Figure skating is a spectacular and beautiful sport, in which both children and adults participate. The spectacular outfits of the skaters captivate the public. But the main requirement is that figure skating clothing should emphasize the physique, helping to achieve high sports results. The athletes' equipment should be comfortable, not restricting movement, light and beautiful.
Kit options
The range of figure skaters' clothing is distinguished by a wide choice, a variety of colors, styles, and decorative elements. Training and competition suits must meet certain requirements and sports standards. Biflex, stretch velvet, plush velvet, stretch satin, "oil", diabolo, guipure, and stretch mesh are used to sew suits.
The choice of material depends on the purpose of the kit – training or performance. The smaller the thickness of the fiber sector of the fabric, the greater the elastic characteristics of the finished product. For figure skaters, the direction of fabric stretch is of great importance, which depends on the content of elastane in it. The main options for sets:
- one-piece training overalls;
- Thermoregulating sets for classes;
- elastic tracksuits without decoration;
- dresses, skirts, T-shirts, bodysuits for figure skaters;
- thermoregulating underwear, tights;
- a thin jacket or puffy vest for relaxation.
Regular suits do not meet the requirements of sports equipment for athletes. Even during training, figure skaters must wear sets that have good thermoregulation, wick away moisture, do not cause allergies when in contact with the body, are as light as possible, and are made of fabrics with antibacterial properties.
In addition to the above characteristics, materials made from new generation high-tech fibers have important advantages – dirt-repellent properties, high hygroscopicity, thermal insulation qualities, dimensional stability, color saturation retention, tensile strength, and antistatic qualities.
For training
In the career of athletes there are many training sessions with the execution of complex figures, somersaults, spins, jumps. High load dictates the requirements for figure skating clothes intended for constant training. Things should be tight-fitting so that the coach can clearly see the correctness of the execution of figures, point out the athlete's mistakes. Training kits are selected depending on the level of training of the skaters:
- at the initial stage of figure skating classes, the best option is considered to be thermal suits. Thermal suits made of natural fibers with layered knitting retain heat well, normalize sweating. The child (training begins in childhood) will be warm, comfortable on an open area, in a cool hall;
- thermal suits with a skirt for girls, thermal dresses and leggings. Models can be decorated with appliques, cord. Clothes should not be flashy, distract attention. The task of the suit is to protect young skaters in case of a fall, soften possible blows. Additionally, they put on pelvic protection, knees, thermal underwear, thermal socks;
- hats and accessories. To protect future champions from the cold, you don’t need to choose warm hats – you should limit yourself to a special thermal bandage. When doing exercises on the rink, you need to wear waterproof puffy gloves. If a beginner skater goes out on the ice, woolen mittens will do.
Scarves are out of the question; instead, it’s better to wear a warm turtleneck sweater that provides good protection from the cold. Training suits for boys and girls must be wear-resistant, contain a minimum of decorative elements, and protect against injury and damage. Sports equipment is selected in specialized stores or preference is given to custom tailoring.
For performances
Figure skaters look bright and impressive in outfits for sports competitions, performances, and award ceremonies. Each model corresponds to the athlete's program, meets the chosen musical direction, and allows one to show character and individuality. Judges and spectators notice smart clothes for skating, and the skaters themselves feel more confident in beautiful costumes that they like. According to the requirements, the sports uniform for figure skaters' performances should not be too revealing, a skirt is required, and tight leggings and sleeveless tops are unacceptable in figure skaters' clothing. Models for performances:
- young figure skaters will benefit from outfits with a mesh;
- Dresses with rhinestones, sequins, appliques, and decorative inserts look interesting;
- looks exciting with skirts made of delicate chiffon, from very short to knee length;
- statement dresses (strapless) embellished with signature embellishments;
- Pair skaters' costumes must match in color and style; slippery or scratchy elements are not allowed in the partner's outfit;
- at children's figure skating competitions, clothing for performances with cartoon characters and animal prints is relevant;
- Young skaters can choose classic outfits, military models, musical genres, and hero costumes.
The task of competition clothing is to present the athlete in the most favorable light, to make him bright and memorable. Unusual design solutions help to create spectacular images that correspond to the style of performance and the level of the athlete. Clothing for competitive stages should be beautiful, give skaters confidence, but not interfere with the execution of elements of the program.
Color options
There are no strict rules for choosing the color of a tracksuit in figure skating. The main condition is that training sets are made in a restrained range with minimal decor or no decoration, and competition outfits are made of bright fabrics, rich decoration, and branded jewelry. Figure skaters have access to the entire color range of dresses, skirts, tops, while figure skaters' sets are more laconic in color. Fashionable colors of sports equipment:
- bright, saturated shades – mango, light green, pink, purple are popular;
- elegant simplicity – outfits in calm beige, cream, soft peach, lilac colors;
- Glamour and luxury – spectacular contrasting combinations of fiery red with black, snow-white with dark blue, gold and green.
Men's suits for going out on the ice are not without elegance; a strict color scheme (black and white) prevails, with obligatory bright accents.
Fashion trends in figure skating move in two directions - calm shades compete with bright colors, original design solutions. The winners dictate fashion, so figure skaters often pay attention to the winners' costumes.
Features of selection
Since the moment when short skirts in figure skating stopped causing cultural swoon in the ranks of spectators and judges, female skaters began to wear dresses with a flared bottom, above the knee. Male skaters' outfits attract attention with bright trim and accessories. Competition clothing can be the most beautiful and bright at the performance, but a designer's mistake can cost the skaters "gold". The choice of sets is approached very seriously - consistent proportions, firmly fixed decorative elements on the base. What requirements should figure skaters' clothing meet:
- protection from falls, impacts, injuries, wear resistance;
- tight fit that doesn't make breathing difficult;
- absence of theatrical effects in decor and finishing;
- harmony of style and color, lightness, freedom of movement;
- comfortable microclimate, air permeability;
- antistatic, moisture wicking, hypoallergenic.
Any bead, sequin, or clasp that “fell out” of a suit can lead to a catastrophe on the ice and ruin the skater’s titanic work. It is difficult to perform elements of the program in a suit that is too tight, and if the outfit is too loose, the effect of the performance is lost. When choosing training sets and overalls, pay attention to thermal protection and good air circulation. Clothes for regular training should keep you warm, be elastic, and wear-resistant.
Figure skating is one of the most beautiful sports. Coaches, self-discipline and properly selected clothing for going out on the ice help athletes achieve high results. There is a clear division of costumes into competition and training, and certain requirements for figure skaters' equipment.
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