What Is a Skater Dress?
14 Nov 2023
Figure skating is a winter sport with very strong traditions. It can be called conservative. It seems that figure skater dresses have not changed much since the last century.
In fact, minor external changes in the costumes of figure skaters accompany the grandiose changes in the technology of creating outfits, which have been going on constantly throughout the history of skating. Modern fabrics, sewing techniques, and cutting construction methods are emerging. Today's costumes are physiological, ergonomic, and less restricting of movement.
Design, or rather the philosophy of creating a costume, is also progressing. Initially, skater dresses were standard cut, impersonal, in terms of semantic load. Today the costume is part of the image, even part of the skater's program, reflecting the content of the number, supporting the artistic image. A costume for tango or latinum is radically different from an outfit for an elegiac sketch.
It is a tribute to fashion to strive for brevity and simplicity of the image. On the ice of the last Olympics, fabrics of noble, muted shades prevailed, very different from the eye-catching colors that had previously been the favorite in skater dresses.
New technologies in the textile industry allow us to achieve amazing visual effects – new colors, gradients, shine. For example, the fabric for Evgenia Medvedeva's Milky Way dress, one of the most beautiful dresses in figure skating, was made using computer printing.
A skater dress should not:
1.Constrict movement;
2.Cause discomfort;
3.Interfere with the performance of tricks;
4.Constrain breathing.
5.Suitable clothing is as functional as possible. It protects the athlete's body from injuries when falling on the ice and maintains physical comfort during training. A child for training will suit clothes of less marginal colors: it is better to wait in a snow-white or delicate turquoise outfit. Clothing of this color is suitable for performances in front of the public.
To the skater dresses are strict requirements. Costumes are created by professional teams of representatives of the sports and fashion industry. At the stage of staging the choreography of the dance, sketches are already being developed. The outfit should carry an idea, a clear image, work well in a particular choreographic composition, perfectly fit the figure and decorate the figure skater. The trim of the skater dress, as well as all other elements, must be impeccably strong, each bead is sewn with a neighbouring one with a double margin of safety. Unexpected mishaps are unacceptable on the ice. Skater dresses must remain soft and light so as not to increase weight of the athlete or affect the performance of jumps. Clothing for performances must meet established standards. The length of skirts, the absence of excessive nudity, certain items of clothing (for example, men's tights are unacceptable) - all factors are strictly regulated.
In fact, minor external changes in the costumes of figure skaters accompany the grandiose changes in the technology of creating outfits, which have been going on constantly throughout the history of skating. Modern fabrics, sewing techniques, and cutting construction methods are emerging. Today's costumes are physiological, ergonomic, and less restricting of movement.
Design, or rather the philosophy of creating a costume, is also progressing. Initially, skater dresses were standard cut, impersonal, in terms of semantic load. Today the costume is part of the image, even part of the skater's program, reflecting the content of the number, supporting the artistic image. A costume for tango or latinum is radically different from an outfit for an elegiac sketch.
It is a tribute to fashion to strive for brevity and simplicity of the image. On the ice of the last Olympics, fabrics of noble, muted shades prevailed, very different from the eye-catching colors that had previously been the favorite in skater dresses.
New technologies in the textile industry allow us to achieve amazing visual effects – new colors, gradients, shine. For example, the fabric for Evgenia Medvedeva's Milky Way dress, one of the most beautiful dresses in figure skating, was made using computer printing.
A skater dress should not:
1.Constrict movement;
2.Cause discomfort;
3.Interfere with the performance of tricks;
4.Constrain breathing.
5.Suitable clothing is as functional as possible. It protects the athlete's body from injuries when falling on the ice and maintains physical comfort during training. A child for training will suit clothes of less marginal colors: it is better to wait in a snow-white or delicate turquoise outfit. Clothing of this color is suitable for performances in front of the public.
To the skater dresses are strict requirements. Costumes are created by professional teams of representatives of the sports and fashion industry. At the stage of staging the choreography of the dance, sketches are already being developed. The outfit should carry an idea, a clear image, work well in a particular choreographic composition, perfectly fit the figure and decorate the figure skater. The trim of the skater dress, as well as all other elements, must be impeccably strong, each bead is sewn with a neighbouring one with a double margin of safety. Unexpected mishaps are unacceptable on the ice. Skater dresses must remain soft and light so as not to increase weight of the athlete or affect the performance of jumps. Clothing for performances must meet established standards. The length of skirts, the absence of excessive nudity, certain items of clothing (for example, men's tights are unacceptable) - all factors are strictly regulated.
