I thought that I'd write this post as I'm sure I'm going to have a few questions about why I chose to switch from figure to bikini, which I prefer and future plans.
I would like to begin this with a short disclaimer. I can appreciate both looks, and there are girls in both classes who look absolutely beautiful. I am not trying to sell anyone on either class, it simply comes down to which best suits your shape! Some girls will obviously fall into one or the other, but some will be borderline two classes and have to make a decision on which one they will commit to.
In general, figure is considered a bigger, leaner class than bikini. However, several UK federations offer the option of 'toned figure' where this isn't so much the case.
PCA criteria defines Toned Figure as:
'A toned body promoting a healthy lifestyle. Ladies will be recognisably fit & show evidence of training muscularly without being excessively defined or dieted. Symmetry, Balance & Proportions, Conditioning & Presentation will all be assessed by the judges.'
and Toned/Junior Bikini as: '
An athletic body promoting a healthy lifestyle. Ladies will be recognisably fit & show evidence of training muscularly without being excessively defined or dieted. Symmetry, Balance & Proportions, Conditioning & Presentation will all be assessed by the judges.'
As you can see... these are almost identical. The best thing that you can do is look at photos of line ups from the classes and placings to get an idea of what the judges are looking for!
(Information given below is largely my own interpretations).
I have competed in 4 shows in figure class before switching to bikini this season.
The most obvious difference is probably in posing. Toned figure includes poses with arms above the head, whereas in bikini the arms are kept low, and rather than having clear quarter turn poses, the comparisons are more of a transition between a front and a back pose.
I would also argue that there is more weighting placed on overall appearance (tan, makeup, hair) and posing 'flowing' in bikini. Although the posing routine in toned figure (bikini only has a T or I walk) allows the opportunity to show off flair and personality on stage!
This year, seeing the girls who were getting on stage in both classes, I started to feel that my strengths were better suited to bikini. I was confident in how I looked in toned figure when I did it and have absolutely no regrets, but as you rack up training years, your shape will, undoubtedly, change. My strong points and focuses in the gym were glutes, hamstrings, rear delts and a tight waist. I no longer wanted particularly muscular arms. It became clear that bikini posing would highlight the aspects I wanted to show off whereas figure would have done the opposite!
I came in quite significantly lighter on show day this time around compared to my 2017 shows. Diet and cardio haven't been notably different. At the end of the day, no matter the class, you need to lose fat. A calorie deficit will be achieved through reduced energy intake and increased energy expenditure no matter what!
In conclusion, I would recommend being open minded if you are going into your first diet for a show. Take progress pictures in various styles of posing and take note of what you are trying to display to the judges and what is most appropriate for you!
Shiva Sheevs uploaded a brilliant video on this subject (considering NPC/IFBB criteria) here.