Specs
- Cut: Rio cut with gather back — 1/2 coverage
- Fabric: Velvet stretch with glitter and tie-dye treatments, 4-way stretch
- Colors: Burgundy glitter swirl tie-dye, black with glitter lines, turquoise/blue tie-dye glitter, teal with glitter
- Finish: Rich texture — sits between matte and hologram on the reflectivity scale
- Compliance: Meets NPC and IFBB open bodybuilding and 212 coverage requirements
- Made in: Clearwater, Florida — USA
- Availability: In stock — ships same-day or next business day
Who these trunks are for
Choose velvet if you want a premium-feel fabric that’s neither matte nor hologram — a middle ground that reads rich under stage lighting and adds visual depth on camera. The velvet pile catches light from one angle and absorbs it from another, creating natural shading and dimension that flat fabrics cannot produce. Glitter and tie-dye treatments add visual interest without crossing into hologram territory.
Velvet is particularly effective for darker skin tones, where the black-on-black contrast between the velvet and the body reads cleaner than glossy or hologram fabrics tend to.
Compare to our other bodybuilding trunks
All of our bodybuilding trunks use the same Rio cut with gather back — they differ in fabric:
- Matte Lycra ($34.95): Traditional no-shine. Most popular. Best value.
- Mist Hologram ($44.95): Subtle, soft shine. Refined look.
- Shatterglass Hologram ($44.95): Aggressive shine. Maximum stage pop.
- Velvet (this trunk, $49.95): Premium texture with glitter and tie-dye treatments.
- Snake Print ($49.95): Bold textured pattern. Unique stage statement.
- Custom: Made to order in any fabric and color we offer.
Sizing
Measure your waist at the hip-bone level.
- Small: 28–30″ waist
- Medium: 32–34″ waist (typical 175–205 lb competitor)
- Large: 36–38″ waist
If you are between sizes, dropping water for a show, or competing at the edge of a weight class, call us at 727-784-0844 before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Do these meet NPC and IFBB bodybuilding guidelines?
Yes. The Rio cut with gather back meets current NPC and IFBB open bodybuilding and 212 coverage requirements. Solid velvet fabrics with glitter or tie-dye treatments are stage-legal under current rules.
Why velvet instead of matte lycra or hologram?
Velvet sits between matte and hologram on the visual scale. Matte lycra reads completely flat under stage lights; hologram bounces light aggressively in every direction. Velvet has a pile that creates subtle shading — it picks up highlights on one side and shadow on the other as you move through poses, adding dimension that flat fabrics cannot produce. The trade-off is that velvet is more delicate and requires more careful handling.
How fast do you ship?
Most in-stock men’s trunks ship same-day or next business day from Clearwater, Florida. If you have a show in less than a week, call us at 727-784-0844 before ordering and we’ll confirm what’s possible for your date.
How does velvet handle competition tan?
Velvet is less forgiving than matte lycra when it comes to tan transfer because the pile can hold pigment. Always apply your competition tan well in advance and confirm it is fully dry before putting on the trunk. If possible, do the final tan coat after the trunk is on, working around the suit edges.
Care
Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. Velvet pile requires extra care: do not wring or twist, do not iron, and store flat or rolled — never folded — to prevent permanent crease marks. Lay flat to dry. Avoid contact with self-tanner before it has fully dried.
About SY Competition Suits
Manufactured in Clearwater, Florida since 1996. Same studio, same designer, same team. No overseas factories, no franchises. Suits You® is a registered trademark.
