The NPC and IFBB established the Bikini division in 2009 for women who did not want to gain the muscle mass necessary for bodybuilding, fitness or figure. Bikini is defined by a toned physique but without the excessive leanness seen in the other divisions, with an overall feminine shape. What I love about the bikini division is that it enables competitors to show a flirty attitude onstage. This division has grown tremendously among competitors and spectators since its inception, but has gotten a bit of heat from naysayers who hold onto the “bigger is better”approach in bodybuilding.

Here are the NPC guidelines for the Bikini division:

• Competitors will compete in a two-piece suit.
• The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped.
• No thongs are permitted.
• Competitors can compete in an off the rack suit.
• All swimsuits must be in good taste.
• Competitors must wear high heels.
• Competitors may wear Jewelry.

Height Classes
For National Level Contests that are Professional Qualifiers:
• Up to and including 5’1”
• Over 5’1” and up to and including 5’2½
• Over 5’2½” and up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4”and up to and including 5’5½”
• Over 5’5½” and up to and including 5’7”
• Over5’7
A promoter can choose to have fewer Height Classes for non-national level contests as follows:
For all Contests with Two (2) Height Classes:
• Up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4”
For all Contests with Three (3) Height Classes:
• Up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4 and up to and including 5’&’
• Over5’6”
For all Contests with Four (4) Height Classes:
• Up to and including 5’2”
• Over 5’2” and up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’6”
• Over 5’6

Competition Judging
Presentation
Competitors will walk onstage alone and perform their Model Walk (personal preference).
The Model Walk consists of the following:
• Walk to the center of the stage, Stop and do a Front Stance,
• then a full turn and do a Back Stance,
• then turn to the front again and face the Judges as directed,
• then proceed to the side of the stage.
Comparison Round – Two-Piece Swimsuit
• Competitors will be judged wearing a two-piece swimsuit and heels.
• The competitors will be brought back out in a group and directed to do a full Front and Back Stance.
• Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in half turns. (No side judging permitted, front and back only)