Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering Your First Competition Bikini

Stepping on stage for the first time is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming.

With so many federations, bikini styles, colours, connectors, heel options and conflicting advice online, it's easy to wonder if you're making the right decisions.

The good news is that choosing your competition bikini doesn't have to be complicated.

After designing hundreds of competition bikinis for athletes around the world - and competing myself for nearly a decade - I can confidently say that most first-time competitors all ask the same questions!

This guide will answer them all.

By the end, you'll know exactly what style, colour and fit is right for you, what mistakes to avoid, and how to order with confidence.

Contents

• What is a competition bikini?
• When should you order your bikini?
• Check your federation rules first
• How to choose the right colour
• Choosing the right cup style
• Soft cups vs moulded cups
• Choosing the correct bottom coverage
• Why your bikini should fit your physique
• How to measure yourself correctly
• What if your body changes before show day?
• Competition heels
• Jewellery and accessories
• Common mistakes first-time competitors make
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Competition Bikini?

A competition bikini isn't simply a bikini covered in rhinestones...

It's designed specifically to enhance your physique on stage while meeting the rules of your federation.

Every detail - from the cut of the bottoms to the cup shape, connector style and crystal placement - can influence your overall stage presentation.

Unlike a regular bikini, a well-designed competition bikini should:

• Flatter your proportions
• Stay securely in place while posing
• Meet federation regulations
• Help you feel confident under stage lighting

The best bikini is one you never have to think about once you walk on stage.

When Should You Order Your Competition Bikini?

One of the biggest mistakes new competitors make is leaving it too late.

Your physique changes dramatically throughout prep, but your bikini still needs enough time to be designed, handmade and fitted correctly.

As a general guide:

Ordering early gives you more choice, less stress and enough time to make small adjustments if needed.

Step One: Check Your Federation Rules

Before you even start choosing colours, make sure you know what your federation allows.

Every federation has different rules.

Some allow rhinestone connectors.

Some don't.

Some require more bottom coverage.

Some have strict cup shape requirements.

Buying the wrong style could mean needing another bikini before show day.

Always check your federation's latest rules before ordering. Need advice? Message us on WhatsApp: +44 7983 498610.

How to Choose the Right Colour

Choosing a colour is one of the most exciting parts of designing your competition bikini but it can also be one of the hardest.

The best colour isn't necessarily the one that's trending or the one everyone else is wearing. It's the one that makes YOU feel your most confident on stage.

When choosing your colour consider:

• Your hair colour
  
• Your skin tone once tanned
• The overall look and feel you want to create

As a general guide:

• Blondes often suit cooler shades such as sapphire, red, teal, lilac and icy pinks.
• Brunettes can carry richer, vibrant colours like emerald, ruby, royal blue and deep purple.
• Red hair often looks incredible with jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue and plum.

There are no strict rules. Confidence will always outperform following trends.

Choosing the Right Cup Style

The cup style can make a big difference to your overall stage presentation. It affects the shape of your upper body, the balance of your physique and how confident you feel on stage.

There isn't a "best" option - just the one that best suits your physique and the look you're trying to achieve.

Soft Cup

A soft cup is made entirely from fabric, creating a natural shape that moulds to your body.

It's a great choice if you:

• Prefer a softer, more natural look.
• Have enough natural breast tissue to fill the cup.
• Are worried about gaping.
• Want the bikini to adapt to your shape throughout prep.

Moulded Cup

A moulded cup has built-in foam padding, giving a fuller, more structured appearance.

It's ideal if you:

• Want more shape and support.
• Have lost breast tissue during prep.
• Prefer a consistently rounded look.
• Plan to use removable inserts for extra fullness.

All Dream Bikini moulded cups include a hidden pocket for removable inserts, allowing you to customise your look.

Choosing the Correct Bottom Coverage

Choosing the right bottom coverage is about more than personal preference. Every federation has its own rules, so always check the latest guidelines before ordering.

The most flattering coverage will also depend on your physique. If you're very lean with good glute condition, you may suit a smaller cut. If you have a smaller frame or want to create the illusion of fuller glutes, a little more coverage can often provide a more balanced look.

The aim isn't to show as much as possible - it's to choose a cut that complements your physique while meeting your federation's requirements.

