Here are some can't-miss stage costumes worn by the pageant contestants at the 2022 Miss Universe Competition, showcasing their patriotic sides and honoring their home countries.

The 72nd annual Miss Universe national costume contest took place on Thursday. Contestants wore feathers, bold backpieces, and barely-there bodysuits.

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.

Chidimma Adetshina took her love for Nigeria to another level as she rocked a classy traditional outfit for Miss Universe, which impressed her fans.

Miss United States of America, Alma Cooper (center), speaks during The 73rd Miss Universe Competition – show at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 16, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.

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.

The costume contest, a highly colorful affair, was held on Thursday, Nov. 16, as contestants took the stage in over-the-top outfits evoking their countries of origin.

Miss United States Noelia Voigt attends the 72nd Miss Universe Competition’s National Costume Show on Nov. 16, 2023, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images) ...

Maria Menounos — who co-hosted the Miss Universe 2023 pageant — opens up to PEOPLE about her ab-baring look in a new interview.

Gabriel's NASA-inspired moon costume for the Miss Universe 2023 pageant weighed an estimated 33 pounds (15 kg).