Swimsuit Tips 

 When I first began competing, I had no clue as what to expect. I wore a solid purple suit that I found off the rack. I wore purple heels to match it and went it with my summer tan from the beach. I don't look back at those pictures too often! I learn new things at every competition to help improve my Grace & Physique Round scores.

* Swimsuits are typically glitzy and should be a solid color so not to be distracting. 
        You do not have to pay hundreds of dollars for a suit. My friend Rebecca Lee found one at Wal-Mart and you can probably find one at a swimsuit store.
        Allison Ethier makes her own suits and I order mine from Endless Sun. Another great company is Jagware. I order a solid color suit and dress it up myself with rhinestones.
        I had someone alter the bottoms to make them slightly smaller.

* Clear Heels are always the best because they make your legs look longer and draw attention to your body instead of your feet. Most heels range from 4-6inches.
        Practice, Practice, Practice walking and turning in them if you are not used to heels that high.

* Practice how you will stand, putting a hand on your hip and brushing your hair back.

* When standing face forward to the judges, be sure to have one foot in front of the other rather than side by side (Ballet 3rd position I believe).

* When you walk across the stage, always keep looking at the judges.
        I see many girls walking w/their head looking to the side for the x mark on the stage. If you lose eye contact they may lose interest.

* Walk slowly!!! (This means extra slow because you are probably walking faster than you think & this displays nerves to the judges)

* Keep your arms close to your sides or on your hip if competing in Fitness America or Tri-Fitness.
        They do not want your arms out or flexed because it looks too much like bodybuilding. Keep it very natural. Some girls arms just kind of flare out due to nerves and I've found it helps  
        to think about actually touching your leg with your hand if this is a problem, that way you know your arms are in.

*** See posing rules for other competitions such as NPC.

* Do hold your shoulders back, keep your head up, and your stomach tight. Try not to overarch your back.

* If you have long hair, don't let it get in your face.

* Skin Tone is important.
However you choose to tan ( I just use self tanners and Pro-Tan) make sure you are darker than you want to be! I always think I'm so dark until I get on stage. The lights really wash you out and I always feel lighter than the other person. If two bodies are exactly the same, the darker one will look better most likely.
If you don't tan your face, find a dark makeup to match your body. Don't forget your ears! Some people have dark bodies, faces, and white ears!

* Fake eyelashes are a favorite of many girls because they do make your eyes pop. Personally, I'm not good at putting them on and they bug me, but they do look pretty if I can do them.
* Make sure your hair is healthy and shiny.