No more bikinis for Miss Italy

The organisers said the move would ‘add a sober element' to the contest and that ‘interior beauty as well as exterior beauty' was important. Pageant organiser Patrizia Mirigliani said, "With this type of costume, we will be returning to the classical beauty of the 1950s, the era of female legends who we still admire and respect even today.

Cover up: The move to ban bikinis at the Miss Italy beauty pageant was so that the focus would be on inner beauty and the notion of classical beauty. representation Pic/Getty Images

"The costumes will really highlight feminine beauty and for next years competition, I am already thinking of environmentally friendly outfits so the girls will do their bit for the environment."

Other rules for this year's contest include no tattoos or body piercings, while women who have had plastic surgery are barred from entering.