Clothing for ice skating

Skating Clothing

Skating clothing should be flexible and able to wick away sweat effectively to prevent it from getting damp, which can make you cold and even lead to hypothermia. The clothing should also not be too loose, as loose fabric will flap and create extra resistance while skating. As with many sports, we recommend selecting your skating clothing using the three-layer system. The first layer consists of thermal clothing, followed by an insulating layer, and finally, a windproof outer layer. This system is a solid foundation, and if the temperature is extremely cold or a bit warmer, you can always add or remove a layer as needed.

The First Layer

The first layer is the base layer, which should fit closely to the body. This allows it to keep you warm and wick sweat to the next layer. Thermal clothing is ideal for this base layer.

The Second Layer

The second layer helps retain warmth. This layer should also be able to move moisture to the next layer. It consists of slightly looser clothing, which creates an insulating layer of air between layers. A sport shirt, ski pullover, fleece, or sweater works well as a second layer.

The Third Layer

The third and final layer is the outer layer. This layer should be windproof to block out cold air. A wind-stopping jacket is perfect for this purpose; it blocks the wind and also keeps out light precipitation. This layer should still allow sweat to escape to the outside. Even on days with little or no wind, we recommend wearing this layer because, at higher speeds, you’ll feel more wind than you might expect, which can cause significant cooling.

Tip

For both the second and third layers, choose a garment with a zipper. If you get too warm, you can open the zipper for cooling.

Still have questions about skating clothing? Feel free to ask our customer service.