Competition Prep for Beginners: Suit Selection (2 of 4)
The 2nd segment in my competition for beginners series focuses on proper suit selection.
Suit Selection
So you think you have seen the posing suit you want, which just happens to be similar in style to the suit won by the Arnold or Olympia winner. It is beautiful, gorgeous, and you have already envisioned yourself stepping on stage wearing it. But wait, what you may not know is that posing suits can quickly become one of the most expensive components of competition. Knowing these tips will help you with the initial process of selecting the best suit for your needs.
Create a Budget
Depending on your preference of suit, this can be one of the most expensive components of competition (specifically for figure competitors). You first need to determine how much you are willing to and can afford to spend on your suits. And remember that in many organizations you need both a one and two-piece. Prices range anywhere from $180-$2500+ per suit. With so many suit makers out there, there is one who will fit your budget. Once you’ve decided on a price, see which makers fall within your budget. Do an online search for “competition suits.” Some designers are getting more flexible with costs and are allowing you to make several small payments over time, while others ask for the bulk of the cost up front. And please don’t be fooled into thinking you have to have the most glammed up suit to win a competition. Many of the ladies with the “couture” suits are getting sponsors to cover costs, so they are able to get the suits with a lot of “bling”, without breaking the bank. Although it is important to have a nice suit, you should not go broke in the process of trying to attain it. Another suggestion is if you still find that your budget is tight, order a moderately embellished suit, buy the same Swarovski crystals that the designers use (at half the price) and embellish the suit yourself using craft glue. Look at magazines to get ideas of stone designs you like and experiment. Buy a cheap suit from the clearance rack and practice different stoning designs prior to working on your actual suit. Competitors are getting so savvy now that some of their self designed suits look better than the costly designers. Of course there is always the option to purchase used suits online from other competitors. The only drawback is that the suit often requires alterations. Regardless of the method you choose, stick within your price range because it is so easy to see other suits, get over zealous, and spend well outside your budget.
Select the Proper Color
When selecting the proper color, remember two things: it must accent your skin tone and look good on stage. It is also important that you take into consideration the color of your hair and your skin tone on competition day . Significant mistakes are made when ladies select suit colors based on their present skin and hair color and then morph into something completely different the day of the contest and wonder why the color does not look as nice. A good place to start is to think of colors you feel look good on you or that others have said highlight your skin tone well. Stay away from colors that will drown you out (ie: blondes may want to stay away from whites, darker complexions away from browns, and ladies with jet black hair away from black and navy blue). It has also been said to select color hues at the darker end of the spectrum because they show better on stage. (ie-selecting a magenta rather than soft pink; turquoise rather than baby blue). Ask for fabric swatches so you can actually see what the color looks like rather than just looking at it online. Don’t be afraid to get feedback from others as well. You’ve worked hard and want to put your best total package forward.
Select the Proper Style & Cut
Similar to color selection, your suit style must complement your physique. A good suit designer should ask to see pictures of your physique and should provide corrective feedback if you desire to purchase a suit that is not flattering for your body style. Consider whether you have a thick/slender waist, long/short legs, long/short torso and hips size. Additionally, you must consider your bust size accordingly. Many competitors have implants, which are fine, but a proper suit should appropriately cover your bust and not let them protrude on the sides. And ladies without implants, please strongly consider getting padding made into your suit. You can add the store bought pads, but they tend to not provide as much lift as the built in padding. Again, refer to magazines and online pictures of designers you like and consult with your designer to see if that is the best cut suit for you. Many times, there are slight modifications that can be made to your desired suit that can make it more flattering for your figure. Additionally, you may also benefit from seeking out designers who include any necessary alterations in the original price. There are instances when ladies pay $900+ for a tailor made suit, only to find that it is not properly cut and that they need to pay additional money for the designer to make alterations. Once you get the suit, be sure to try it on…..and don’t panic. It never fits exactly like it does the day of the show when you are lean and depleted.
Following these steps will surely get you going in the right direction for selecting the best suit for your first competition.
Although definitely not exhaustive, this list of suit makers will also help you get a jump start on things:
www.sensational-designs.com
www.divaexchangefitness.com
www.christinemarshdesigns.com
www.passionfruitdesigns.com
www.cynthia-james.com
www.merrychristine.com
www.fitweardesigns.com
www.dreamwearonline.com
www.lidiaconti-bodywear.com
www.cryscorner.com
www.thewinningsuit.com
www.fitnessandfigurecompetitionsuits.com
www.jagware-posingsuits.com/
www.fitswim-byceleste.com
www.maggiefit.com
www.ccfitwear.com/
www.fitswim-byceleste.com
www.posingwear.com
www.GoFigureSuits.com
www.bikiniguru.com
www.suityouswimwear.com
www.lindacusmano.com
www.fitnessteambc.com
www.bodyrushpersonaltraining.com
October 15, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Thank you for sharing this post. Might I also add my suggestion based on my own suit nightmare. Choose a designer that has a good track record and comes highly reccommended by others. I decided to give a new suit designer a chance and unfortunately it blew up in both of our faces. I was stressed and in tears days before my competition because I did not have my suit nor had I even seen a picture of the finished product. Now I’m stuck with a suit that I will not use again due to poor quality. Sometimes a deal really isn’t a deal after all. Be careful ladies. Insist on getting a base to try on well ahead of time before your suit is finished. In the future I will even insist on a formal written contract rather than just emails.
Another suit designer I would reccommend is www.saleyla.com. The designer, Silvia did a great job making my friends suit (Hwy2Hottie on Bodyspace). Silvia also helped calm my nerves and was willing to overnight me a backup suit ASAP during my suit drama.
October 15, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Thanks again for priceless information. and not to sabotage your blog, gypsie, thank you for sharing your first hand experience. you look fabulous by the way and i hope it was a wonderful experience aside from the suit drama.
October 16, 2009 at 12:04 am
GYPSIE: You are absolutely right! I’ve seen many girls gt ripped off by suit makers. Siouxcountry.com has a thread where several girls mention makers who have scammed them.
I tend to go by look and then do my research on the maker. I’d rather get quality and then add bling, rather get a super blinged out suit that doesn’t fit as well.
And thanks fot the suitmaker!
October 16, 2009 at 12:05 am
RENEW: Sure thing! Everyone, please feel free to add reputable suitemakers to the list….the more, the better!
October 16, 2009 at 10:39 am
Image is everything when it comes to competition. Sometimes i think of all the prep that women have to do outside of thr training and dieting….hair, nails, tanning. I wonder how women who compete can keep their sanity sometimes.
October 16, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Jumper11 one of the listed vendors is near me so when the time comes i’ll get see first hand what i’m working with. thanks again!
October 16, 2009 at 7:15 pm
WAYNE: Good point. I think that would be great if someone could follow a lady along as she did her contest prep. Not the training, but the hair, nails, exfoliating, tanning, makeup…..ughh!!! It is exhausting……BUT I’ve found wonderful ways to cuts costs on all that…..but that’s another blog!
November 4, 2009 at 4:39 pm
gypsie77,
Thank you for the testimonial!!
November 30, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Thank you for the list of websites! I had look at a few of these but not at some of the others. I really want to step it up this year because I plan on winng at the Ronnie an then going onto Jr. Nationals later next year. Are you by chance selling any of your old suits? I like that purple one in your picture.
November 30, 2009 at 6:42 pm
MICHELLE: Good for you girl! You’d better take the who RC show next year!!
I hope the list helps you. The purple suit in the pic was actually one I borrowed from a friend, but I will ask if she is willing to sell it. If you are serious about it PM me. I’ll check with her and get back to you. 