Your time on the ice is all about the wow factor: a combination of stellar sequences and breathtaking jumps, and a shimmering spectacle. The right ice skating dress is the pièce de résistance to any routine—the perfect finishing touch that’s just as stylish as it is functional. With a long tradition of bedazzled, show-stopping ice skating dresses that are constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion, the perfect dress makes for an even more memorable skate that wins you points in the rink. From shimmering fabrics and accents to flowy skirts and sleek cuts, there are many ice skating dresses designed to impress on the ice. Dance and skate your best with utmost flexibility in a dress that matches the music and theme, and score points for true showmanship. Ready to say yes to the dress? Check out this guide to finding the perfect ice skating dress that takes you to a podium finish. Know Your Competition Guidelines What’s the number one rule in choosing the right ice skating dress? Dress accordingly. Ice skating dresses and figure skating apparel are known to be fashion-forward and include everything from skin-tone cut-outs that give an illusion of being decked purely in bedazzled accents, to strikingly provocative designs. However, not all of these will score you points – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Did you know that there are stringent rules on ice skating costumes? Here are some of the requirements to keep in mind: Modesty: In general, ice skating dresses must be modest and dignified—appropriate for athletic competition and avoiding the appearance of excessive nudity. However, costumes may also reflect the character or theme of the music. Apparel: In both single and pairs skating events, female skaters may wear skirts, dresses, trousers and tights, and unitards. The “Katarina Rule” was made after skater Katarina Witt’s 1988 competition ensemble and required a skirt that covered the hips and posterior. In contrast, male skaters must wear trousers, since tights are not allowed. Ice dancing: Costume rules are more stringent in ice dancing, wherein female skaters are required to wear a skirt that wraps around their entire waist (though slits are permitted), with the majority of the upper body remaining covered, but without hiding the body line. Professionals and spectators alike note that these stricter rules are likely because ice dancers have been pushing the boundaries more frequently. If you’re not a big fan of these rules, then remember that pushing the limits might not be worth the risk, and can even cost the most skilled skaters a title. Judges and the referee can assign penalties to skaters whose ice skating dresses break the rules, such as when their costume is seen as “garish”. Form and Function vs. Style and Comfort: What to Consider When Choosing an Ice Skating Dress Competition rules for ice skating dresses may be surprisingly stringent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and still look and feel your best on the ice. Gliding effortlessly across the ice and landing every show-stopping jump takes the right dress: a balance of beautiful, artistic design, and the latest in fabric technology for seamless performance and flexibility. 1. Purpose and personality With lots of figure skating apparel and ice skating dresses to choose from, finding the best one comes down to your needs and performance goals. Even while you’re training, wearing an ice skating dress can simulate the look and feel of a competition, thus allowing you to train better. And when it comes to the real thing, consider the event you’re skating in, its specific costume rules, and even where you’re competing. For example, while a plain back figure skating dress works well for training and practice, it won’t be enough to stand out in a competition. Similarly, with the ice rink being mostly white, a white dress might not do the best job of setting you apart from the competition either. The same goes for a dress that blends with or clashes against the background. Consider all of these factors to find the best ice skating dress made with high-quality, high-performance fabric in colours and designs that let your personality shine through. 2. Fit and comfort One of the most basic but important factors to consider is sizing. Simply put, is your ice skating dress a perfect fit? Often, this is a challenge when buying from retailers or off-the-rack. However, with multiple, inclusive sizing, you’re bound to find the right fit. However, if your dream dress doesn’t come in your size, it won’t matter if it’s the perfect material or colour. With incorrect sizing it unfortunately won’t stretch and support your movements as required, nor will it highlight your body line and theme. In fact, an ill-fitting costume can be quite bothersome, to the point of a wardrobe malfunction or restricted movement, and ultimately cost you the competition. 3. Location and temperature It’s a given that the ice is cold, but the actual temperature and conditions you’ll be performing under depend on the geographical location and season. Plus, with all the lights heating the rink and conditioning exercises prior, you might not even feel that cold on the ice, especially when competing in moderate climates. When shopping for your ice skating competition apparel, make sure to consider the overall climate to ensure maximum comfort throughout the event. 4. Brand and retailer With the immense popularity of ice skating dresses, the rise of new styles and designs have become quite an unofficial competition of their own. As skaters glide onto the ice, judges and audiences alike pay attention to how they look, just as much as how well they skate—with bonus points for skaters who embody their theme and character. To compete in this arena, you need the right ice skating dress from the right brand. Browse the most popular collections from renowned brands like Jerry’s, Mondor, and Carley’s Angels. Choose from different colours and styles that perfectly match your routine, and trust in their excellent, high-performance quality tailored apparel for maximum support and flexibility, and the ultimate wow factor. Shop these ice skating dresses worn by champions from reputable figure skating stores, and with exclusive offers. To learn more about choosing the best ice skating dress and figure skating apparel made to help you win, call Figure Skating Boutique at 905-597-6000, or contact us here.
