Competitor Tip of the Month: Suit Selection by Rebecca Slatt

Rebecca Slatt

How to select a suit is one of the many questions you confront when planning to compete. There are so many different things to consider when going through the selection process: most important to consider would be the color, fabric, cut, and designer/cost. Suits are very important and must accentuate the body to its best look. You will want to begin your selection process by learning what is considered regulation for suits. For rules and regulations for competition suits, please refer to the www.npcnewsonline.com website and click on “rules and regulations.”

My recommendation for your first few shows is to stick with basics so you are safe.
Pick a color that you feel you look your best in; the color everyone always says looks fantastic on you. Solid, darker colors are your safest bet. Lighter colors and pastels will wash you out; although there have been a few who are able to pull off a light colored suit (Briana Tindall and Jessica Paxson both won big shows while wearing baby pink). Remember that your skin color and tone will play a role in the color you select. African American girls look stunning in fuscia, red, and burgundy. Brunettes need to play up their eye-color with their suits, because if they’re not careful, the brown hair with the brown skin will just take over-I recommend steering clear from very very deep colors like black, navy, deep purple, etc. Pick colors that will make your eyes POP. Medium greens, fuscia, reds, and medium shades of purple are always great choices, depending on your eye-color and make-up. And of course, it seems like blondes are able to wear almost any color they choose. It seems like everyone is safe in blue-so just pick your shade! Some have more green in them, some have more purple, and some are just blue! And remember, you can always play up your suit color with your eye-makeup and lipstick! Work with your best features because these competitions are about the entire package!

Rebecca Slatt

Most fabrics are stretchy with sparkly swirls or with a little glitter the same color as the fabric. Many designers have an option of a wet-looking fabric (shiny). I think these fabrics are very flattering on-stage, as long as you are in top-condition (you can see any wrinkle in skin or if your stomach begins to get full as you are carbing up, you can really see it in a wet-looking 1-piece)! A few years ago many girls were wearing crushed velvet fabrics. These are a classic, and very elegant, and are still worn by many girls. Some designers are willing to send you fabric swatches, while others are too busy to bother with that and other than the color, will do the selecting for you. Don’t stress about not seeing your fabric prior-to wearing it, they really do know what will look the best on you.

Stonework is an extra. You can pay a lot of money for special patterns and size of stones used in your suits. Some designers have a signature look to their suits, while others use a variety of patterns and stonework designs. This is where your individuality can show through and make you stand out in a crowd! But remember, stonework can be very expensive so don’t be surprised by the bill!

Smaller breasted ladies should purchase some gel/silicone inserts for the tops to help balance out their physiques.  The gel will warm up to your body temperature and appear very natural, where regular stuffing will not appear real. 

Make sure to go to the designer’s website and make sure you like most or all of the sample photos. Be sure to look at front views as well as the backside. A narrow cut in the back will make your glutes appear more muscular; where a wider cut suit in the back will make your glutes appear wide and more flat, which is not the look you want!

If the designer you wish to use is too expensive, which is very common, contact the designer and see if you can negotiate. Ask her about suit rental or payment installments. Many girls decide to rent suits from other competitors. This still costs a lot of money because most girls want a deposit to go along with the rental costs, just in case you don’t return the suit or damage it.

Rebecca Slatt

My last recommendation is to order BOTH your 1-piece suit AND your 2-piece from the same designer. Stay loyal to your designer and it will pay-off for you in the long run. Each time you order a new suit from her, it will fit you better than the last time because she will know how to adjust it in your advantage.

So now you see ladies, the choice is your’s! Pick the color you believe looks best on you, and also the one which you feel best in! You can always do one color for the 1-piece and another for the 2-piece. And remember you need to order EARLY!!! I would recommend a minimum of 4-6 months notice to your designer. When you finally get to show that suit off, be proud of yourself for all the hard work and dedication it took for you to get to where you are at now!

Who is the BEST?
The “best,” in my opinion of course is Cynthia James. She goes the extra mile to make sure her girls look the best they can look. She has more fabric and colors than you could imagine, and makes each girl she suits up look unique, like an individual on the stage. CJ has been designing uniforms and suits since she was 15 years old. It is her life. CJ has quite the history in the physique competitive industry. Not only does she design suits for hundreds of competitors and most of the top professionals, she also is remembered as a competitor herself. She doesn’t ask for much but when asked what she wants to be remembered for, her answer is: "For setting the trend." That a female can be a body builder and still be feminine."

Here are some links to shop for suits! Enjoy and Good luck!

www.cynthia-james.com
www.passionfruitdesigns.com
www.jagware-posingsuits.com
www.mcbodywear.com
www.cherrybombs.net
www.cryscorner.com
www.hardwearseattle.com
www.fitnessandfigurecompetitionsuits.com -this website showcases used suits from both pros and amateurs so you can save some money and buy used suits!

Finally, I wanted to provide a helpful link to an article on makeup tips and tricks of top competitors:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/alissa12.htm

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