By Adam Welsch
Cupid Intimates
January 6th is a day that will live in infamy in the world of women’s figure skating. On this day in 1994, US figure skater, Nancy Kerrigan, was attacked during a practice session at the US Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Michigan. The ex-husband and bodyguard of Kerrigan’s rival, Tonya Harding, hired a third person to carry out the attack, which resulted in a baton blow and bruise to the thigh, and forced Kerrigan to withdraw from the competition. Despite admitting that she helped cover up the attack, Harding joined Kerrigan the following month to skate for the United States at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Kerrigan won the silver medal, while Harding finished eighth. The seventeenth anniversary of this notorious event seems an appropriate time for this blog to discuss the kinds of intimate apparel worn by female figure skaters.
Before discussing what’s worn underneath, it’s helpful to get a sense of the outfits generally worn by female figure skaters. During practice sessions, where comfort and warmth are more important than fashion, skaters generally wear sweaters and sweatshirts on top, and either athletic leggings, yoga pants, or skating tights on the bottom. They may also wear dresses and skaters’ tights closer to competitions to ensure that the types of outfits worn during the events work with their routines. Finally, most skaters wear gloves during practice.
During competitions, skaters wear form-fitting dresses that often have attached briefs. The dresses have very short skirts, so the attached briefs always become visible. Many observers often ask whether the short lengths of the skirts are necessary. Most skaters answer “yes,” since longer skirts would inhibit jumps and leg extensions, and would become distractions to their required in-program concentration. Skating tights are generally worn under the attached briefs, though some skaters find that to be uncomfortable and prefer to wear them over the briefs. These special tights may be footless, footed, or capable of covering and protecting the boot portions of the skates. These tights are thicker and warmer than conventional, everyday tights, and are generally made with cotton gussets (like conventional pantyhose.)
So, what do these women wear under this attire? Interestingly, there’s neither unanimity of opinion about the types of underwear that should be worn, nor agreement about whether conventional underwear should be worn at all. During practice, where comfort matters and appearance does not, the decision of whether or not to wear panties is usually dictated by the choice of outerwear worn over the legs. If skaters’ tights are worn, their cotton gussets allow the skaters to choose whether or not to “go commando.” Many skaters do so reasoning that, since the tights must be washed after each use anyway, little would be gained by wearing panties. When yoga pants or athletic leggings are worn, panties designed to prevent ride-up are usually chosen. Boy-short silhouettes or styles with silicone-finished edges are often the best selections here. During competition, concerns of appearance usually outweigh all others; many skaters choose not to wear panties of any silhouette underneath their tights and attached briefs for fear of creating VPLs or actual panty show-through. If they choose to wear panties, they often wear thongs and always select flesh-colored styles.
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What about bras? As with panties, the types of bras worn, and the decision of whether to wear them or not, is left up to each skater. During practice, most women wear sports bras. They not only provide support, but added warmth for long hours of practice as well. During competition, some wear them and some do not. Skating outfits are quite form-fitting, so many smaller-busted skaters receive sufficient support from the costumes themselves and find bras unnecessary. Those women with larger busts do wear bras. As with everyday outfits, the styles of the skating costumes dictate the styles of the bras worn. Many outfits are backless, and so specially-strapped bra silhouettes have to be used. As with panties, skaters cannot afford to have any parts of their bras reveal themselves during competition. Some skaters who require added support wear custom-made outfits that incorporate built-in breast-support features. Others prefer to sew bra cups into the costumes themselves.
Though the choices of skaters’ outfits and their intimate apparel involve a series of interconnected and personal considerations, the final figure-skating ensembles are usually quite beautiful and add to the broad appeal of the sport for much of the general public.
Here’s Nancy Kerrigan skating in her long program during the 1994 Winter Olympics sporting a nice example of the overall, final look:
CC Image courtesy cliff1066 on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago// CC BY 2.0CC Image courtesy zipckr on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/zipckr// CC BY 2.0
FAQs
Wear beige-colored tights under your skating dress.
