Still left scratching your head? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions you may also be wondering about!

Q: Why should I choose to work with Iron Siren Custom Stagewear?

A: When you choose to work with Iron Siren Custom Stagewear, you are choosing to treat yourself to the VIP experience! For all that hard work you’ve put in, you deserve nothing but the best, don’t you?!

I have over 33 years of sewing experience, over 5 years as a custom garment designer, and my suits have won multiple awards.

I am also a competitor myself! I live a very active lifestyle and stepped on stage for the first time at a Canadian Physique Alliance competition in 2018. I have competed in bikini and figure, so I understand all the finer details a non-competitor may not consider (i.e. choosing the lining colour wisely to prevent staining, sliding bikini clasps to make show day dressing and bathroom trips easy with no friction to ruin that spray tan). I also maintain personal contacts with many coaches and judges across a wide variety of bodybuilding leagues, which allows me to stay current with the league rules and up-to-date on what judges are looking for.

I am a one-woman show and only take on a small number of clients each season; this allows me to take a very in-depth and hands-on approach with each of my clients, and give them each way more attention than they’d receive from a large-scale operation. I like to get to know my clients personally so that I can fully understand their unique tastes, preferences, and challenges.

Because I run the show on my own, this also means that you can expect consistently top-quality suits. I don’t outsource or delegate a single task, so every suit will meet my own extremely high standards and reflect my own unique artistic flair.

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Q: Where are you located?

A: I conduct all work from my home in west Ottawa, ON. Because I work from home, my exact address will be provided to clients shortly before their first appointment.

If you are a current or former client, please do not share my home address with others (general area of the city only).

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Q: I don’t live near Ottawa, can I still work with you?

A: Absolutely! Provided you are a resident of Canada, that is (for insurance purposes).

If you are not local to the Ottawa area, please let me know early in our conversations, as the timeline for making your suit may be affected. I can conduct virtual consultations and guide you through the measurement process. Your suit will be mailed to you for fitting purposes (you will be responsible for return shipping fees and for returning the suit in a timely manner).

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Q: When should I order my suit?

A: Typically, the “sweet spot” to order your suit is 6-8 weeks prior to your show date. However, note that the local Ottawa shows (June and October) are always my busiest and my spots can fill up well before the 6-8 week mark! A non-refundable deposit of $250 or 25% of the total suit value (whichever is greater) is required to reserve a spot; this deposit will be applied to the final price of your suit.

Please note that booking a consultation appointment does not guarantee that a spot will be held for you. While it is up to you to decide when you would like to pay the deposit, please be aware that spots may be filled completely before your scheduled consultation appointment if you have not yet paid a deposit. In the event that no spots are available and you have a consultation appointment scheduled, you will be notified in advance so you can decide if you want to cancel your appointment.

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Q: How can I reserve a spot?

A: A non-refundable deposit of $250 or 25% of the total suit value (whichever is greater) is required to reserve a spot; this deposit will be applied to the final price of your suit.

Please note that booking a consultation appointment does not guarantee that a spot will be held for you. While it is up to you to decide when you would like to pay the deposit, please be aware that spots may be filled completely before your scheduled consultation appointment if you have not yet paid a deposit. In the event that no spots are available and you have a consultation appointment scheduled, you will be notified in advance so you can decide if you want to cancel your appointment.

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Q: Is there a deadline to pay the deposit if spots are still available?

A: No suit supplies will be ordered until the deposit is paid. Typically, supply orders are placed approximately 4-5 weeks before your show date, after your second measurement appointment.

However, please note that spots typically fill up well before this point and simply booking/attending a consultation appointment does not guarantee that your spot will be held.

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Q: Can I bring a guest to my appointment?

A: No, at this time, guests are not allowed at any in-person appointments (consultations, measurements, or fittings). This policy is in place for several reasons.

I ask that clients attend appointments alone out of safety and respect for my other clients and for my family; the fewer people I am exposed to, the less likely I am to catch and pass on an illness that could derail your competition plans!

I have also found that appointments with extra guests can take 2-3 times longer than average. Which I honestly understand, because this stuff is fun and everyone wants to join in! However, I typically have multiple appointments booked on the same day, so while I always plan to spend quality time with each of my clients and deliver a high standard of personalized service, I also have to be mindful of the appointments that follow.

Perhaps most importantly, one-on-one appointments also make it easier for me to get to know YOU personally and ensure I vibe with your own taste and preferences (rather than the tastes and preferences of your guests).

Exceptions can occasionally be made in extenuating circumstances involving children/dependents; in these situations, please contact me in advance for approval/permission.

Please note that this policy is FIRM. Unannounced and/or unapproved, surprise guests will be turned away at the door and not allowed inside. Attempts to circumvent this (or any other) policy may result in the cancellation of your appointment and/or suit order.

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Q: What styles of suit do you offer? Can I pick which style/coverage I like best?

