Miss America Ends Swimsuit Competition: A New Era for Pageantry
Discover the historic transformation of Miss America as the iconic pageant abolishes its swimsuit competition to prioritize intellect, talent, and inclusivity.
Miss America Ends Swimsuit Competition: Ushering in a New Era
On June 5, 2018, the Miss America Organization announced a groundbreaking decision: the historic swimsuit competition would be eliminated from its annual pageant. This move, led by board chair Gretchen Carlson—herself a Miss America winner in 1989—marked one of the most significant shifts in the history of the contest, reflecting deep changes in attitudes toward women’s roles, empowerment, and the meaning of beauty.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- No more swimsuit competition: Contestants would no longer be required to parade in bikinis or one-piece swimsuits before the judges or audience.
- Focus on talent and intellect: Carlson emphasized a new judging criteria: “We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance. It’s going to be what comes out of their mouth that we’re interested in.”
- More inclusive and empowering: The organization strives to welcome women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, transforming the event from a “beauty pageant” into a platform for achievement and inspiration.
The Swimsuit Competition: From Icon to Controversy
Since its inception in 1921 as a bathing beauty revue, the Miss America pageant has been inseparably linked with swimwear. Early competitions in Atlantic City attracted thousands of spectators and became central to American popular culture—yet the swimsuit round, meant to symbolize modernity, liberation, and the emergence of athletic female bodies, has always courted controversy and polarized opinions.
History and Symbolism
- The iconic Catalina maillot swimsuit of the 1940s became a symbol of the pageant’s legacy, with winners like BeBe Shopp crowned during moments of suspense, often in full-length evening gowns as a gesture to “class up” the event.
- In the earliest years, even a trip to the beach had required modest, baggy dresses for women, but the pageant tapped into a growing fashion revolution: streamlined swimwear that revealed the female silhouette, powered by advances in textile engineering and changing norms around leisure.
- By the 1920s, streamlined swimsuits made of cable-knit wool and Lastex became highly liberating for participants, even as some contestants recalled their discomfort and the struggles to appear elongated and elegant.
Controversy and Criticism
- The swimsuit contest was dropped between 1928 and 1932, following pressure from conservative local leaders offended by young women in “sexy bathing clothes.” This tension persisted for decades, with religious ministers and social critics seeing the event as either scandalous or liberating.
- Repeated changes to programming—such as the inclusion of talent segments (1935) and scholarships (1945)—attempted to recast Miss America as a more respectable and aspirational competition for “proper, educated women.”
- Miss America banned two-piece bikinis until 1998, even as swimsuits in popular fashion and rival contests became more revealing and modern.
Gretchen Carlson’s Leadership and Vision
As chairwoman of the board of trustees, Gretchen Carlson made clear that ending the swimsuit round was both a symbolic and practical move to redefine the meaning of pageantry. Carlson’s experience as a former winner and her career in media positioned her to lead a transformation resonant with contemporary values. Her announcement emphasized a switch from appearance to substance: “We are no longer a pageant, we are a competition,” she stated, reinforcing the aim to judge candidates on their achievements and ideas, not their looks.
Transforming Judging Criteria
- Future Miss America competitions would judge contestants based on their private interviews, talent showcase, and social impact initiatives.
- The “evening wear” round also shifted away from judging appearance, allowing women to express personal style and confidence in their chosen attire.
- Carlson’s leadership aimed to encourage women from all walks of life to compete, making the event more accessible, empowering, and representative.
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Public and Industry Reactions
The removal of the swimsuit competition ignited widespread discussion and divided reactions:
- Supporters hailed the decision as a victory for women’s empowerment, noting that it liberates contestants from outdated standards and superficial judgment.
- Critics argued that the swimsuit round was central to the spirit of Miss America and lamented the “loss” of tradition or spectacle, while some former contestants expressed mixed feelings.
- Current titleholders: Cara Mund, Miss America 2018, tweeted, “#byebyebikini,” signaling support for the organization’s changes.
- Cultural commentators described the move as overdue in a climate increasingly sensitive to gender equity and body positivity.
Miss America and the Evolution of Pageantry
The end of the swimsuit competition represents a milestone in a century of evolution for Miss America:
| Year | Key Change |
|---|---|
| 1921 | Inaugural “Inter-City Beauty Contest” with swimsuit round |
| 1928-1932 | Swimsuit competition suspended |
| 1935 | Talent competition introduced |
| 1945 | Scholarships awarded |
| 1947 | No two-piece swimsuits permitted until 1998 |
| 2018 | Swimsuit competition abolished |
Empowerment, Inclusivity, and the New Miss America
Alongside historic changes, the organization now champions a broad definition of beauty, prioritizing intelligence, leadership, and community service. The elimination of the swimsuit requirement signals:
- Greater inclusivity: Women of all body types, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to participate.
- Emphasis on achievement: Judging is based on talent, intellect, and social impact, rather than physical attributes.
- Empowerment: Contestants gain national recognition for their accomplishments and ideas, supporting scholarship and advocacy.
- Modern relevance: The pageant adapts to contemporary movements, especially those questioning strict or unrealistic standards of appearance in media and public life.
Historical Perspective: Swimsuits as Cultural Artifacts
Swimsuits—once symbols of liberation—grew into flashpoints for debate about propriety, feminism, and media representation. The legacy of the Catalina maillot endures in museum collections and research, illustrating the shifting boundaries of style and social values in American history.
Changing Attitudes Through the Decades
- The earliest swimsuit rounds were considered scandalous but also thrilling and modern.
- Throughout the mid-20th century, swimwear remained enmeshed in both nostalgia and debate, with ritualized crowning ceremonies often balancing modesty and glamor.
- Pageant organizers grappled with pressures from sponsors, audiences, and critics, navigating the line between celebration and objectification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Miss America eliminate the swimsuit competition?
The decision was made to shift the focus from physical appearance to talent, intellect, and social impact, promoting women’s empowerment and inclusivity.
How will contestants be judged in future competitions?
Judging will prioritize private interviews, talent presentations, and social initiatives. The evening wear round will focus on personal expression rather than appearance.
Will Miss America still include traditional aspects like scholarships and talent?
Yes, the organization continues to award scholarships and highlight talent as central components of the event.
How has the pageant industry responded to the change?
Reactions have been mixed, with many welcoming the move as progress while others express nostalgia for the traditional format.
What does the change mean for future contestants?
Women of all backgrounds are now encouraged to participate, with expanded opportunities for recognition based on achievement and social impact rather than looks.
Conclusion: A Transformative Moment for Miss America
The Miss America Organization’s decision to end its swimsuit competition sets a new precedent in pageantry, echoing larger cultural currents toward gender equity, diversity, and the celebration of achievement. By focusing on substance over appearance, Miss America continues its journey toward relevance, respect, and meaningful empowerment for women nationwide.
References
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/miss-america-contest-is-forever-shaped-by-its-swimsuit-competition-180979125/
- https://time.com/5303443/miss-america-swimsuit-competition-history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_America
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uslv1_7KVZE
- https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_2011170
- https://missamerica.org/history/
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