How to Measure for a Custom Competition Suit

Use this guide to record the measurements Saleyla needs for a custom Bikini, Wellness, or Figure competition suit. Measure your body as it is today, note any expected prep changes, and contact Saleyla if your measurements change significantly before production or delivery.

Before you start: use a soft measuring tape, wear close-fitting clothing or undergarments, stand naturally, and keep the tape level and comfortably snug. Do not pull the tape tight. Ask another person to help when possible, and take every measurement twice.

The five basic measurements

  1. Bust: measure around the fullest part of your bust and across your upper back. Keep the tape level. Include your usual cup size with your order details.
  2. Ribcage or underbust: measure directly under the bust where the lower edge of the suit top will sit.
  3. Natural waist: measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually between the bottom of the ribs and the navel.
  4. Lower waist: measure around the body at the level where the top edge of your suit bottom is expected to sit. This is below the natural waist and above the fullest part of the hips.
  5. Hips or glutes: measure around the fullest part of your hips and glutes. Check from the side to make sure the tape is level and passes over the fullest point.

Competition suit measurement points for bust, ribcage, waist, lower waist and hips

Watch the Saleyla measuring video

Measurements during competition prep

Submit current measurements unless Saleyla has asked for a different point in your prep. If you expect substantial weight or measurement changes, include that information with your show date. Do not guess smaller stage measurements. If your body changes significantly after ordering, contact Saleyla with updated measurements before assuming the original numbers should still be used.

Choose the correct division before ordering

Bikini, Wellness, and Figure suits differ in construction, coverage, connectors, and stage presentation. Confirm your division with your coach before choosing a cut when possible.

What to send with your measurements

  • Federation and division
  • Show date
  • Current bust, ribcage, waist, lower-waist, and hip/glute measurements
  • Expected prep-related change, if known
  • Preferred coverage and cut
  • Coach or judging feedback that affects the suit
  • Color and design direction

Coach referral checklist

Coaches can refer an athlete in one message. Send the athlete's federation, division, show date, current measurements, expected prep change, coach or judging feedback, color direction, and any cut or coverage concerns. Saleyla can then identify the appropriate next steps without making the athlete repeat the same information.

Common measuring mistakes

  • Pulling the tape tight enough to compress the body
  • Letting the tape slope up or down across the back
  • Measuring over bulky clothing
  • Confusing the natural waist, lower waist, and fullest hip/glute point
  • Submitting estimated future measurements instead of current measurements
  • Waiting until show week to report a meaningful change

Bikini suit bottom widths

Saleyla Bikini competition suit bottom coverage options

Figure suit bottom widths

Saleyla Figure competition suit bottom coverage options

Women's ready-to-wear sizing chart

Size Bust Waist Hips
XS 31–33 in / 79–84 cm 24–26 in / 61–66 cm 32–34 in / 81–87 cm
S 32–34 in / 81–87 cm 25–27 in / 63.5–68.5 cm 34–36 in / 87–91.5 cm
M 35–37 in / 89–94 cm 27.5–28.5 in / 70–74 cm 36.5–38 in / 93–96 cm
L 37.5–39 in / 95–99 cm 28.5–30 in / 74–76 cm 38–40 in / 96–102 cm

Men's ready-made suit sizing chart

Size Waist Hips
S 28–30 in / 71–76 cm 35–37 in / 89–94 cm
M 32–34 in / 81–86 cm 38–40 in / 96–102 cm
L 36–38 in / 91–96 cm 42–44 in / 107–112 cm

What happens next?

After recording your measurements, choose the collection for your division and review the ordering details on the suit you want. If your first show is approaching, use the first competition timeline to plan ordering, your full try-on, and check-in preparation. Use Virtual Try-On to preview color direction; it is a visualization tool, not a sizing or fit guarantee.

Reviewed and updated: August 2026.