Sample Image Gallery
History of Skater Dress
Figure skating came into being as soon as the skates' runners were made of iron, leaving the impractical bone parts behind. This made it possible to move on the ice not only in a straight line, but also to compete in the skill of demonstrating graceful figures and even jumps. Fashion for skater dresses appeared almost immediately. Initially, such entertainment was only available to those who lived in wealth, and well-to-do ladies became hostages to bulky insulated dresses and fancy hats. Of course, the main function of the suit was protection from the cold, but lush skirts and luxurious embroidery no one canceled.
However, by the end of the XIX century, when official competitions began to be held, skater dresses became lighter and looser: it was easier to move.
By the 20s of the XX century dresses above ankle length ceased to cause cultural fainting, so it became acceptable to skate in a woolen (and still unbearably heavy) skirt just below the knees, and warm sweaters replaced fur coats and sheepskin coats. Fashion reform affected men as well. Figure skating pants became wider and shorter. By the way, today we see similar shortened flared pants on all street fashionistas.
A real revolution in the history of figure skating costumes was made by Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie, who performed at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in a short skater dress. It became clear that there was nothing wrong with above-the-knee lengths, and figure skaters all over the world were allowed to enjoy more elegant and lightweight outfits made of satin combined with nylon stockings. It was also thanks to her that white skates came into fashion.
The shortage of fabrics during the Second World War, of course, suspended the variety of styles and colors, suits were often sewn with their own hands by improvised means. But some time later, opportunities to realize their design ideas became even more, and in the 50's fashion came light-coloured dresses and flared skirts, which looked very effective in the jump. The unspoken requirement for men was black or dark blue long pants and sweaters, but skaters had the opportunity to stand out with the help of accessories: belts, scarves and hats. However, some rinks were still not allowed without coats.
By the 60's sports elements become more and more difficult to perform, which requires even greater ease freedom of movement. Synthetic fabrics come to the rescue (from them for skaters begin to make elastic tuxedos), spandex and chiffon, instead of tassels and fringes appear more practical crystals and lamé - embroidery from metallized threads.
One of the most memorable was Peggy Fleming's skater dress, sewn by her mother for the 1968 Olympic Games, which were held in Grenoble, France.
It is not known whether the combination of a laconic style with a bright lettuce color influenced the victory, but the fashion for rebellious colors from that moment firmly settled in figure skating.
Regarding style, the long sleeve still dominates, but deep necklines are starting to spread. With the advent of Lycra, transparent mesh details come into fashion, which create the illusion that some parts of the body are naked, without depriving the costume of reliability, durability and comfort. The 80's were the peak of the most "theatrical" and crazy costumes, because it was believed that an unusual costume affected the points in the competition. Everything was used: acid colours, taffeta, chiffon details, rhinestones, beads, feathers; by the end of the performances the ice was studded with sequins. Official restrictions in the dress code for skaters only appeared in 1988 after the scandalous outfit of Katharina Witt, which performed at the Olympic Games in Calgary in a bodysuit. Rules forbade exposing thighs, buttocks and the area between breasts and abdomen, but jewelry was not affected. However, this rule was removed in 2003.
In the 90's rebellious costumes began to get boring, so luxury skater dress came to the fore. Inlaid with rock crystal, detailed embroidery, handmade lace, figure skating costumes become works of art. At the same time, they are no longer so flashy: famous designers take over the job. Some of the best examples are the strikingly elegant outfits by Nancy Kerrigan by Vera Wang or Suria Bonaly by Christian Lacroix.
Homemade skater dresses are becoming nonsense, there are not just designers, but special figure skating costume designers, designed to take into account all its technical characteristics and comfort.
By the 21st century, sport is reaching such heights that designers have to find safer ways to stand out. "If a single strap breaks or a beaded embroidery comes apart with one wrong move, the Olympics are over for the athlete. That's how serious it is. It's a real nightmare!" - Vera Wang admitted to The People. But formal restrictions are minimized: the International Figure Skating Union describes a proper costume as "modest, dignified and appropriate for athletics rather than fashionable competition" and "without the effect of excessive nudity."
However, by the end of the XIX century, when official competitions began to be held, skater dresses became lighter and looser: it was easier to move.
By the 20s of the XX century dresses above ankle length ceased to cause cultural fainting, so it became acceptable to skate in a woolen (and still unbearably heavy) skirt just below the knees, and warm sweaters replaced fur coats and sheepskin coats. Fashion reform affected men as well. Figure skating pants became wider and shorter. By the way, today we see similar shortened flared pants on all street fashionistas.
A real revolution in the history of figure skating costumes was made by Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie, who performed at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in a short skater dress. It became clear that there was nothing wrong with above-the-knee lengths, and figure skaters all over the world were allowed to enjoy more elegant and lightweight outfits made of satin combined with nylon stockings. It was also thanks to her that white skates came into fashion.
