Before the main pageant, Miss Universe holds the National Costume Show, which has contestants wear creative outfits that represent their countries.

Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild during the 72nd Miss Universe Competition's National Costume Show on Nov. 16, 2023, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Alex Peña/Getty Images) ...

What do dictionaries, plantains, fighter planes and the Swiss Guard have in common? All inspired national costumes on display at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.

The National Costume competition at Miss Universe is one of the most anticipated events of the pageant. It showcases the cultural heritage, creativity, and unique identity of each contestant's ...

Still, the Miss Universe Organization also offers other awards such as Miss Congeniality, Voice for Change, Spirit of Carnival Award, and Best National Costume.

Proud Miss Universe competitors took part in the National Costume Show at Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda on November 16th, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Miss Universe Thailand 2023 Anntonia Porsild looked stunning in an eye-catching national costume Ayutthaya Kingdom’s Goddess. Her look was inspired by the statue of Phra Mae Thorani, the earth ...

At Miss Universe 2024, it was all those things — and much more — as the annual pageant kicked off with its flamboyant national costume competition Thursday evening.