Whether you’re skating for fun or aim to be an Olympic hopeful one day, you want to look good while you do it. There is a wide selection of ice skating dresses to choose from, which can make it difficult to find the right one for you and the competition. Perhaps you want to try out a new style or choose a colour that makes your ice skating dress stand out from the crowd. When choosing a particular skating outfit, you mainly want to consider why you’re wearing it. Is the figure skating dress meant for practice, testing, a special performance, or a competition? Knowing the purpose behind a specific outfit will make deciding the best option easier. If you are in the market for a new practice outfit, you may consider a black figure skating dress as the right fit because it can take more wear and won’t show frequent stains as much. On the other hand, a brightly coloured or sequinned dress may help you stand out more in a competition or performance. Before going out and pulling the first dress you see off the racks, think about these important aspects of figure skating fashion. Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Figure Skating Dress 1. The brand When searching for the best figure skating dress, you want to determine the option that best suits your needs. This includes considering which brand(s) offer a varied selection of dresses you’re looking for. Some brands specialize in training outfits, while others provide great competition dresses in different designs and a range of colours. When making your decision, it’s important to consider each dress's purpose, style, and material. 2. Does the dress fit? While one figure skating dress may have extra glitz or glam about it, if the fit isn’t right, then the rest won’t matter. It’s essential to focus on finding a fit that is not only comfortable but will also allow you to move effectively without becoming uncomfortable during your performance. If the fit isn’t right, it may not only bother you during training but could also be distracting later on, costing you the competition. Look for fit first before considering uniqueness, colour, or material. 3. What is your budget? Ultimately, it comes down to budget. No matter how much you may like a particular dress, if it’s not within your price range, then, unfortunately, it must stay on the rack. To avoid disappointment, don’t let yourself fall in love with any figure skating dresses that are out of budget unless there’s a sale. If you do some research and keep an eye on your favourite brands, you can sometimes find ice skating dress sales that align with many budgets. 4. Climate, location, or temperature Although skating is on ice, regardless of where you go, the geography of different competition locations will vary. When choosing your ice skating dress, it’s vital to consider what the climate and temperature will be where you are performing. You don’t want to arrive unprepared and end up being too cold or possibly overheating during a competition. What to Avoid When Choosing Your Figure Skating Dress 1. Nude illusion mesh While nude illusion mesh may seem like a useful thing to have under your skating outfit, it’s often less flattering than expected. Many skaters forget to choose a mesh option that matches their skin tone, making the fabric stand out during competitions. In addition, due to the delicate nature of the lining, there is a higher likelihood of wrinkling and edge seams being visible. Without proper care, nude illusion mesh has the potential to distract from the rest of your outfit rather than blending in as intended. 2. Gloves Gloves can make or break a memorable ice skating dress. If a skater feels there’s a strong need for them (such as keeping your hands warm, protection from cuts, etc.), then go with your gut. However, be careful not to overdo it. When you choose to wear gloves, there are some things to keep in mind. First, they should go with the rest of your costume to avoid pulling attention away from your performance. Second, be considerate of the colour and style you’re going to wear. Similar to the nude illusion mesh, you want to choose the best option for your skin tone and overall appearance. Finally, consider the cardinal rules of fashion before deciding whether or not to include gloves in your outfit; for example, long gloves and night dresses don’t go together. 3. Jewelry and accessories Carefully chosen accessories can add the glam and charm needed to make your figure skating dress stand out. That said, it’s important to know when less is more. Wearing too much jewelry or having a lot of trinkets not only looks strange but can also quickly become uncomfortable and distract you while skating. 4. Rhinestones and sequins Finishing an ice skating dress with sequins, rhinestones, or crystals can be a great way to dazzle during competitions. These elements may make your costume look more expensive or help it shine under the spotlights. However, you run the risk of going too far. It’s easy to get carried away with adding new and shiny features to your figure skating dress that are ultimately unnecessary. Looking luxurious at a competition doesn’t necessarily require tons of crystal or sequins. Sometimes, the simpler an outfit, the better it is. 4. Underwear Something that often goes overlooked, but is extremely crucial to having a flattering figure skating dress, is what goes beneath it. Whether you choose to wear underwear or decide it’s better to go without it, the end result should not be noticeable. Remember to consider the type of underwear that will go best with your ice skating dress. As well, don’t underestimate the importance of proper fitting sessions. Always try on a figure skating dress before the competition. Finding the Perfect Figure Skating Outfit There’s more to a show-stopping, podium-worthy routine than excellent technique. The right figure skating dress can help deliver an excellent performance that will be remembered for years to come. At Figure Skating Boutique, we offer a wide selection of figure skating dresses with the best of function and finesse. Make your every move on the ice count in one of our visually stunning dresses. For all your figure skating needs, contact our experts at Figure Skating Boutique today. Call us at 1-866-957-0396 or email us at info@skatingboutique.com.
