How to Choose a Posing Suit?

After months of hard training, dieting and posing the big day has arrived and it is time to wear that posing suit you purchased months ago. Before ordering the suit there were many decisions to make and each one plays an important role with the final selection. Although it is "just a posing suit" there is so much to take into consideration before making the purchase. Perhaps these tidbits will help make your purchase easier.

Find a reputable retailer:
Although bodybuilding seems to be an "in your face sport" due to the flashes of big muscle; finding a reputable retailer can be one of the hardest feats. Many tailors do not do posing suits because they are extremely hard to make so begin looking for a tailor early on. Look for a tailor that is willing to answer your questions and one who has a good reputation and dossier. If you know anyone else who is doing a show ask them who made their suit and ask if they have any recommendations.

Decide the price range:
Unknown to most people these suits vary in price range and can be very costly depending on the design, cut, embellishments and the fabric of the suit. Suits can be as low as $50 and well into the thousands. Have in a mind a realistic and affordable price range. Also, don't forget to consider the shipping costs and time frame if it's being mailed to you.

Competition weight and measurements:
For the novice bodybuilder, fitness, figure or bikini competitor this can be very tricky. The reason is because you're planning your competition weight an average of twelve weeks before the show. Make sure there is someone well equipped to do your body mass index and measurements so you have accurate information. Follow all the instructions or diagrams for measurements. This information will be relayed to your tailor once it is time to order. If your tailor is in the area you live in ask her to do the measurements so they are precise.

Know the guidelines for the styles of suits allowed:
A posing suit is similar to a swimsuit but much more ornate and can be considerably smaller. Read all of the regulations and guidelines before choosing a suit. Some of the competitions allow thong bottoms while others don't. Straps are also allowed on the suit but must extenuate the muscle so it's important you and your tailor know this. An experienced suit maker will know this already.

Choose a style:
Once the tailor has been chosen look through her catalogue, pictures, website and etc. in order to see the type of work she produces. For example: Kira Jones of Vandella Costumes has several styles that she uses as templates. Some of these are halter, bikini, under wire bikini, v-front gather and high front bottom styles and etc. If you see a bra style top, and you own a bra like it, stand in the mirror to see how you really look in it. This is also a good time to decide if you will need bust pads since many competitors bust lines decrease from dieting. Remember the posing suit will fit like a second skin and you will be much leaner so this is only a guide. Do the same with the bottoms, also. Lastly, the suit is supposed to accentuate your frame so choose the style you feel will look the best on and not because it looks great on the model.

Choose a color swatch:
Besides the importance of the cut; the color is also detrimental. As a competitor you will be standing on the stage with many other competitors so the color needs to pop. Certain shades of red, purple, brown, and gold can be tricky and can blend with your skin tone depending on how your skin tans and the tanner used.

Decide on the embellishments:
The suit you choose can be plain or adorned with sequins, beads and rhinestones. Some of the suits will already have a basic design pattern and embellishments but can usually be altered to your liking. This may change the cost of the suit because it is considered "custom made" so plan accordingly if there is a price difference.

After some thought and research finding a suit should be a reasonable task. After ordering your suit you will have other things to work on like training and dieting so let your tailor worry about the suit. Once you have received the posing suit try it for a proper fit and move on from there. If your suit is just as you planned then the only thing left is to do some posing sessions in it.