When you step onto the ice, it’s all about the “wow” factor. The right ice skating dress and outfit is the ultimate finishing touch to any routine. Combining both style and functionality, the perfect dress or outfit can not only take your skate to the next level but also ensure that you earn points for showcasing true showmanship. However, figure skating dresses and outfits can be expensive. From specialty fabrics to fancy stones that glisten and sparkle from a distance, it’s important to understand how to properly care for your gear to prevent it from getting ruined in the laundry and ensure it lasts as long as possible. In this blog, we will explore the best ways to properly clean and take care of your ice skating dresses and apparel, from washing and drying to storing and transporting. Follow these tips to keep your skating wardrobe in top condition and ready for your next performance on the ice! Keeping Your Figure Skating Dresses and Outfits Clean The great news is that figure skating dresses are typically only worn during competitions, which means they are less prone to wear and tear. However, skating is a physically demanding activity and garments can become sweaty after extended use. Allowing the delicate material to absorb sweat is not ideal, as it can produce unpleasant odours and damage the fabric over time. That’s why you should make sure to clean your figure skating dress or outfit as soon as possible after each performance. Read the Care Label Before you do anything, make sure to read the care label of your figure skating dress or apparel. The care label will provide you with valuable information on how to properly handle the garment, including instructions on washing, drying, and ironing, to avoid damaging it. Hand Wash Skating Garments From lace and mesh to rhinestones, figure skating dresses, outfits, and tights are extremely delicate and should not be cleaned in the washing machine. To avoid the stones from falling off and ruining the item, make sure to wash your figure skating garments by hand. Start by filling a sink or tub with cold or lukewarm water and add a scoop of delicate laundry detergent before gently working the fabric through the soapy water. Pay attention to areas that tend to have more sweat, such as the neckline and armpits. Let the garment soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then drain the sink or tub. Refill it with clean water and swish the dress around the tub to remove the soap. Repeat this step until all the soap is gone from the fabric. If you must wash your figure skating garments in the washing machine, make sure to turn the garment inside out to protect it from friction damage and use a mesh bag for an extra layer of protection. Air Dry to Avoid Fabric Distortion Air drying is the best way to dry your figure skating garments. Avoid using a dryer or hanging the garment in direct sunlight, as both can damage the fabric and embellishments. Plus, if your garment’s shoulders are made of fine material, such as body stocking or stretch net, hanging it up to dry will cause distortions in the fabric, ruining the fit of the fabric once dry. We recommend drying delicate figure skating garments with a clean towel. Use it to absorb the excess water and lay it out on a flat surface to air dry without twisting or wringing, as this can also damage the fabric and delicate embellishments. Use Delicate Detergent When choosing a detergent for your figure skating dress or outfit, look for a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using any harsh detergents or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fabric and affect the shine of embellishments and rhinestones. Store Your Skating Garment Properly When putting away your figure skating dress or outfit, make sure to hang it on a padded hanger to avoid creases or damages to the fabric. You should also avoid folding the garment, as this can cause unsightly creases in the fabric. Store your dress or outfit in a cool, dry place, keeping it away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Remove Stains Without Damage The key to removing stains on any garment is to act quickly. As soon as you notice a stain on your figure skating dress or outfit, try to blot it out with a clean cloth or paper towel without rubbing the stain, as this can make it worse and push the stain deeper into the fabric. Next, pre-treat the stain with a gentle stain remover and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing it out with cold water. Be careful when using stain removers, and make sure to choose a gentle formula, as they can sometimes cause discolouration or damage to delicate fabrics. Hand wash the garment as normal with a mild detergent and lukewarm water, and leave it to air dry. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, it’s best to seek professional help. A professional cleaner with experience handling delicate fabrics can provide you with the best advice and care for your dress or outfit. Looking for the Right Fit? We Can Help! Figure Skating Boutique is your one-stop shop for all your skating needs. We have everything you need, from figure skating leggings and pants to skating boots for competitive, professional, and recreational skating. As one of North America’s top skating stores with over 20 years of expertise in the figure skating industry, we are here to help you find what you need to succeed on the ice. For all your figure skating needs, visit our website or call us at 866-957-0396 today!
