Skating Outfits

Skating dresses have undergone little change over the years. It is an example of form following function. With the exception of competition skaters, who must feel compelled to appear in highly revealing outfits, "practice" skating dresses are pretty modest. Kristi Yamaguchi used to perform in quite modest outfits before she joined in with the "adult" crew. Here are skating dresses which retain the original modesty.

	As promised on the Cheerleading Uniforms page, here is McCall's 9696 again, only this time I ask that you take not of the red skating dress. The circle skirt is designed to flatten out into a dish when the skater spins.
	Simplicity 8532 offers several different variants on the skating dress. This one has a drop-waisted circle skirt, highlighting the waist.
	Simply changing the circle skirt into a box pleated skirt creates a completely different image, yet it retains the same spin interest.
	Once again, Simplicity recycles the pattern by adding a fake fur trim to the neck and wrists. This is Simplicity 9645.
	Adding some trim to the bodice turns up the interest on the basic skating dress, this one finished with a contrasting satin lining. Simplicity 6455.
	In this case, Simplicity 5598, the trim is added to the edge of the skirt. A matching headband and briefs, together with a crisp white blouse, complete the outfit.
	Lest we forget the original circle style skating skirt, Simplicity 7409 provides two different examples of just how cute it remains.
	GK Elite, one of the most accessible skate dress suppliers offers this style, 587, only in childrens sizes. It is made of a stretch velvet.
	Like the above, GK Elite offers this model, 594, only in children's sizes. Both of these are cute, with puffed sleeves and empire waists.
	GK Elite does offer this model, 582, in adult sizes through XL. While not quite the same as the above two in overall cuteness, it is nonetheless a fetching skating dress.
	Saving the best for last, we come to this fetching outfit, the A-10 from Pumpersl I ordered this one from Pumpers, only to have Terri check back to make certain that my measurements were accurate. What I got was a perfectly fitted outfit in exactly the color I wanted. Primo!
	A good choice for ballet class at LG Camp would be this SK-44 outfit from Pumpers, perhaps with short puffed sleeves. The double chiffon skirt is more ballet-like and, like everything from Pumpers, is made to your measurements in your choice of colors.

Unlike school and cheerleader uniform supply houses, skating dress suppliers expect to sell one at a time. Therefore, you should expect to be able to purchase the style you want in your size, even if that means having to wait for a custom outfit. Custom, of course, costs a bit more but I can testify that it is well worth the difference.

Pumpers <http://www.pumpers.com>. Terri is a delight to work with! I have ordered two different skating dresses from Terri, primarily for ballet class at LG Camp and each one fit perfectly and was extremely well made. I heartily recommend Pumpers to all of the new LGs who are considering attending Camp as I know that Terri will handle their orders promptly and professionally. Pumpers' motto is, "We will never let you go onstage naked," so you know she will meet her promised delivery date.

Terri will make whatever you want, either based on the pictures on her site or from your description. The only downside to Pumpers is that Terri will only work on lycra. I had wanted her to make me a Snow White dance dress, but she declined because part of it would not be lycra, suggesting several other suppliers. She knows what she is good at and wisely sticks to it... Truly commendable!

Love To Skate <http://www.lovetoskate.com/>. An interesting site: "At LoveToSkate we specialize in quality previously owned figure skating apparel." Prices are very good and if you keep checking something you like will probably come up in your size.

Taffy's Favorite Skating Outfits