Tights will allow you to move freely while protecting your legs from the ice. You can choose whether you want to wear your tights under or over your boots, as this is considered an aesthetic preference.
What do ice skaters wear under their costumes? ›
Most figure skaters wear some kind of tights under their skating skirts. These tights help keep their muscles warm and their skin from getting scraped by their skate blades. Some skaters also wear a thin layer of padding over their tights to help cushion any falls.
Do figure skaters wear tights under their costumes? ›
The "underwear" skaters use is made specially so you don't get wedgies. Heavy duty elastic is used at the leg hole openings, and some skaters sew them on top of their tights so they are guaranteed to stay in place.
What do male figure skaters wear under their costumes? ›
Body shirts are one of the most popular options when it comes to men's figure skating outfits, and a very customizable costuming technique.
Why do figure skaters wear skimpy outfits? ›
Figure skating competitors often make headlines for their extravagant outfits as much as they do for their athletic abilities. However, those glimmering crystals and sheer panels aren't just deployed for ornamental purposes — they actually serve as bulwarks against immodesty and point deductions.
Why are female figure skaters flat chested? ›
The more active you are, and the more muscle building activity you do; less of those nutrients will be converted into fat. That's why female athletes at higher levels tend to have smaller breast sizes. The way they use their body and the rigor of their training means that less food is converted to fat.
Do skaters wear padding? ›
They might also use protective padding. Lavrik said when he first learned these lifts, he placed 1/2-inch rubber foam pads between his thighs and his pants. (He added that even Olympic-level skaters may use some padding.) Once skaters work their way to bare blades and no padding, however, it can definitely hurt.
Do figure skaters wear pantyhose? ›
Because skaters can trip over their own laces. And having tights cover the laces removes that potential snafu, which would cost a competitor a medal. Some skaters also wear tights over skates for the same reason women might wear nude-colored high heels: It creates the illusion of longer legs.
Why do skaters wear so many layers? ›
Skaters start a workout by wearing layers, shedding sweaters or jackets as they warm up, and donning them again as they cool down. The ability to move freely is key to performance. Therefore, outfits are close to the body, allowing for movement without the garments getting in the way of action.
What do figure skaters do when they have their period? ›
"It's really not that big of a deal. You just stick a tampon up there," she says, adding that exercising on the ice during her period tends to be therapeutic. "Periods can induce cramps for me, which I find exercise helps [alleviate]."
Figure skates are so cute, why cover them?” In addition to the style, wearing tights over figure skates serves a practical purpose -- to keep the figure skater from tripping over her own laces, which could be as painful as it would be embarrassing during an Olympics competition.
Why do figure skaters have tissue boxes? ›
Since 2010, Hanyu has been spotted carrying a tissue box -- figure skaters usually carry a tissue box with them as the skating rinks are cold and they could get runny noses -- branded with the popular cartoon character.
Why do skaters wear baggy clothes? ›
Skateboarding requires a lot of physical activity, so it's important to dress in clothes that won't weigh you down or restrict your movement. Baggy clothes are often a good choice, as they allow for a full range of motion.
Do Olympic figure skaters wear padding? ›
Olympic figure skaters wear boots that are custom-made for each foot and heavily reinforced with thick, stiff leather interiors and extra ankle bracing. Figure skates are made with wide tongues, with rubber or sponge padding for flexibility. Skates should be tied tightly to afford maximum control.
Why do skaters dress baggy? ›
Wearing loose clothes helps your body move as freely as possible when you're skateboarding. You don't need expensive gear to skate well; just wear clothes that fit comfortably and let your movement do the talking.
