Women’s Bikini: The Ultimate Guide to Competing in the IDFA

This detailed breakdown of the Bikini Division within the IDFA outlines everything an athlete needs to know before stepping on stage. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, understanding these guidelines is crucial for success in competition.

Is Bikini for You?

Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or you’re an experienced competitor, Bikini is your opportunity to showcase the perfect blend of athleticism and feminine curves. Your trained and shapely physique represents the dedication to a healthy lifestyle, highlighting both strength and beauty.

As you take the stage, let your presence radiate poise, grace, and charm. Your posing should be fluid and elegant, emphasizing your best features with smooth transitions and precise movements. Each step, turn, and pose should reflect not just sophistication, but also your passion and joy for competing. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time on stage, your smile, eye contact, and overall demeanor should exude self-assurance and a positive energy that draws in the audience and judges alike.

Bikini is more than just a category; it’s a celebration of all the hard work you’ve put in. This is your moment to shine, inspire, and bring your best self to the stage.

Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help. Contact Shaun or join our Free Facebook group, IDFA Room, to connect with fellow competitors and get inspired.

Athlete Attire: What do you Wear?

Posing Suit:

Competitors will wear a 2-piece bikini-style suit.
Choose a high-quality suit suitable for onstage competition.
G-strings, thongs, or bottoms that are too low in the front or back are not allowed.
Pro cut bikinis are permitted.
Off-the-rack bikinis are acceptable if in good taste. The suit must be approved by the IDFA prior to competition.
Must be in good taste and approved by the IDFA prior to competition.
Worn during both the Judging round and Presentation & Awards round.
All suits will be checked at Athlete Registration/Check-in.

Jewellery:

Earrings, bracelets, and wedding rings are permitted.
Jewelry should complement your look without overpowering or distracting from your physique.

Shoes:

Clear heels are required for both rounds.
They can be either slip-on or with straps.
Heel is no higher than 5″ and the sole no higher than 1.5″.
Platform heels are not allowed.
All shoes will be checked at Athlete Registration/Check-in.

Classes: Where do you Fit?

Novice Bikini:

Competitors who have not placed in the top 3 in an Open class equivalent in another organization or in the Novice class in an IDFA sanctioned event.
If more than 10 competitors, there will be 2 classes divided evenly and fairly based on height.

Open Bikini:

Competitors who have placed top 3 in the Novice class in an IDFA sanctioned event or in the Open class equivalent in another organization.
If more than 10 competitors, there will be 2 classes divided evenly and fairly based on height.
Winners of the Open class will earn IDFA Pro Status, provided there are at least 3 athletes in the class.

Masters 40+ Bikini:

Competitor is at least 40 years of age on day of competition.
One class for all Masters 40+ Bikini competitors.

Masters 50+ Bikini:

Competitor is at least 50 years of age on day of competition.
One class for all Masters 50+ Bikini competitors.

Pro Bikini:

Competitors who hold a current IDFA Pro Card
Competitor has earned Pro Status in a recognized natural organization and has been approved to compete in the IDFA Pro Division. The IDFA must approve this prior to competition.
One class for all Pro Bikini competitors.

Crossovers: Competing in Multiple Classes & Divisions

Masters 40+: Competitors in the Masters 40+ class can also enter the Novice and/or Open classes.
Masters 50+: Competitors in the Masters 50+ class have the option to enter the Novice and/or Open classes. Additionally, they can also compete in the Masters 40+ class.
Novice Competitors: Novice competitors may be allowed to enter the Open class as well, but this requires approval by the Promoter on a show-by-show basis.
Multiple Divisions: Athletes are allowed to enter more than one Division in the same show. For example, you can compete in both Bikini and Fitness Model, or in Men’s Bodybuilding and Men’s Classic Physique at the same event.

This flexibility allows you to showcase your physique across different divisions and classes, maximizing your competitive experience and opportunities to shine on stage.

Judging Criteria: How will you be Judged?

