How to Buy a Roller Derby Costume

Spectacle has always been a huge part of roller derby's popularity. The mix of speed and violence has made roller derby an American institution for nearly 100 years. To prepare to compete, you'll need to learn the sport and buy yourself an attractive but functional roller derby costume.

Things You'll Need

  • Jersey
  • Shorts or skirt
  • Quad skates
  • Unique accessories
  • Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Discuss your roller derby team's costume ideas with the rest of the team. It's important that your team coordinate costumes so that you'll be able to identify each other easily on the rink. Think of a name for your team and develop your costumes as a part of that theme.

    • 2

      Design a logo for your team. Pick something that's tough and thematically linked to your team's name. Work with a graphic designer to create a unique logo that reflects your team's identity. Make decals of your roller derby team's logo that you can display on the side of your helmets.

    • 3

      Designate numbers for each of your teammates. You'll want to display the numbers on the back of each jersey so your team's "jammer" can differentiate between "blockers" while attempting to lap the pack. If you don't want to have the numbers custom printed, you can add them to your jerseys by using duct tape.

    • 4

      Accessorize your skates with team colors. Replace the standard wheels and toe-stops with custom colors.

    • 5

      Buy shorts to compliment the jerseys. They should fit snugly so that they reduce resistance while you skate. Pick a matching color scheme, or consider emblazoning your team's logo on the leg. Women have the option of buying skirts for their costumes instead of shorts.

    • 6

      Purchase safety equipment. Each member of the team will need knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. Buy pads and helmets that compliment your uniforms' color scheme.

    • 7

      Buy roller skates to complete your uniform. Most roller derby leagues require traditional quad skates instead of trendy in-line skates. Take your skates for a test spin before making a final purchase.