Category

Bikini

Bikini competitors on stage Ban Studios

At a glance

Bikini

  • 2Criteria
  • 4Quarter turns
  • 35sI-Walk

What to wear: A two-piece bikini: the top ties straight across, and the bottom is a Pro or Brazilian cut with coverage at the back (thong and scoop cuts are discouraged). Solid or multi-coloured, and may be decorated with studs, rhinestones, beads, appliques, connectors or straps. Heels are required (typically 4 to 5.5 inches) and jewellery is permitted.

Class Eligibility Guide

Official WNBF Criteria

  1. Criteria 1 of 2

    Fitness & Balance

    Judges look for round shoulders, defined abs, soft lines in legs, and tight glutes. An X-frame is rewarded, as is some degree of overall development, with separation between muscle groups. But conditioning and muscularity should be less than other classes. For example, quads should be separated, but there should not be visible cross striations.

    • Round shoulders & X-frame
    • Back & glute development
    • No cross striations

  2. Criteria 2 of 2

    Physical Appearance

    Encompasses the overall appearance of the athlete, including stage presentation, posing skill, suit choice, tanning, hair, and makeup. Movement should be graceful, transitions should be smooth, posing should appear to take no effort.

    • Graceful, effortless posing
    • Hair & make-up
    • Tan & suit choice

Every class is scored by a panel of 5 to 7 judges. How judging works

Posing guide

Athletes perform the 4 mandatory quarter turns, turning to the right each time. The Head Judge may also ask the class to walk to the back and front of the stage to separate close scores.

1 / 4 Starting position

Front Pose

  • Hips and toes forward, one leg extended to the side.
  • One hand on your hip, the other arm hanging below your hips, no more than 17 to 25 cm out.
  • Lats open, but less flared than Figure. A slight twist is fine if both hips and shoulders stay visible.

Posing tip: Keep it graceful and soft. Posing should look effortless, with lats open but not flared.

2 / 4 Quarter turn right

Side Pose Left

  • Hips face the right side of the stage. You may twist and look towards the judges.
  • Turn your upper body about 35 degrees towards the judges so your rear shoulder shows.
  • Either leg can be bent, and one heel may be lifted.
  • One hand on your hip, the other hanging freely. Long hair pushed back.

Posing tip: Use the twist to show your shoulders and glutes, while your hips stay facing the side.

3 / 4 Quarter turn right

Back Pose

  • Face the rear, heels shoulder-width apart, weight centred or shifted. Don't turn your head to the judges.
  • Hands on your hip flexors or quads, or one hand on your hip and the other arm within 17 to 25 cm of your hip.
  • Lats open but not overly flared. Hair to the front. No wide straddle or deep bend.

Posing tip: There are two arm options for the rear pose, as shown in the photo. Option I: hands on your hip flexors or quads. Option II: one hand on your hip and the other arm to the side, no more than 17 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in) from your hip.

4 / 4 Quarter turn right

Side Pose Right

  • Hips face the left side of the stage. You may twist and look towards the judges.
  • Turn your upper body about 35 degrees towards the judges so your rear shoulder shows.
  • Either leg can be bent, and one heel may be lifted.
  • One hand on your hip, the other hanging freely. Long hair pushed back.

Posing tip: Use the twist to show your shoulders and glutes, while your hips stay facing the side.

1 of 4

Bec Hutley

Official Media Team: Ban Studios

I-Walk

Stage order

  1. 1 Judging comparisons: quarter turns 4 mandatory quarter turns, turning right each time.
  2. 2 I-Walk (not scored) Return one by one: a front pose at the rear centre stage, a walk to the front, then your poses.

I-Walk

The I-Walk is separate from the judging comparisons and isn't scored, but it may be used to break a tie. It's your chance for some individual stage time to show grace, poise and confidence.

Once per category: you only do your I-Walk in the first class you compete in for each category on the day. For example, if you enter Novice and Open in Bikini, you will only do your I-Walk in the Novice class.

On stage
  • Start with a front pose of your choice at the rear centre stage, then walk to the centre front.
  • Present your front, preferred side and back pose, plus any other poses or transitions of your choice.
  • Use WNBF Bikini approved poses, or simply the mandatory quarter turn poses. Over-exaggerated posing, Bodybuilding, Figure or Fit Body poses and gymnastic moves are not allowed.
  • Hold each pose for no more than 3 seconds.
Music
  • The I-Walk is done to music chosen by WNBF Australia.
  • 35 seconds is the maximum time for the I-Walk.

Ready to step on stage?

Check the 2027 show dates and register for your first Bikini class.

Register for a show See the classes