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 more (or less) weight than projected, dropping fat in unexpected areas, or changing shape as peak week approaches.
Body composition shifts during competition prep are unpredictable, even for experienced athletes. Your suit might feel loose after an aggressive cut, or tighter if you're holding water mid-prep. Either way, don't wait until the week before your show to address it.
Why Does This Happen?
Body changes during prep rarely follow a linear path. You might project losing 8 pounds but end up down 15. Or you lose weight in your glutes but not your waist. Stage-lean physiques behave differently—fat loss accelerates in the final weeks, water fluctuates, and muscle shape changes as you deplete and refill.
Competition suit fabric has four-way stretch to accommodate 2-5 pound fluctuations, but 10+ pound changes from your original measurements mean the suit won't fit correctly.
Decide: Alter or Reorder?
Alter your existing suit if:
- Weight change is less than 10 pounds
- Fit issues are minor (slight looseness at hips or bust)
- You're 2-6 weeks out from your show
Reorder a new suit if:
- Weight change is more than 10 pounds
- Major fit issues (gaping, falling off, cutting in significantly)
- Body proportions changed dramatically
- You're 3+ weeks out (enough time for production)
How to Get Free Alterations
If you ordered from Saleyla:
- Email info@saleyla.com with photos (front, side, back)
- Explain what's wrong: "Bottoms too loose at hips" or "Top gaping at bust"
- Ship your suit back with a note repeating requests
- Turnaround: 1-4 business days once received
Alterations are free as long as the suit hasn't been worn to competition. We've been doing this for 17+ years—we know prep bodies change.
What If You're 1-2 Weeks Out?
Option 1: Rush Alterations
Contact us at 702-483-1117 (call or text). We can often turn around alterations in 2-3 days if you overnight the suit.
Option 2: Rush Order (3 business days)
If fit is beyond repair and you're at least 10 days out, place a rush order ($200 fee). Add express shipping and you'll have your new suit in under a week.
How to Project Measurements When Ordering
Best time to order: 5-6 weeks before your show (4-5 weeks if USA). This gives you 2 weeks production plus buffer for alterations.
How to project:
- Use our "Order on Hold" option—place your order now, send final measurements 4-5 weeks out. If you need any help on how to measure check our measuring guide.
- If unsure, size up slightly (easier to take in than let out)
- Track weekly measurements and project forward to show day
FAQs
Can Saleyla alter a suit from another company?
No, free alterations only apply to our suits. A local seamstress with competition suit experience can help with suits from other brands.
How much fabric allowance is built in?
Approximately two inches seamed into the connectors—enough to take in at hips, waist, or bust without compromising the design.
I'm 10 days out and my suit doesn't fit. Is it too late?
It's tight, but possible. Call 702-483-1117 immediately. Minor alterations can be rushed, or 3-day rush production plus express shipping gets you a new suit in 5-7 days total.
Should I order smaller knowing I'll lose weight?
No. Order based on projected show-day measurements or slightly larger. Taking in is easier than letting out.
Don't Wait—Fix Your Suit Now
If your suit doesn't fit, contact us today. Book a free consultation to discuss your fit concerns, or browse our custom bikini, wellness, and figure collections.
