The swimsuit contest has proven itself to be hugely successful in raising money or in promotional activities. The fact remains though, that there is a significant number of the population who would argue that they are nothing more than exploitation vehicles for women. The organizers of these contests counter claim that swimsuit contests provide judges the perfect opportunity to judge a person's physical fitness, their poise and their posture.

In America the swimsuit contest is as American as homemade apple pie. Often the swimsuit contest is a stand alone event where contestants are judged solely on their physical appearance. The swimsuit contest is also held as an integral part of the large beauty pageants where contestants are judged in several other areas, each being allocated a separate score.

There are many strong critics of the swimsuit contest, there always has been, and no doubt they will always remain. Their objection stems from the belief that these contests send out a completely wrong message to society. This is that beauty is the single most important quality that a girl can have.

It is well known that sex sells, so it is understandable that the beautiful bikini clad model is used extensively on promotions. Unfortunately this has had the disastrous effect of sending out incorrect messages to society where worth is now equated with beauty and perfect bodies. It is no wonder that so many of our young are afflicted with either eating or emotional problems.

The swimsuit contest is still a very controversial issue in such pageants as Miss Universe and Miss America. Even though it has lost its prominence as far as judging goes, it is still regarded as an essential component of both contests. One has to wonder if this has not happened because of pressure from certain sections of the public. For example, evening wear is now awarded more marks than the swimsuit contest in the Miss America pageant.

Because of the continuing public outcry over swimsuit contests in the major beauty pageants, a phone poll was organised to determine just how the public felt on this issue. An overwhelming 87% of people interviewed were in favour of keeping the swimsuit contests going.

The swimsuit contest has been responsible for launching many careers in the fashion industry. Swimsuit models are now regarded as professional career women and paid accordingly. The contests have proven to be an ideal launching pad for many hopeful models.

The swimsuit contest more or less as we know it now has been around for nearly a century. It used to be referred to as a bathing beauty contest, and naturally came in for a huge amount of criticism and was totally shunned by the middle class. Beauty pageants and their accompanying swimsuit contests gradually found acceptance during World War II when beauty queens were enlisted to sell US war bonds and entertain the troops.

Jewelry Products on our marketplace

During her swimsuit contest times, Sam Curtis took many prizes. Nowadays, her site VogueSwimwear.org brings the fashionable and beautiful swimwear to women and men alike. This and other unique content swimsuit contest articles are available with free reprint rights.