beauty pageants

Miss Teen USA Is Eliminating the Swimsuit Portion

Scenes from Miss USA's bikini competition
Scenes from Miss USA’s bikini competition Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant will feature one major change from the previous year’s competitions: USA Today reports that it will be eliminating the swimsuit portion.

The pageant had previously required the contestants, aged 14–19, to walk across the stage in a bikini to “show off the athleticism of the competitors.” After fielding criticism for objectifying young women, the Miss Universe organization decided to replace that segment with an athleticwear competition. (Athleisure reigns supreme once again.) 

“This decision reflects an important cultural shift we’re all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same,” Miss Universe president Paula Shugart wrote.

May we suggest a caftan competition?

Miss Teen USA to Eliminate the Swimsuit Portion