Judges will assess:

Symmetry and Proportion:

Your physique should have an even flow, with no body part standing out from the rest.
Equal development across all muscle groups is essential for a balanced appearance.

Muscular Development:

Judges are looking for a toned, feminine physique without visible muscle striations.
The physique should be well-defined, with particular attention to toned hamstrings and glutes.

Stage Presence:

Judges will assess your photogenic quality, execution of quarter turns, and Bikini Athlete T-walk.
Confidence, skin tone, makeup, and suit selection are key factors.
Overall poise and presentation will play a significant role in the final decision.

Judging Round: What do you have to do on stage?

Competitors will:

Line up in numerical order, facing the front in a Front pose (either hand on hip).
Each competitor will be introduced for their Bikini Athlete T-walk.
Bikini Athlete T-walk: Once the competitor is introduced they will walk in front (and Center) of the line-up, complete a Front Pose, then walk towards the front of the stage (Front Center), complete a Front Pose and Back Pose, then head to their left to the far end of the stage (Stage Right), complete either a Front Pose or a Side Pose, then head to the far right of the stage (Stage Left), complete a Front Pose or Side Pose, and then return to their original position in the line-up.

This is a Bikini Athlete T-walk and not a posing routine. The poses will be Bikini poses, not bodybuilding style poses.
The Bikini Athlete T-walk should take about 30 seconds per competitor, providing an opportunity to display your physique and confidence to the judges and audience.
Once the entire class has performed the Bikini Athlete T-walk the Head Judge will direct the class through the comparisons (see Photos of Bikini Mandatory Poses BELOW).

Mandatory Poses:

Front Pose:

One hand on the hip (choice of left or right hand).
Opposite Arm should hang naturally down below the hip.
Feet and hips should face forward, with a slight outward angle of the heels permitted.
Extend one leg to the side, keeping feet parallel.
Lats should be open but not fully flared as seen in Figure poses.

Back Pose:

Heels spaced up to shoulder width apart. (Heels may be together, or feet crossed)
Lats will be open but not flared as in Figure or Women’s Physique.
Hands shall be placed on the thighs on the back pose.
Hair shall be swept to the front to allow better back visibility.
A slight forward lean is acceptable; however, refrain from bending excessively forward. This is a family show.

Presentation & Awards Round

Competitors will:

Line up in numerical order, on the back line, facing the audience in a Front Pose (either hand on hip).
Once introduced the competitor will proceed to the front center of the stage and perform a FRONT Pose followed by a BACK Pose. Poses are no longer than 3 seconds in length. This is the competitors time to display their physique, confidence, and personality. Poses can consist of slight variations of the FRONT pose, and BACK pose in good taste.
Then return to their original position in the line-up.

Awards Presentation:

After the presentation round for each competitor in the class is completed:

All competitors in the class will exit the stage behind the curtain. If there are 5 or fewer competitors in the class, they will remain on stage.
The top 5 competitors will be called back to the stage, in no particular order, to the back line. Awards will be handed out to the top 5 on stage during the show. Note: Every athlete in the class will get an official placing on the IDFA website after the show.
The awards presenter will place a medallion around your neck as you line up on the front line of the stage. Competitors will be arranged in order from 5^th to 1^st place. The top 5 placements will be officially announced on stage.
After the awards are handed out, a photo will be taken of the Top 5, then the Top 3, and finally, a solo photo with the Winner.
Note: For the Pro Classes we will Official place every one of them on the stage at the event. For example, if we have 8 Pro competitors, we will place them 8^th to 1^st place at the show with medallions.

Award Details:

Amateur: The Top 3 will receive Large IDFA Custom Medallions, while 4th and 5th place will receive smaller IDFA medallions.
Pro: The Top 10 will receive Large IDFA Custom Medallions. Cash prizes may be awarded, and these will be announced prior to the event.

This is the process for awarding competitors in all classes, ensuring a clear and organized presentation.

This comprehensive guide ensures that you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the competition, from attire to posing and judging criteria. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for the Pro division, this information will help you present your best self on stage.