The shortage of fabrics during the Second World War, of course, suspended the variety of styles and colors, suits were often sewn with their own hands by improvised means. But some time later, opportunities to realize their design ideas became even more, and in the 50's fashion came light-coloured dresses and flared skirts, which looked very effective in the jump. The unspoken requirement for men was black or dark blue long pants and sweaters, but skaters had the opportunity to stand out with the help of accessories: belts, scarves and hats. However, some rinks were still not allowed without coats.
By the 60's sports elements become more and more difficult to perform, which requires even greater ease freedom of movement. Synthetic fabrics come to the rescue (from them for skaters begin to make elastic tuxedos), spandex and chiffon, instead of tassels and fringes appear more practical crystals and lamé - embroidery from metallized threads.
One of the most memorable was Peggy Fleming's skater dress, sewn by her mother for the 1968 Olympic Games, which were held in Grenoble, France.
It is not known whether the combination of a laconic style with a bright lettuce color influenced the victory, but the fashion for rebellious colors from that moment firmly settled in figure skating.
Regarding style, the long sleeve still dominates, but deep necklines are starting to spread. With the advent of Lycra, transparent mesh details come into fashion, which create the illusion that some parts of the body are naked, without depriving the costume of reliability, durability and comfort. The 80's were the peak of the most "theatrical" and crazy costumes, because it was believed that an unusual costume affected the points in the competition. Everything was used: acid colours, taffeta, chiffon details, rhinestones, beads, feathers; by the end of the performances the ice was studded with sequins. Official restrictions in the dress code for skaters only appeared in 1988 after the scandalous outfit of Katharina Witt, which performed at the Olympic Games in Calgary in a bodysuit. Rules forbade exposing thighs, buttocks and the area between breasts and abdomen, but jewelry was not affected. However, this rule was removed in 2003.
In the 90's rebellious costumes began to get boring, so luxury skater dress came to the fore. Inlaid with rock crystal, detailed embroidery, handmade lace, figure skating costumes become works of art. At the same time, they are no longer so flashy: famous designers take over the job. Some of the best examples are the strikingly elegant outfits by Nancy Kerrigan by Vera Wang or Suria Bonaly by Christian Lacroix.
Homemade skater dresses are becoming nonsense, there are not just designers, but special figure skating costume designers, designed to take into account all its technical characteristics and comfort.
By the 21st century, sport is reaching such heights that designers have to find safer ways to stand out. "If a single strap breaks or a beaded embroidery comes apart with one wrong move, the Olympics are over for the athlete. That's how serious it is. It's a real nightmare!" - Vera Wang admitted to The People. But formal restrictions are minimized: the International Figure Skating Union describes a proper costume as "modest, dignified and appropriate for athletics rather than fashionable competition" and "without the effect of excessive nudity."
What Are Skater Dresses Made Of?
Skater dresses are sewn from elastic and durable fabrics. These properties are mainly possessed by synthetic fibers:
Biflex – a good base material for the costume, stretches evenly in all directions and returns to its original state;
Stretch mesh - irreplaceable in imitation of décolletage and other open skin areas, used for sewing openwork skirts, the cut does not need to be processed;
Velvet-stretch – fabric on an elastic base, gives the costume a chic look;
Satin-stretch – the fabric is used more in men's suits, quite dense, holds its shape well;
Chiffon or silk – used for sewing flying elements of the outfit (skirts, scarves, sleeves, shirts for men.
Fittings – rhinestones and other jewels – are carefully selected by weight and quantity, so as not to weigh down the dress. There is a special method of distributing rhinestones on the dress, which, with a smaller amount of accessories, creates the impression of more. In addition to rhinestones for decoration use feathers, appliques, painting on fabric, color dyeing, embroidery and other techniques.
Biflex – a good base material for the costume, stretches evenly in all directions and returns to its original state;
Stretch mesh - irreplaceable in imitation of décolletage and other open skin areas, used for sewing openwork skirts, the cut does not need to be processed;
Velvet-stretch – fabric on an elastic base, gives the costume a chic look;
Satin-stretch – the fabric is used more in men's suits, quite dense, holds its shape well;
Chiffon or silk – used for sewing flying elements of the outfit (skirts, scarves, sleeves, shirts for men.
Fittings – rhinestones and other jewels – are carefully selected by weight and quantity, so as not to weigh down the dress. There is a special method of distributing rhinestones on the dress, which, with a smaller amount of accessories, creates the impression of more. In addition to rhinestones for decoration use feathers, appliques, painting on fabric, color dyeing, embroidery and other techniques.
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