Your next figure skating competition is approaching quickly, but you have no idea what to wear. Your dress is one of the most important aspects of the entire event—it’s the first thing the judges will see when you step out onto the ice. However, choosing the right figure skating dress is not always that simple. When the spotlight is on you, your figure skating moves aren’t the only thing the judges will be looking at. They will also notice the little things about you and your performance, such as how your dress matches your routine and music choice. While these details might not directly impact your competition results, you still want to make a good impression on both the judges and your audience. If you have been searching high and low for the perfect figure skating dress that’s going to put all eyes on you at your next competition, take a look at our list of important tips to consider. What to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Figure Skating Dress Before you begin looking at figure skating dresses, make a note of these special considerations to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money and the right dress for your specific competition. 1. Shape Your figure skating dress should be tight-fitting around your waist or torso—without putting you in discomfort—so as not to hinder movement while performing your choreography. Baggy material may get in the way of your movements, which means the shape of your dress should be comfortable yet form-fitting and complementary to your body type. 2. Material Your figure skating dress is what determines its quality. Lower-quality dresses will use cheaper materials that may restrict movement on the ice. In contrast, higher-quality dresses will have material attuned to a figure skater's movements. Opting for spandex or acrylic fabrics can give you more of an advantage. 3. Type of Event The type of event your competition falls under will be a major factor in deciding the appropriate dress. For instance, a figure skating competition set around Valentine’s Day may prompt you to wear something more “romantic” in appearance, such as a pink, flowy dress with a sweetheart neckline. However, a salsa-inspired event might require a bold, red-coloured dress with ruffles and rhinestones. 4. Music The dress should also match the music. If the piece is loud or more fast-paced, perhaps blue or green with a ruffled hem. A slower song should be paired with soft or subtle, like a light pink silky fabric. 5. Type of Dress There are two types of figure skating dresses: those made for competitions and those for practices and rehearsals. Your rehearsal dress will likely be a lot less glamorous than your competition dress. You’ll want to distinguish between the two before making the mistake of wearing a rehearsal dress to a competition. Once you know which dress type you’ll choose, it’s time to look at the various styles. 4 Dress Styles to Wear at Your Next Competition Your figure skating dress is the first impression you give to your judges and audience, which means there’s some pressure to choose a glamorous, trendy style that fits well with the type of competition and theme. With so many different styles to choose from, you can choose between the following four fashionable figure skating address styles that you feel goes best with your next competition. 1. Modern If you’re looking for something sleek and trendy, a modern-style dress would be perfect for you. Modern dresses often have plunging necklines with short or long sleeves and detailed beadwork on the front. You may also go for a wrap-style dress that wraps around your neck, leaving your shoulders uncovered. Neutral colours accompany the modern style, such as beige and white, but other colours like red, light blue, and purple may suit this look well. 2. Classical For those who would like a more traditional outfit, a classical-style dress may give you the taste of elegance you’re looking for. A velvet bodice with long sleeves accompanied by a chiffon skirt completes the elegant figure skating look. Go for deeper, darker colours like plum and navy to seal the classical style. 3. Simple If the beading, glitter, and ruffles aren’t your thing, perhaps something more simple would suit you better. For a simple look, stay away from complex beadwork and opt for something a little more basic and less flashy. Look for high-neck dresses with minor detailing, like a mesh chest piece. Then, light and neutral colours, such as lavender, coral, or sky blue, complete the simple look as they are much easier on the eyes. 4. Glamorous If “big and bold” is your motto, try going for a glamorous dress for your next figure skating competition. These dresses are full of all the fine and extravagant details that will catch the eyes of your audience and leave them amazed not only by your performance but also by you in general. Opt for dresses with some kind of “wow-factor”—heavy on the glitter, ruffled sleeves, feathered skirts, and more to fill your competition with some glam. Bright, flashy colours also go well with the glamorous look, such as cyan, magenta, and sunshine yellow. Where is your next figure skating dress? Still aren’t sure which figure skating is right for you and your next competition? At Figure Skating Boutique, we carry figure skating apparel of only the highest quality, designed to provide you optimal comfort and the upper edge at all of your competitions. Visit our shop to view the wide variety of figure skating apparel we have on hand. For all your figure skating needs, contact Skating Boutique at (905)-597-6000 or visit our Markham location.
