Clothing Recommendations for Figure Skating
Practice Clothes
- Tights, unitards, yoga-type pants, and skating dresses are all suitable.
- Jeans are discouraged.
- Close fitting clothes will help the Pro see your body position better.
- Fleece pants and jackets are nice in the winter.
- Light, stretchy gloves work the best, mittens are not desirable.
- Hair should be tied up away from the face and/or have on a hat or headband
Obtaining Clothing
- Do not use special competition dresses for practice; they will get snagged and ruined.
- Expensive and decorated dresses are not necessary for competition. Simple and elegant dresses accentuate the skater.
- Ask you’re Pro for advice on the appropriate dress and tights for your age, program, body type, building lighting, etc.
- Periodically, other skaters have slightly used dresses and skates for resale.
- There are several Websites that handle skating apparel. A few are listed below.
Freedom of movement is important. Non-restrictive, warm clothing and gloves are suitable during public skating sessions and Learn to Skate lessons. Skating tights, leotards, stretchy leggings, a skating dress or non-restrictive pants for gentlemen and a form fitting sweater or sweatshirt are best during private lessons. No baggy clothing. Skating tights are thicker and warmer compared to regular tights and can fit over the skating boot or inside the skating boot. Most skaters choose to wear flesh colored tights. Make sure that your underwear doesn’t show under your tights. Most competitors choose not to wear underwear during competitions.
Competition Outfits
Competition outfits should fit the program music or theme. Excessive beads are sequins are discouraged; if they fall on the ice they create a hazard. Ask you’re Pro for suggestions.
Where can I get competition outfits?
There are local seamstresses who make skating dresses. Ask other skaters who makes their dress. You can also order skating dresses off the internet and glue crystals on yourself to embellish.