Bikini

The Bikini category is open to females over 18 years of all experience levels, including first timers. This category has only one round of competition, the bikini presentation round. Note that in this category, competitors are allowed to express a lot of creativity in terms of bikini selection.

The Bikini category will consist of an Open division for competitors over 18 years of age and a Masters 35+ division that is open to females 35 years of age and above.  Competitors ages 35 and above may compete in the Masters division or the Open division or both.

An explanation of the Bikini category requirements

Much like the Figure and Fitness Model categories, judges are looking at the following:

• Overall athletic appearance
• Grooming (hair and facial beauty)
• Overall athletic development of the muscle
• Proportion & symmetry
• Condition of the skin & skin tone
• Presentation (poise, posture, confidence)

The differences between the 3 categories are the DEGREE of conditioning of the competitor and the posing and presentation. Figure competitors would have the highest amount of muscle mass and muscle separation and even some vascularity.  Fitness Models will have a slightly lower amount of muscle mass and separation than the Figure competitor (ie: clearly defined abs, however, not so much separation of quadriceps muscles). The physique of the ideal Bikini competitor can be best described as “tight.” While we want to see that the competitor is athletic, they would not necessarily need to do isolation weight training and do not need to have clearly defined muscle groups. With that said, the category could be open to any kind of athletic competitor with a low bodyfat percentage. Keep in mind that body shape, symmetry and proportion are still very important as outlined above.

In addition, Bikini competitors should have a high degree of “sex appeal” as these competitors at the highest level would be selected for such projects as shooting for American Curves, promo modeling, print modeling for clothing designers, etc.

Examples of the type of look that an ideal Bikini Model competitor should possess can be found in magazines such as Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, Victoria’s Secret or American Curves. After reviewing these kinds of magazines, one will note the wide array of body types that would be suitable for this particular category.

Rounds of Competition

Bikini Presentation Round – (100% of score)

In this round, competitors will enter the stage wearing a 2 piece bikini with stiletto style shoes, typically clear shoes as not to distract from the physique itself. Competitors are allowed to express their individuality and creativity in picking their bikini and can select a custom designed bikini OR an “off the rack” bikini from a retailer such as Victoria’s Secret or Bikini Village. Bikinis, however, should not resemble Figure posing suits; criss crossing straps at the back or a lot of stone work should not be seen on the bikini.

Competitors will go to 3 determined points on the stage, one at a time, and perform 1-2 freestyle poses of their choice at each point. Competitors will then go to the back of the stage to form a line-up until a predetermined number of competitors have come out onto the stage. Ladies will then be asked to come to the front of the stage where they will be asked to perform a series of quarter turns so that judges will have a chance to assess the physique from all angles as well as the execution of the quarter turns.

Unlike the Figure category, competitors are NOT being ranked against one another; they are being scored based on what looks best for them and what the ideal Bikini model should look like based on the opinion of the judges. Each competitor will be assigned a total score out of 25 from each judge based on the criteria outlined, and not until the scores are entered into the computer will the rankings be known. This is unlike Figure in which each judge is giving each competitor a rank based on the number of competitors and therefore, they would know the rankings of each competitor.

 

Costume Round (UFE Halloween Mayhem ONLY)

At UFE Halloween Mayhem, competitors have the CHOICE to REPLACE their bikini with a costume. Keep in mind that judges will be looking for all the same criteria as if the competitor was wearing a bikini so be sure that the costume is flattering to the physique and shows enough off that the physique can be properly judged. The costume round may also allow competitors to be even more creative in their presentation on the stage (ie: presentation can reflect the choice in costume). Competitors that wear a costume will be eligible for the best costume prize, however, scores will not be affected based on the competitor’s choice to wear a costume or not.

 

Other Points/ Tips to Remember for Bikini Competitors

• Competitors should avoid wearing jewelry that distracts from their physique (ie: large necklaces, sparkling charms on necklaces or bracelets, etc.)
• Competitors should keep in mind that the judges are looking at them at all times. For this reason competitors should never stand totally relaxed on stage and should keep a positive attitude at all times.
• In the event of a tie, the highest and lowest scores from the competitors in the tie will be dropped.
• Competitors in the Bikini category tend to look best when they are dark, but not as dark as their Figure competitor counterparts. Having a base tan and using a product such as Protan is a good idea. Competitors should try to match the color of their face to their body with make-up, rather than competition tanning products. Facial spray tan is also a good option.
• The use of moisturizers with shimmer, Body Butter, etc. is fine if a competitor would like to have a bit of sheen to their skin, however, posing oils should not be used as the object is not to show as much muscle definition and separation as Physique or Figure competitors.
• Bikinis must cover all critical body parts. Demerit points will be given to competitors who have bikinis that are too provocative (ie: thongs and G-Strings).
• Try to always show confidence by keeping your head up and executing your turns and poses with surety. Remember in all subjective sports, poise and confidence will affect the way judges perceive you.
• Trainers, make-up artists, friends are not allowed backstage with the competitors. This is to prevent overcrowding in the dressing areas. Should a competitor need assistance, there will be volunteer staff to help them out.
• Tattoos, piercings, etc. are acceptable.
• Practice walking in your heels to ensure you are able to walk confidently in them on stage.
• Bikini bottoms should cover about 40% of the glutes while bikini tops should cover about 40% of the chest.  Significant deviations from this will cause demerit points to be assessed to the competitor.