Comp Prep Guide

Cara Corey with some advice on how to choose your competition bikini, including choosing the cut, coverage levels, connectors and the best color for you.

Hi, it's Kara here and I'm doing a video today to talk a little bit about bikini competition suit selection for those that are looking to compete or if you've competed before but you are not sure what's right for you.

I figured it was the perfect time to talk about selecting a suit because a lot of people are starting their preps for the season.

Now is the time to start considering what suit best fits your body type. I do want to start by giving some general tips on where to start with suit selections.

The first thing is to check on what organization you're planning. Browse through their website to see what information they have listed regarding their requirements with bikini competition suits.

I started competing in 2011 and I feel like it was a bit more strict, things have changed since then. Nowadays, all organizations in all divisions within bodybuilding are fairly similar in terms of their rules and regulations.

These similarities does make it a little bit easier in case you are changing organizations as I did when I went from NPC to OCB.

However, to be safe do check the websites to see if there are any specifics regulations. A couple of years ago, I heard that there were going to add a specific heel size for shoes that competitors had to use but I never saw put into place, so please do check with the organization to get accurate information.

Next tip would be the color of the suit. This is something that the judges will critique you on regardless of what division you're competing in. You need to choose a color that really complements you the best and also helps you stand out.

There are only so many colors, you may go to a show and have other girls wearing the same color.

The last show I did we had five other girls wearing purple bikinis, it was just a very popular color. This doesn't mean you won't stand out.

You don't have to go with 18 different colors on your suit, although you can, but it's really up to you to find the color that best suits your look. Find the color that makes you feel sexy, beautiful and confident.

We all have a little something different that makes us feel good so choose the color that you think is going to make you feel good and super confident on show day.

You need to remember that the color that might look good on you and in your skin tone right now is going to look a little bit different when you have your spray tan on. Don't pick a color that suits you right now, take dark spray tan into consideration as well.

You're going to want to know what spray tan company is spraying you because different spray tan companies produce a different looking spray tan.

Some people use ‘Dream Tan’ that makes you a bit gold and some use ‘Liquid Sun Rayz’ which I think gives a nice bronze tan. Tan color is going to make a difference with the suit color you choose, so try to think about that.

I personally don't like the look of an orange bikini on stage, it does not match well with the dark tan because it's got that orange tint to it and you can get all washed out.

You can get a dark spray tan ahead of time if you are that committed to finding the colors that look good on you.

Some competitors tend to change their hair colors for the competition, so choose a color that would look good with the tan as well. Hair color, tan color and suit color all comes into play.

Bottom line is to pick a suit that makes you feel good, at the end of the day, that's what matters.

I feel choosing the right color is a big deal for physique guys as well. They're all wearing the same board shorts but changing up their shorts color makes a difference, whether they pop on stage or not.

You really want to research and look at past competitions to see what people are wearing.

People noticed I wore a different suit for my OCB competition and received tons of compliments on my bikini.

A lot of people have asked me what cut I was wearing as they really liked it, so I want to give you all some information on my suit.

I do represent ‘Angel Competition Bikinis’, they are amazing and they have sent me a few different suits that I'm going to show you.

Angel Competition Bikinis makes bikini suits, figure suits and physique suits for women.

I do recommend following them on Instagram, their IG and website name is Angel Competition Bikinis.

If you're not sure where to start, the best tip I can give you is to start looking at people online, follow their social media sites.

I tend to look at people who I feel look similar to me in terms of their body type, skin color and hair color because that's going to give you the best idea of what color would look good on you.

Scroll through social media to see what excites you, that's actually how I found Angel Competition Bikinis.

Angel Competition Bikinis will send you different fabric swatches as they make different types of fabric. It's not just about the color it's about the material as well. They offer shiny, matte and other fabric materials, so if you're unsure you can request for those swatches to help you get an idea of what you like.

Stage Stuff Prep Guide For Beginners Competition Bikinis