How to Dress for Figure Skating

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 14, 2024 References

Figure skating costumes are known for being glamorous and beautiful, while still being practical for spins and jumps. If you're picking out costumes for figure skating, have fun and be creative with fun embellishments like sequins and mesh panels!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dressing for the Ice for Females

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1
Wear an ice skating dress with a skirt all the way around the waist. Some coaches will allow their female skaters to wear leotards or leggings to practice.^{[1]
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Research source} However, most prefer their skaters to wear a skating dress since it allows the coach to critique their skaters’ forms, so be sure you ask first!
- Your skirt can have slits, but it must wrap all the way around your waist.^{[2]
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- For practice, choose a practical skating dress in a stretchy material like cotton or spandex.
- For competition, feel free to get creative! Popular embellishments on costumes include sheer mesh panels, rhinestones, sequins, and brightly colored fabrics.^{[3]
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- Remember that you will get a deduction if any part of your costume falls onto the ice, so make sure embellishments are attached securely.^{[4]
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Bodysuits haven't always been allowed for women in competitive figure skating, but a rule change in 2006 made them acceptable. Feel free to embellish your bodysuit just as you would a skating dress!^{[5]
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Wear beige-colored tights under your skating dress.^{[6]
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Research source} Tights will allow you to move freely while protecting your legs from the ice. You can choose whether you want to wear your tights under or over your boots, as this is considered an aesthetic preference.^{[7]
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- You can purchase special heavy-strength tights that are designed to withstand being torn if you fall or snag your tights on your skates.
- Over-the-boot tights will help protect your boots from scuff marks and fading.
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Match your competition costume to the music you're using. Whether your dance is somber or upbeat, your costume choice can help set the mood when you take the ice.^{[8]
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- If your music is fast-paced and cheerful, a brightly-colored costume embellished with sparkles may be suitable.
- If you are dancing to a slow, soulful song, you might choose a darker dress or jumpsuit with fewer embellishments.
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Wear figure skating pants to practice if you like. Figure skating pants are often made extra long at the bottom so they'll sit securely around your skating boots.^{[9]
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- Skating pants may be plain black, or they might be embellished with a colorful stripe down the leg or around the waistband.
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Wear a sweater or sweatshirt over your skating dress to stay warm at practice. A snug-fitting sweater, sweatshirt, or windbreaker can help keep you from getting cold while you’re on the ice. As you warm up, you can remove the layers so you don’t get too hot.^{[10]
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- Some coaches allow their skaters to practice with sweatpants or windbreaker pants over their tights as well.
- Do not practice in a bulky hoodie or coat. This will restrict your movement and will make it hard for your coach to see your form as you skate.^{[11]
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Females are required to wear white or tan skates in figure skating competitions.^{[12]
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Research source} Make sure to lace your skates tightly so you have the support you need on the ice.
Having your hair in your eyes could cause you to get distracted and fall while you’re spinning and jumping on the ice. Pull your hair into a bun, braid, or ponytail. If you have bangs, make sure they’re pinned back so they’re out of your face.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Dressing for the Ice for Males

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1
Opt for a plain-colored shirt in either long or short sleeves for practice. Your shirt should fit close to your body to allow your coach to see your form as you skate. Choose a material which will move with you, such as cotton or high-performance Lycra.
- During competition, your shirt must have a neckline, and it must not expose your chest.
- Men are not allowed to wear sleeveless shirts on the ice.^{[13]
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Be creative when you choose your competition outfit. Men once wore practical sweaters on the ice, but men today have nearly as many creative options as women. Use different-colored fabrics, mesh, rhinestones, and sequins to create a customized costume.^{[14]
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- If you're skating as part of a pair, coordinate your outfit with your partner's.
Males are not allowed to wear tights on the ice. However, you can wear tapered pants if you prefer a snug fit.^{[15]
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You can wear a nice sweater or cardigan on the ice to start practice if you’re cold, although you will likely want to remove it as you begin to exert yourself.
Men are required to wear black skating boots during competition.^{[17]
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Research source} If you have a second-hand pair of skates that are white or tan, purchase boot covers or have the boot replaced.

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Do you wear a bra with a figure skating dress?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Some people wear a sports bra under their figure skating dress, but this isn’t always necessary. If you have a small chest and/or your dress has a lot of built-in support, you may not need to wear a bra.

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Can you wear jeans to ice skate?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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It’s not a good idea to wear jeans while ice skating, since they can restrict your movement. They also don’t dry very fast, so if you fall and they get wet, you’re likely to be very cold and uncomfortable.

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Do figure skaters have big thighs?

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Figure skating builds muscles in your lower body, so skaters do tend to have muscular, well-defined thighs.

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Tips

If you like, you can wear plain-colored gloves or mittens to keep you warm and protect your hands if you fall on the ice.^{[18]
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Only wear one pair of socks, since layering your socks can restrict the circulation to your feet.^{[19]
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