How to Wear a Skating Dress

Choosing your first skating dress can be a big decision. Once you've taken your measurements, decided what kind of dress will complement your music and chosen a dress that fits comfortably and allows freedom of movement, it's time to put it on. Whether you're an ice skater or roller skater, knowing how to wear a skating dress is a valuable asset.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold up your skating dress or place it flat on a bed or table. Examine both sides to determine which is the back and which is the front. Many dresses have a low-cut back or have fasteners such as a zipper or snaps in the back of the dress or collar; these will help you identify the back of the dress. Dresses that are purchased off-the-rack or from a stock supplier may also have a tag sewn into the back. If you choose to remove the tag, use scissors and cut the tag carefully, as pulling at it may tear the dress. Keep the tags in a safe place to refer to for dress care.

    • 2

      Put on your skating tights and any other undergarments you plan to wear with the dress. If you are planning to wear multiple pairs of tights, put on all tights before putting on the skating dress. For instance, if you plan to wear footed tights and over-the-boot tights, put on both pairs with the footed tights first before putting on your dress.

    • 3

      Hold up your dress so the back faces you. If there are any snaps, zippers or other fasteners on the dress or sleeves, unfasten them before moving on to the next step.

    • 4

      Lower the dress so you can step into it from the top downward. Hold open the dress so you can see the attached panties under the skirt. Step into the dress with one foot at a time, like you would step into a one-piece swimsuit.

    • 5

      Pull the dress up over your shoulders. If your dress has sleeves, put your arms into the sleeves and adjust the shoulders and elbows until they fit comfortably. Some long-sleeved dresses have a loop at the top of the sleeves on each end. If your dress has this loop, slide it over your middle finger on each hand. The loop helps keep your sleeves in place while you are skating.

    • 6

      Fasten the back of your dress or have someone fasten the back for you. Make any necessary adjustments to the dress's body, skirt, shoulders or sleeves by tugging gently until the dress fits comfortably. You may also want to put on a warm-up jacket or sweatshirt over your dress before entering the rink, especially if you are skating in a practice session.