your suit in a labeled zip-lock bag so nothing gets separated.
2) Emergency Sewing Kit
Connectors come loose. Straps tear. Rhinestones fall off. A mini sewing kit with thread that matches your suit color, safety pins, and small scissors saves you when it happens.
3) Plastic Cups for Tan Protection
Plastic cups are a bikini competitor’s best friend in the backstage bathroom. They prevent water splashes from ruining your tan application. Sounds silly until you’re standing backstage with tan streaks down your legs 20 minutes before prejudging.
4) Mini Fan
Backstage gets hot. Sweating ruins your tan and can make body glue less effective. A small battery-powered fan keeps you cool and helps prevent sweat streaks.
5) Touch-Up Makeup Essentials
Don’t bring your entire makeup bag—just the essentials for quick fixes. Lip gloss, powder for shine control, and whatever you need to touch up your face between prejudging and finals.
How Early Should You Apply Body Adhesive on Competition Day?
Don’t apply body glue or tape until you’re close to going on stage—typically 15–30 minutes before you need to be on deck.
If you apply too early, you risk:
- Adhesive losing effectiveness from heat and movement
- Accidental transfer to your robe or other clothing
- Needing to reapply because you adjusted your suit
For all-day competitions with morning prejudging and evening finals, you may need to touch up or reapply between sessions—this is why you want the roll-on bottle and extra tape strips in your bag.
FAQs
Can I use regular fashion tape from a drugstore for competition suits?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Regular fashion tape isn’t designed for sweat-resistance or extended wear under stage lights. Competition-specific tape is formulated to hold through heat, sweat, and hours of wear without damaging delicate suit fabrics.
Will body glue damage my competition suit fabric?
No. Quality body glue like Saleyla Roll-On is skin-safe and fabric-safe. It washes off completely with soap and water and won’t leave residue, stains, or damage on competition suits.
How many strips of fashion tape do I need for one competition day?
Plan for 5–7 strips minimum. You’ll use 2–3 for initial application, 1–2 for touch-ups after prejudging, and 1–2 for finals.
Should I bring backup jewelry to competition?
Yes. Earring backs fall off, rhinestones pop out, and rings can get lost backstage. Bring your primary jewelry plus one backup earring option.
What if my suit connector breaks backstage?
This is exactly why you need an emergency sewing kit and fashion tape. Tape can hold a connector in place long enough to get through your class, and needle + thread can make a real repair.
Ready to Get Stage-Ready?
The right accessories make the difference between confidently owning the stage and frantically adjusting your suit backstage. Order both now so you can practice before show day.
Want help choosing the right suit style, coverage, or color? Book a free consultation or try our Virtual Try-On tool.
