Ice skating is as much about the moves, turns, and spins as it is about the fashion. Gorgeous tailored dresses in various shapes tailored to fit skaters for ultimate comfort and body shaping adding color and glam to the sport. Accessories include hairdos and belts in matching or in a contrasting mix to add originality and a touch of detail. While regular women’s figure skating uniforms are much shorter in length and narrower to allow through jumps, loops, and spins, costumes designed for women’s figure skating have more layers and bulges. Men’s clothing is generally formal and most outfits are formal suits or semi-tuxes.
Ice dancers claim to have more fun in elaborate and flashy costumes since there is much more room for style and variety; In most ice dancing competitions, there are one or more costume changes depending on the tone and standards of the competition. They are often tailor-made to fit the individual dancer’s body shape but there are plenty of options available to pick and choose from ready-made ice dance costumes.
Custom-made costumes require accurate measurements of the dancers’ body such as torso, sleeve length, biceps, waist, chest, hips, skirt length, etc. These make up the first layer of the costume; Additional layers can be added if it is a complex set.
Among the many types of costumes that have received attention in the World Championships are the elegant and eye-catching clothes that are harmonious and calm. However, contestants have been known to go for the quirky, often choosing themes ranging from superhero costumes to the simplicity of a “walk in the park”. Medieval royalty, circus theme, cartoons, and fantasy characters are some of the other popular costume features that were used in the past.
Figure skating and figure skating fashion also needs a touch of creativity and aesthetic appeal despite how eccentric most outfits can be. Olympic medalist in figure skating Frances Defoe has earned a huge name and reputation after her figure skating days by turning to figure skating fashion innovation. Her creations ranged from outrageous flame-colored garments to softly feminine chiffons in pink and grey. Although a traditionalist at heart, she chose to follow her dreams and aspirations by becoming a figure skater and then indulge her creative passion.
Sadly, Defoe passed away in Toronto recently. So is Jeff Billings, another longtime figure skating costume designer whose reputation and greatness is evidenced by his multiple Emmy Awards. The curtains have been drawn on two of the most talented and famous skateboarding designers.