Choosing a suit that works for your body and within the guidelines of your competition
The Five “Cs” for Selecting the Perfect Suit
As a competitor, you know that the perfect suit will give you the confidence you need to win competitions. However, more importantly, the right suit can hide flaws and accentuate your strongest features. After all the hard work, discipline and dieting for many months or even years, it is important to select the proper suit to display your body to it’s fullest potential. Deciding on a suit can be stressful because there are thousands to choose from, but there are five things you must definitely keep in mind when narrowing your choices.
CUT
Most importantly, you must know the rules and regulations of the organization sponsoring your competition or pageant, and specifically, the rules regarding your class. This is the most obvious first step in the selection process. After all of your hard work, it would be extremely disappointing to place lower because the published rules were not followed.
Next, you must know your body’s strengths and weaknesses or order to accentuate the positives. For instance, if you’re short-waisted, you’ll want to consider having the waist adjusted a little lower to give the illusion of a longer waist. Conversely, if you are long-waisted, you can have the waist adjusted slightly higher to give the illusion of a more proportioned waistline. Of course, scars must also be taken into consideration when determining the best cut. A custom posing suit designer can easily adjust a suit to cover a c-section or other scar that makes you uncomfortable.
For bikini competitions, we offer two bottom styles: Scoop and Extreme Scoop with a scrunchie butt offered with crystal hip jewelry, chains, metal embellishments and any other option your imagination desires. For all other competitions, including but not limited to, figure, best body, fit body and bodybuilding, we offer a V-front cut and three rear widths.
For bikini competitions, we offer as many top styles as you can imagine including adjustable rounded triangle, adjustable narrow triangle, adjustable halter, bandeaus, cross-front straps and adjustable elongated triangle in addition to crystal centerpiece and strap jewelry options. You should bear in mind your cup size and implants for the best style and fit. For all other competitions with regard to the suit top, the halter top will provide a little more coverage in the chest. If your pecs are a weaker area or you would feel more confident with additional coverage, select the halter option. In either case, you will have the option of cup inserts, which can add up to one cup size to your figure. Also available are gel inserts which can be used over and over again from one suit to another, and give you a slightly larger and more natural appearance. On the other hand, you may have implants and wish not to have the inserts at all. You should discuss all of these things with us.
COLOR
Typically, hair and eye color will be the strongest determining factors in your choice of suit color. Because everyone’s skin is so dark for a competition, almost all natural skin tone will be camouflaged. However, different tanning products will impart a different tone to the skin, no matter how dark. You should know if you will be more gold, brown or red. We do offer an extensive selection of Jan Tana tanning products for your convenience.
Here are some examples of good matches:
Red Hair: The warmer tones usually compliment red hair best. Consider coppers, tans, greens, teals, red-orange tones and burgundies.
Blonde and platinum hair: Having this hair color offers the unique ability to wear gold or silver well. It also goes well with coral, turquoise or aqua, pink and blue tones.
Brown and black hair: In order to balance out the darkness on the top, those with dark hair will do best going with a darker color on the body. Tones of red, from lipstick to burgundy, royal blues and navies, raspberries, plums, purples and hunter would serve you best.
Blue or green eyes: Whether your hair is light, dark or red, matching your eyes will always be the right choice, going with a lighter or darker shade depending on your hair color.
Women of color: Richer tones would work well for you such as reds and deep pinks. In addition, brights such as corals would also be very flattering. Blacks and browns would not be the best choice for you.
Please keep in mind, that these are only guidelines. Your preference and what makes you feel most confident is of primary importance.
CRYSTALS
The highest quality crystals will provide the best stage sparkle. We embellish our suits with only the highest quality crystals. Obviously, fewer crystals, a simple design and little customization will keep the price more manageable for those who are budget conscious. The price increases as the number of crystals and color of crystals increases and the designs become more intricate as application of the crystals is extremely labor intensive. Also, we continually produce new crystal designs that will be appealing to the most discerning competitor.
COST
Determine your budget before selecting a suit. There are many terrific, affordable options available. We have several beautifully-embellished suits for less than $250. Fit, however, should be your main objective. Any custom suit you purchase from us will have the same fit whether it’s $200 or $2000 because it is made to your measurements and specifications.
CLIENT SERVICE
Your suit provider should offer the highest level of client service, a willingness to listen to your needs and wishes, the knowledge to answer your questions and make the best recommendations for you, a passion for creativity and the technical ability to construct a beautifully-made suit. Finally and most important, your suit should be completed on time and within your budget!