A: I currently offer Bikini, Wellness, and Figure/Physique/Bodybuilding suits for female competitors. Generally, league rules and your category determines which suit style you must wear, so choosing the suit of a category you’re not competing in could mean you’re not allowed to wear it on stage!

  • Bikini category suits are V-cut in the back with a “scrunch” butt. These suits include shoulder, centre chest, and hip Preciosa connectors.
  • Wellness category suits are V-cut in both the front and back, and the back also has a “scrunch” butt. Traditionally, Wellness suit bottoms are all fabric (no hip connectors) and the sides sit higher than a Bikini but lower than a Figure/Physique/Bodybuilding suit. Some leagues are still allowing Bikini category-style suits to be worn in their Wellness category; current league rules and your preferences can be discussed at your consultation.
  • Figure/Physique/Bodybuilding category suits all share the same design! The bottoms are a deep V-cut in both the front and back, with no “scrunch” butt. The bottoms are all fabric and have a very high rise at the sides, generally designed to sit approximately at waist-level. The chest strap (under the bust) criss-crosses over along the lower back and hooks onto the back of the bottoms.

You can find examples of all three styles under the links at the top left of my page! Please note that I currently do not offer Fitness category costumes or theme wear.

Coverage is an issue best left for a one-on-one consultation. I will examine your physique for several factors (i.e. level of muscularity, proportional imbalances, conditioning, etc.) and custom-design your suit to best highlight all your hard work! Each suit is custom-drafted just for you, with personalized coverage and shaping.

When it comes to concealing scars or loose skin, this is another topic best discussed one-on-one. However, please be aware that sometimes when it comes to bodybuilding suits, trying to conceal a perceived “imperfection” can sometimes throw off proportions or even draw attention to it! Please remember that the suits are already quite “skimpy” and you will be standing next to other competitors wearing the exact same style of suit, so major coverage/shape changes can really stand out by comparison. But if you have any concerns, please bring them to my attention at your consultation and we will thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of all possible options so you can best decide what’s best for your physique and comfort level.

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Q: How long does it take to finish my suit? How does the process work?

A: While it may seem a tad unusual to first-time competitors, your suit will be finished as close to your show date as possible (no matter how early you ordered!). This is done so that your suit will fit you perfectly on show day. Competition suits aren’t like any other clothing you wear; in fact, it shouldn’t fit you now! In order to best ensure the suit is made to fit perfectly in alignment with how your prep is progressing and expected to conclude on show day, it’s best to take our time and monitor those changes in your physique.

After your consultation, you will be provided with a custom quote showing price options for the suit, as discussed. Along with your quote, you will be given a rough timeline of the “making of” your suit. This is done to keep you aware of how things are going behind the scenes, and also to make sure you know when to expect future appointments to be scheduled.

Generally, the process unfolds as follows:

  • 6-8 weeks before show date: initial consultation and first set of measurements
  • 4-5 weeks before show date: second set of measurements are taken and fabric/crystal/design choices are finalized (no changes can be made after this point)
  • 3 weeks before show date: in-person fitting appointment; crystal application work begins once the fit is confirmed
  • 1 week before show date: suit is delivered to client (must be paid in full before delivery)

Note that both the general timeline outlined above and the rough timeline provided along with the custom quote are for guideline/information purposes only and are subject to change.

Out-of-town clients must be aware that these estimates will likely need to be extended by 2-3 weeks to allow for shipping transit times.

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Q: I’m competing at an out-of-town show and planning on taking a mini vacation in that area before the competition. Is that okay?

A: Of course! Just please let me know as soon as possible so your rough timeline can be adjusted and I can plan to have your suit ready before you leave.

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Q: I’ve decided not to compete this year, but I have already paid my deposit. Can I get a refund?

A: No, sorry! Because I only take on a small number of clients each season, my spots are very limited. I only hold spots for clients who have paid deposits, and once my spots are full, I either have to turn clients away or put them on my waiting list. The deposit system was implemented to ensure only serious clients who genuinely intend to work with me are holding those very limited spots. Refundable deposits would defeat the purpose of this system!

However, if you need to move your show date for any reason and have already paid your deposit, please contact me immediately. You can “rebook” for a future competition date and you will be given priority placement for that show.

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Q: I will be rebooking for a future date. Should I have my suit made now or wait?

A: It’s always better to wait! You don’t want your suit to fit now, you want it to fit on show day! Many things can change over time…your leanness, your muscularity, your shape, even your competition category.

It’s best to let me know ASAP if you decide to compete at a later date. If you provide me with notice less than 4 weeks before the date of your original competition, the suit will likely already have too much work completed and will have to proceed as planned.

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Q: I bought some connectors and fabric that I love! Can you use them to make my suit?

A: Unfortunately, no. I custom draft each suit from scratch, and to do so properly, I have to be aware of the physical qualities (i.e. stretch, compression, recovery) of the fabric to be used. For safety purposes, I am also required to know the fibre content of the fabrics I’m working with.

