What To Look For
You want a dress that is curve-fitting and allows for fluidity of movement without restricting you in any way during your performance. Short skirts are always recommended, and you will want a dress that has the bloomers or a leotard already sewn in for appropriate coverage. In addition to this, you want to choose a dress that has Lycra blended into the fabric for the added flexibility.
Common Pitfalls
Some skating and dance attire will occasionally have faults in the seam's stitching. Check that your seams will handle the moves your will be making on the ice. Also, if you want a dress with sequins or other decorative embellishments, make sure they are solidly anchored to the dress. Sequins on the ice are a safety hazard and can destroy a beautiful performance.
Where To Buy
Danskin skating dresses can be purchased directly through the manufacturer's website. You can also find skating dresses at local dance store retailers. Depending on how risque you want to go with your style for adult dresses, you can also choose dresses from exotic and go-go dancewear retailers. Dresses for younger skaters can be ordered through the websites listed in the resources.
Cost
Pricing for girl's skating dresses starts at $10 and goes up based upon the detail and embellishments the dress features. Teen and adult skating dresses range from $15.99 up to $130 or more. The quality of the fabric and attention to sewing detail will increase the price of teen and adult skating dresses.
Comparison Shopping
Considering that performance dresses get limited wear compared to the dresses you will don for practice, you will want to keep that in mind as you do your shopping. You also want to select fabric that will keep you warm on the ice yet keep you from breaking a sweat during more athletic routines. Heavy velvets can lock in too much body heat, so if you are purchasing a skating dress from a local retailer, be sure to pick one that will keep you warm without you getting overheated.
Accessories
Many designers and retailers offer matching hair accessories with their dresses, and these can be a nice touch to complete your look on the ice. Hair accessories that keep stray strands out of your eyes are the wisest choice, and you will want to avoid clips or barrettes that may catch on your sleeves or hands as you are performing or competing.
References
- "Girls' Figure Skating: Ruling the Rink"; Schwartz and Heather E.; 2007
- RevellaWear: Adult Competition Wear
- Glamour-Glitter: Dresses
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