Swimsuit Competition

The Professional Swimsuit Competition

Swimsuit Guidelines

"Anything Goes" might be the motto of some bikini contests, but this isn't always the case at a more prestigious swimsuit competition. Here, there are typically strict guidelines about the bathing suits worn during the event.

First, the style of swimsuit is usually dictated as either a one piece or a bikini. Contestants are all usually garbed in one style or the other as a group to provide a basis for even comparison. In addition to establishing the style, most competitions also dictate which cuts are acceptable. For example, a scoop bottom might be the standard, or the rules might allow a briefer cut while outlawing thongs altogether. To compete, a young woman must be appropriately suited.

Behavior on the Catwalk

Bawdy behavior is generally discouraged at professional swimsuit contests. Participants are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and grace, and avoid jiggling and gyrating their way across the stage. Any outreach to the audience beyond a smile and a wave is highly discouraged.

Course of Events

Nearly any organized swimsuit competition is divided into rounds. These typically include an opening round where all of the contestants are introduced and take their turn strutting the stage. From this phase, the top contestants are chosen to compete in the semifinals. The high scorers from this round participate in the finals, and it is here that the runners up and overall winner are chosen.

What Judges Look For

Each contest is slightly different, but judges basically look for the following factors as they weed out the field.

Presence

This is possibly the single most important factor in the contest. True stage presence will attract the judges' attention, an essential for getting a shot at the semifinals. Without stage presence, a contestant is just one more beautiful girl in the field, a field she'll remain back in as others advance.

Personality

Personality is strongly linked to presence, yet it further defines a young woman from the rest of the group. That personality can be bubbly and open or mysterious and intriguing, but one thing it must convey is a great smile.

Fitness

Fitness is another prime factor that will help a contestant advance in the competition. A well-cut swimsuit is certainly an asset, but it can't mask every flaw. It's important for contestants to be toned and carrying a healthy weight. Too much weight causes bulges while being underweight creates sharp angles that prevent the swimsuit from flowing over the body like a second skin. The perfect swimsuit body is one that is well-proportioned without undue emphasis on a single area.

Audience Reaction

Judges make their own decisions, but it would be less than truthful to say that audience reaction doesn't influence their choices. Swimsuit contestants that generate the strongest crowd reactions obviously have something going for them that grabs attention. Since future promotional duties are often part of the winner's package, judges are looking for contestants that evoke a strong response from the audience.

Launching a Career

Although there are usually serious cash prizes awarded to the winners, most swimsuit contestants enter the competition in hope of launching a career in the entertainment, broadcasting, fashion or fitness industry.

Jennifer Nicole Lee is a prime example. Having won first runner up at the 2005 Ms. Bikini America, Lee has her own successful line of swimwear, Fiu Fiu. She has also written books and made videos on the topic of fitness. Lee's personal story and success serves as inspiration for many young women hoping to parlay a swimsuit title into bigger opportunities.