Section 2: Equipment
Bodybuilding has no playing implements. The only item a competitor must have to compete is posing attire, which applies to all rounds (Article 6).
- Posing trunks (Article 6.1.1): one-coloured, opaque, clean and decent. Colour, fabric, texture and style are at the competitor's discretion. The trunks must cover a minimum of ¾ of the gluteus maximus, the front area must be covered, and the side of the trunks should be at least 5 cm (about 2 in) wide. Padding anywhere in the trunks is prohibited.
- Alternative (Article 6.1.1, Note 1): where a contest is held in a country in which posing trunks are prohibited, competitors may be obliged to wear gymnastic shorts with sides at least 15 cm (about 6 in) high, covering the whole gluteus maximus and the whole frontal area.
- Headgear (Article 6.1.3): generally prohibited. If required by the official rules of the competitor's country or by religious principles, a small, tight cap with no visor may be used. It should be shown at Official Athlete Registration and approved by the designated IFBB official.
- Jewelry and accessories (Article 6.1.2): except for a wedding ring, competitors may not wear footwear, glasses, watches, pendants, earrings, wigs, distracting ornamentation or artificial aids to the figure.
- Props (Article 6.1.4): the use of props during the Prejudging or Finals presentation is strictly prohibited.
Tanning and oil are governed by Articles 6.2 and 6.3, covered in Section 7.