Whether your little star is driven to athletic success or simply enjoys the drama of ice dancing, figure skating is a great outlet for girls who like to shine. When preparing for shows and competitions, it’s important to choose the perfect outfit to compliment her movements. With so many different styles, cuts, and color options available, it can be tough to decide which one looks the best on the ice. Here are some tips to help you choose girls figure skating dresses for your rising star.
- Know the requirements of your program. Each type of figure skating has unique expectations for their dresses. Ice dancers generally require longer skirts with a more flowing form. Artistic or interpretative programs are more open to customizations that fit the theme of your performance.
- Choose fabrics with a 4-way stretch. Ice skating requires more movement than other forms of dance. Leotards and outfits made for regular dance often don’t provide enough stretch for the more demanding movements of ice skating. Super stretchy velvet, Lycra, and microfiber blends allow you to combine the perfect fit with the colors and designs you’re looking for.
- Always choose comfort over aesthetics. That high neck dance dress might look regal on the rack. However, your figure skater might spend more time tugging at it than concentrating on her footwork. No matter how good an outfit looks, it won’t be an advantage if it distracts your athlete from their program.
- Find the right size. Girls figure skating dresses should fit similar to a one-piece swimsuit. Bulging, sagging, ripples, and wrinkles reduce the attractiveness of the outfit and could even cost some points in an organized competition. If your girl’s outfit doesn’t seem to fit right, try a smaller size. Be wary of choosing an outfit that is too small, however, as this could lead to embarrassing wardrobe accidents on the ice.
- Pick a flattering skirt style. Your dress should complement your dancer’s frame. There are a variety of skirt types to choose from, each best suited for a different type of body shape. For girls with shorter midsections, a slanted skirt gives the illusion of a slimmer and more curvaceous figure. Similarly, girls with slimmer profiles can use bell-shaped skirts to fill out their frames. Layered skirts are great for camouflaging bulkier body types.
In a close competition, the right outfit can make all the difference. Make sure your dancing queen can reign supreme by following these tips the next time you go shopping for girl’sfigure skating dresses.