How do figure skaters stay skinny? ›
A typical figure skater's diet will include lots of lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Foods like chicken, fish, rice, pasta, vegetables, and fruits are all important staples. Figure skaters also need to make sure they're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Why can't female figure skaters wear pants? ›
Few female figure skaters wear trousers at Olympic competitions, though nearly all practice in them. No rule dictates the decision, but cultural expectations of femininity and tradition make skirts the de facto competition uniform.
Why are figure skaters so skinny? ›
Under pressure
Many gifted young skaters find themselves reaching the national or international level just as their body is naturally changing as they go through puberty. The pressure of competition, as well as from their coaches, can push them to deliberate starvation in an attempt to hold back biology.
What body type is best for figure skating? ›
Figure skating
This sport favors shorter, lighter athletes with slightly shorter limbs. Hewett said this body type is best for overall body control and faster spins. Skating athletes also need stronger lower bodies to jump high. But too much bulk and they can't propel themselves into the air.
Do figure skating dresses have built in bras? ›
Many outfits are backless, and so specially-strapped bra silhouettes have to be used. As with panties, skaters cannot afford to have any parts of their bras reveal themselves during competition. Some skaters who require added support wear custom-made outfits that incorporate built-in breast-support features.
The Axel jump, also called the Axel Paulsen jump for its creator, Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen, is an edge jump in the sport of figure skating. According to figure skating historian James Hines, the Axel is "figure skating's most difficult jump".
What do speed skaters wear under? ›
Skaters wear skin-tight suits with an aerodynamic hood and thumb loops to minimize air resistance. Racing suits must conform to the natural shape of the skater's body. Insertion or attachment of forms or devices to create a different shape is not permitted.
Do skaters use wax? ›
Skateboarding wax is usually made from a paraffin base, and it helps reduce the friction you get when you slide or grind down rails, curbs, and other hard surfaces. Naturally, slides and grinds create friction, which can slow down the speed of your trajectory, making it more difficult to execute.
Do figure skaters shave their legs? ›
For Amendola, who says he grooms his body on a regular basis, grooming is an important part of his pre-game ritual. “I shave my arms and my legs. It's not easy to play and wear these pants with the taped ankles and wrists without trimming or shaving your body.
Why do female ice skaters wear skirts? ›
The so-called “Katarina rule” required female skaters to cover their "hips and posterior," and was instituted thanks to Katarina Witt's racy costume at the 1988 games. The rule was repealed in 2004, and skaters were allowed to wear unitards, tights or pants if they chose.
Why do figure skaters hold stuffed animals? ›
Stuffed Animals Are an Expression of Love
Stuffed animals can help skaters relax while they wait for their scores or get ready for their next routine. They also create an emotional connection between fans and skaters who share their love and appreciation for each other.
What kind of pantyhose do ice skaters wear? ›
The MD-3301 footed tights are heavy weight, naturally opaque and usually used for skating practice as are the Cotton/Nylon blend (MD-3395) tights which come in Caramel color. Some skaters choose to use these thick tights for competition if they are skating in a cold ice rink.
Why do skaters wear flat shoes? ›
The most important aspect of skate shoes is that they have flat soles which allow the skater to have better board control.
Why do people kiss and cry during skating? ›
Perhaps that's fitting, since it's not a very comfortable moment for skaters awaiting their judgment. The “kiss and cry” is where skaters begin processing what just happened, where the first seedlings of regret sprout and, for a lucky few, where they'll get the best news of their lives.
How do you get the skater look? ›
Choose loose styles that are comfortable and practical. Rock graphic T-shirts and hoodies on top. Down bottom, wear cargo or chino pants or shorts. Keep your footwear classic with traditional skate shoes like Vans or Converse.
PEDs such as meldonium, pseudoephedrine and torasemide have been used in the sport of figure skating. These drugs have little to do with building bulk muscle but can potentially be used to encourage a faster recovery, or diuretics may be used for weight loss.
Why do female gymnasts not get their period? ›
Excessive exercise can suppress the luteinizing hormone, which is the hormone which triggers ovulation in women and is necessary for normal reproductive health and sexual development.
