How to Buy a Figure Skating Competition Dress

You’ve spent hours at the rink and hundreds on figure skates and coaching. Now it’s time for your first figure skating competition. How do you go about buying a dress that won’t take forever to find . . . and won’t break your budget? Tips from a skate mom.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Do not pick an outfit too provocative for a young girl or too cutesy for an older girl.

2. 

   Do not pick a style based on what it looks like on a model in a picture. Choose based on what it looks like in the mirror. Make sure it works when you bend and jump.

3. Buy something that fits now with a room for growth.
   Only look at things you can afford.

4. Pick music and routine first. Have the dress fit the theme.

5. 

   Ask coaches and advanced skaters where they get their costumes.
   Some may even have old outfits to offer.

6. First place to look is a skate shop. Jot down the model numbers of the best styles along with the size that fits and price. Even if you do not find the perfect dress, you now have information for comparison shopping!

7. Check shops that sell dancewear. Attend competitions as the rink often allows companies to bring dresses and set up a rack.

8. 
   Best Key Words

   Google “figure skating dresses” or “competition dress” and you will find online stores. If you have done your research you will have a couple model numbers in mind. Check return policy and shipping time.

9. Check Ebay. Check the seller’s rating as a seller, not just the overall rating. Communicate about size before you bid. Ask to see additional photos if needed. If there are crystals, make sure they are Swarovski.

10. If money is not an object, hire a professional seamstress. Schedule your dress to be made well in advance of the competition. Find a seamstress by asking at the rink.
    
    Sew it yourself only if you are a good seamstress. Figure skating costumes are sewn on a serger sewing machine, which allows seams that stretch. They are made from 4-way stretch material. Check to make sure it is truly 4-way stretch and not just 2-way. You can find patterns online.

11. 
    creativezazz.com for more tips

    For more information on buying a dress and tips on how to zazz up a plain dress or convert a regular dress or prom dress into a beautiful skate dress, visit creativezazz.com at the link below.
    
    Take good care of your competition dresses. After you are done you can sell them or use them as practice dresses. Good Luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Start your research and looking early. Always have a back-up plan if you order online or buy on Ebay. Check out the link below for more tips on buying a skating dress and suggestions for how to make one from an old prom dress.
• Check competition rules to make sure you know if there are restrictions on costumes and props. Make sure all crystals and sparkly items are well fastened. Adornments should never fall off as this is hazardous on the ice.

Resources

• More tips on buying and zazzing up a skate dress
• How to buy figure skates that fit your feet and your budget

[MarlaineMarie]

on 3/3/2009 Nice idea!

[CaseyCarlton]

on 3/2/2009 Thanks for sharing all the tips. 5 stars and a recommend