If you're unsure which style would suit you best, we're always happy to offer advice based on your physique and the federation you're competing in.

Why Your Bikini Should Fit YOUR Physique

Every physique is different.

Two athletes may have exactly the same waist measurement but require completely different bikini proportions.

That's why custom-made bikinis usually outperform off-the-shelf suits.

Factors such as:

• Height
• Torso length
• Glute shape
• Shoulder width
• Hip width
• Bust size

all influence how a bikini should be designed.

A bikini should enhance your physique - not force your physique to fit the bikini.

How to Measure Yourself Correctly

Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the best possible fit.

Before measuring:

• Wear underwear or a beach bikini you already like the fit of.
• Stand naturally.
• Use a soft tape measure.
• Pull the tape measure fairly firmly so it sits snug against your body without digging in.

The most important measurements are:

1. Under Bust & Bust – Used to determine your cup size and ensure the best fit.
2. Widest Glute Measurement – Helps us create the correct bottom size and coverage for your physique.
3. Height – Used to calculate a proportional front rise, ensuring your bikini complements your frame.
4. Crotch Length – Measure from just above your butt crease, through your legs, and up to the front. This allows us to create a truly custom front rise tailored to your physique. If you're unsure don't worry - we can make this proportional to your height using data from hundreds of bikinis we've designed over the years.

If you're unsure  don't worry.

Simply send us your measurements on WhatsApp and we'll happily check everything before production begins.

What If Your Body Changes Before Show Day?

This is one of the questions we receive most often.

The good news is that your bikini is designed with prep in mind.

Most competitors lose body fat while maintaining similar overall proportions. Our bikinis are designed with high-quality stretch fabrics and elasticated straps, allowing them to adapt naturally to the small changes that occur during the final weeks of prep.

If your physique changes significantly after ordering, contact us as soon as possible.

Small adjustments are possible, especially if we know in advance.

We also recommend trying your bikini on as soon as it arrives.

If you experience any fit issues contact us within 24 hours of delivery and we'll work with you to make it right under our Fit Guarantee.

Competition Heels

Your heels are just as important as your bikini.

The right heels should:

• Be federation approved
• Feel secure
• Allow you to walk confidently
• Complement your stage presentation

Always spend time practising your posing in your competition heels before show day.

Confidence in your walk can make a huge difference to your overall presentation.

[Shop Heels]

Jewellery & Accessories

Accessories should enhance your look without distracting from your physique.

Most competitors choose:

• Crystal earrings
• A crystal bracelet
• Competition heels

Less is often more.

The judges are assessing your physique - not your jewellery.

[Shop Accessories]

Common Mistakes First-Time Competitors Make

❌ Ordering too late

❌ Choosing the wrong federation style

❌ Buying bottoms that are too small

❌ Choosing a colour because someone else recommended it

❌ Not practising in competition heels

❌ Not trying the bikini on as soon as it arrives

❌ Leaving jewellery and accessories until the week before the show

❌ Being afraid to ask questions

Remember, no question is a silly question. We'd much rather help you before your competition than have you worrying unnecessarily on show day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before my show should I order?

Ideally 10–12 weeks before your competition to allow plenty of time for production, delivery and any adjustments if needed.

What if I don't know which style to choose?

That's exactly what we're here for. Simply send us a photo of your physique and your federation, and we'll happily recommend the most suitable design.

Can my bikini be adjusted if my body changes?

In many cases, yes. Contact us as soon as possible and we'll advise on the best solution.

Do I need inserts?

Not necessarily. Many competitors love the natural look of a soft cup, while others prefer the structure of a moulded cup with removable inserts. We also offer optional additional padding on our Bikini Builder if you'd like a little extra fullness. Ultimately, it's all down to personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship competition bikinis worldwide using tracked international delivery. Please allow 7–10 working days for international shipping, although orders often arrive much sooner.

Final Thoughts

Your first competition is something you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Choosing the right bikini shouldn't add unnecessary stress to your prep. With the right advice, the right fit and plenty of time before your competition, you can step on stage knowing every detail has been taken care of.

If you're unsure about colours, sizing, federation rules or simply need a second opinion, we're always happy to help.

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7983 498610) and we'll guide you through every step of the process.