Also, not all connectors are made equal; I use only top quality Preciosa brand connectors, which are the strongest and most reliable connectors available. While I may be able to make exceptions for connectors provided by the client, note that using these will void the fit/workmanship warranty I provide (as I cannot guarantee they will not break easily or snag the fabric of your suit). Discounts will not be offered in exchange for any connectors provided by the client.

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Q: Do you do custom crystal design work?

A: I’m glad you asked, it’s totally my specialty! While I work extremely well with clients of any budget and style preference, I think one of the areas where I truly shine is custom design work. Because I work so closely with my clients and take the time to get to know them personally, I love creating new and one-of-a-kind crystal designs that really stand out from the crowd.

Note that I do not copy designs from other suit designers (and hope they will show me the same respect in return!). However, please feel free to bring me design inspiration photos so I can get a feel for what you have in mind. This can be anything! Some examples of “inspiration” photos I’ve worked with over the years include: lighting fixtures, stained glass windows, jewelry, butterflies, even Drag Queen outfits! You can also get a “mood” board going if you like (feel free to share with me on Pinterest @ironsirenstagewear).

After we have come up with a general plan for your design, I will design 2-3 digital mock-ups. Generally, these designs will be of the top only to begin with; I will add the bottoms to complete the digital mock-up once you are completely happy with one of the top designs and/or I’ve edited it to suit your vision.

I do not charge extra for these custom designs, but note that custom crystal work can take significantly longer to apply to your suit. Therefore, the extra application time may increase the final price of your suit (which will be reflected in advance on your custom quote, depending on the complexity of the design).

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Q: I’m competing in two different categories. Do I need two suits? Can I get a discount on the second suit?

A: It’s very common to compete in two different categories, especially for first-time competitors! Depending on your league and categories, I can typically design two different pairs of bottoms to work with one single top (as long as you don’t mind if both suits are the same colour!). Because all suits are custom, all quotes are custom; depending on the circumstances and the colours/options you choose, I can typically offer a discounted price for clients who are competing in multiple categories.

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Q: Do I really have to attend a fitting?

A: Yes. Fittings are not optional! I guarantee the fit of my suits, but I cannot make this guarantee without a fitting (either in-person or virtual). Measurements never tell the whole story, and it’s always best to try it on. While significant alterations to my suits following a fitting are extremely rare, it’s impossible for me to know if a suit fits perfectly without seeing it on you. Especially in the case of fully-crystalled suits, fit alterations cannot be easily made (or sometimes made at all) once the suit is finished. If you choose not to schedule or attend a fitting appointment, you agree to purchase the suit “as is” and at your own risk (the suit will not be remade and no discounts will be offered).

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Q: I’m competing in a category that requires a costume (CPA Fitness, SAF Fitness Model, etc.). Can you make that for me?

A: At this time, no. I currently only have the capacity to focus on the more “traditional” style suits (bikini, wellness, figure, physique, bodybuilding, etc.).

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Q: Do you offer men’s posing suits/trunks?

A: Exciting news! As of Summer 2023, I am currently working on my men’s ready-to-wear posing suit line, with a target launch date set for early 2024. This line will be targeted to athletes competing in Men’s Classic Physique and Men’s Bodybuilding. While they may also be suited to other leagues, the design process is being specifically catered to CPA and NPC rules.

Look for an announcement here and on social media in the coming months regarding this Iron Siren Custom Stagewear sub-label, which is called Leviathan Muscle Stagewear.

The men’s line will not be custom-made, but please note that I am working closely with current male CPA athletes and coaches to perfect the style and fit while also incorporating some innovative design features you’ve always dreamed about but are not currently available on the market.

The Men’s Classic Physique posing trunks are currently in development with testing to follow in late summer/early fall 2023, and the Men’s Bodybuilding posing suits is slated to begin development and testing in late fall 2023.

If you are an experienced male CPA athlete (competing in Men’s Classic Physique or Men’s Bodybuilding) and you have an interest in participating in the design and/or testing process, please reach out via email (ironsirenstagewear@gmail.com) or via Instagram (@ironsirenstagewear). Any and all general feedback and suggestions are welcome!

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Q: I purchased a suit second-hand/from another designer and it doesn’t fit. Can you alter it for me?

A: Sorry, no. My mission to provide the “VIP experience” for all Iron Siren Custom Stagewear clients means that my time is very limited. I have to remain dedicated to focusing my energy and efforts on my custom clients.

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Q: Do you offer a payment plan?

A: Yes! After the non-refundable deposit has been paid, you may make payments either in part or in full, at your leisure. The only requirement is that your suit must be paid for in full by the time I hand it over.

There are no added fees for this payment plan.

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Q: Is there anything else I should know?

A: Like all things in life, there is some fine print. Please see the Terms of Sale for more information.

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Still have questions? Reach out and ask away here!

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