What to Wear: Competition vs Practice
Look great and feel confident on the ice
🎯 Dress for Success
What you wear affects how you feel and perform on the ice! The right attire keeps you comfortable, allows freedom of movement, and boosts confidence. This guide covers everything from practice wear essentials to competition costume guidelines, helping you look and feel your best whether you're training or performing.
Practice Wear Essentials
Top Options:
- Fitted athletic tops: T-shirts, tank tops, long sleeves
- Skating-specific tops: Designed for movement and style
- Layering pieces: Warm-up jackets, vests
- Avoid: Loose, baggy shirts that catch on arms
Bottom Options:
- Leggings: Most popular, comfortable, full coverage
- Skating pants: Designed specifically for skating
- Skating skirts with tights: Feminine, allows movement
- Avoid: Jeans, sweatpants, anything restrictive
Key Features to Look For:
- Stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric
- Fitted but not tight
- Allows full range of motion
- Stays in place during movement
- Comfortable waistband
- Flattering fit boosts confidence
Fitted clothing allows your coach to see your body alignment and technique. Baggy clothes hide your form and can catch on your arms during spins. Plus, you'll feel more confident in clothes that fit well! Shop our premium practice wear collection designed specifically for figure skaters.
Competition Costumes
Costume Basics:
- Matches your music: Reflects program theme and mood
- Appropriate for level: Simple for beginners, elaborate for advanced
- Comfortable and secure: Nothing falls off or shifts
- Allows movement: Can perform all elements freely
- Flattering fit: Enhances your performance
Beginner Competition Costumes:
- Simple dress or skating outfit
- Solid colors or simple patterns
- Minimal embellishments
- Focus on fit and comfort
- Budget: $50-150
Intermediate/Advanced Costumes:
- Custom-designed or semi-custom
- Rhinestones and embellishments
- Matches music theme closely
- Professional appearance
- Budget: $150-500+
⚠️ Competition Rules
Check your competition's dress code! Some have restrictions on: costume length, embellishments, appropriateness, and coverage. Adult competitions are generally more relaxed than youth competitions.
Accessories & Essentials
Must-Have Accessories:
- Tights or leggings: Over-the-boot or footless
- Gloves: Essential for warmth and safety
- Hair accessories: Secure hair away from face
- Warm-up jacket: Stay warm between elements
Tights Options:
- Over-the-boot tights: Classic competition look
- Footless tights: Easier, more casual
- Skating leggings: Thicker, warmer for practice
- Color: Tan, black, or match costume
Hair Guidelines:
- Secure and neat
- Away from face
- Won't come loose during performance
- Bun, ponytail, or braids most common
- Use bobby pins and hairspray
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
- Wear fitted, stretchy clothing
- Choose moisture-wicking fabrics
- Layer for temperature control
- Wear gloves for safety
- Secure your hair
- Dress for your skill level
- Feel confident in what you wear
- Practice in your competition costume before the event
DON'T:
- Wear baggy, loose clothing
- Wear jeans or restrictive pants
- Leave hair loose and unsecured
- Wear jewelry that can catch or fall off
- Overdress for your level
- Wear brand new costume without testing it
- Forget to bring warm layers
Dressing for Temperature
Rinks are Cold!
Ice rinks are typically 45-60°F (7-15°C). Dress in layers you can remove as you warm up.
Layering Strategy:
- Base layer: Fitted practice wear
- Mid layer: Long sleeves or light jacket
- Outer layer: Warm-up jacket or vest
- Remove layers: As you warm up during practice
What to Bring:
- Extra layers for between sessions
- Warm-up pants or leg warmers
- Jacket or hoodie
- Change of clothes for after skating
Building Your Skating Wardrobe
Beginner Starter Wardrobe ($100-200):
- 2-3 pairs of leggings or skating pants
- 3-4 fitted tops
- 1 warm-up jacket
- 1 pair of gloves
- Tights for lessons/practice
Intermediate Wardrobe ($200-400):
- Everything from beginner
- Skating skirts or dresses for practice
- Multiple warm-up options
- Simple competition costume
- Variety of colors and styles
Where to Shop:
- Skating-specific brands: Best fit and function
- Athletic wear stores: Good basics
- Online skating retailers: Wide selection
- Our collection: Premium practice wear designed for skaters
Style Tips
- Choose colors you love: Confidence shows!
- Mix and match: Create multiple outfits from key pieces
- Express your personality: Your style is unique
- Invest in quality: Good pieces last longer
- Comfort first: You can't perform well if uncomfortable
- Try before you buy: Ensure proper fit and movement
- Build gradually: Start with basics, add over time
Competition Day Checklist
- Competition costume
- Tights (bring backup pair!)
- Hair accessories and supplies
- Makeup (if wearing)
- Warm-up jacket
- Gloves
- Safety pins and sewing kit
- Deodorant
- Change of clothes for after
- Comfortable shoes for off-ice
Look Amazing on the Ice
Shop our premium practice wear collection designed specifically for figure skaters. Fitted, flattering, and functional!
Shop Practice Wear