How do female dancers dance on their period? ›
A lot of dancers find it most convenient and comfortable to wear a tampon, but some girls, especially younger girls, opt to wear a thin pad. Wearing a pad is perfectly fine, just make sure to choose one with a high absorbency level and wear black dancing attire.
Why do figure skaters have big thighs? ›
Why do figure skaters have big thighs? Figure skating requires a lot of strength and muscle in the thighs and butt, which is why skaters have big legs. Skating on ice produces an intense workout for muscles all over the body, including those in the quads and glutes.
Why do figure skaters tuck in their arms? ›
The conservation of angular momentum explains why ice skaters start to spin faster when they suddenly draw their arms inward, or why divers or gymnasts who decrease their moment of inertia by going into the tuck position start to flip or twist at a faster rate.
Why do skaters wear long socks? ›
Some skaters prefer to wear long socks while skating, as they feel it gives them more support and helps to keep their feet warm. Others prefer not to wear long socks, as they find them constricting or uncomfortable. Ultimately, it's up to the skater to decide what works best for them.
Why do skaters wear Dickies? ›
Comfort, style and durability are the main reasons why our riders choose Dickies. They simply want something durable that allows them to land their tricks and move freely without sacrificing style, be it on street, tranny or any other terrain conditions.
What are skater jeans? ›
High-Waisted Skater Jeans
The 22”-wide leg opening and slouchy, long inseam create a cool skate-inspired look that pairs best with sneakers and slide sandals. The high rise makes these jeans an instant classic with crop tops like camis, tank tops, and hoodies made for layering.
Why do speed skaters not wear socks? ›
The idea is that a foot could slip a little inside a boot, and that slip would mean wasted energy and slower times. “Our athletes are barefoot when it gets molded their barefoot when they skate,” said Domer. “That's to provide minimal slippage when they are in the skate and putting down the power they put down.”
Do figure skaters feel cold? ›
Ice skaters' bodies also adjust to being on the rink constantly since they frequently practice, so the cold does not bother them as much. Another reason ice skaters do not get cold is the lights in the arenas in which they perform. The lights are so bright that they actually contribute to keeping figure skaters warm.
Skater girl aesthetic outfits
Graphic tees, sneakers, baggy pants, and hoodies are part of the surf and skate fashion style. Put together trendy outfits with functional, loose, and comfortable clothes for maximum freedom of movement. You can also wear jumpsuits, playsuits, rompers, and overalls.
Why do skaters wear skin colored gloves? ›
They also offer a layer of protection in case of a fall, or if a skater performs a tricky move that requires them to grab their blade with their hand.
Can you wear a dress while skating? ›
Short or tight dresses or skirts should also be avoided as they are too restrictive. Whatever you wear, you'll need to be able to freely bend your knees. Of course, you also don't want to wear clothing so loose that it can get caught in your skates.
What should be worn under a dress? ›
One option is to wear a slip or a camisole. This will give you some coverage while still allowing the dress to be see through. Another option is to wear a thong or other type of underwear that will not be visible under the dress. This is a good option if you do not want to wear a slip or camisole.
What shoes do you wear with a skater dress? ›
Depending on your style preference, some of the best shoes to pair with a skater dress includes ballerina flats or gladiator heels. Note that closed-toe shoes are often best paired with skater dresses. Avoid wearing off-the-shoulder tops. You can tuck or untuck your top when wearing a skater skirt.
Why are figure skating costumes so tight? ›
In addition to the style, wearing tights over figure skates serves a practical purpose -- to keep the figure skater from tripping over her own laces, which could be as painful as it would be embarrassing during an Olympics competition. Figure skating events at the Sochi Games will take place between Feb. 6 and Feb. 20.
Are figure skaters judged on their outfits? ›
Skaters' outfits don't contribute towards a better score, or necessarily an improved performance, but are traditionally a vital part of figure skating.
By Adam Welsch
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