Ice skating is a super fun winter activity to do with friends, family or on a romantic ice skating date. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, it is important to take care planning exactly what to wear when ice skating. Most ice rinks are cold, so you’ll need to dress warmly. You should also avoid exposed skin so that if you happen to take a tumble, you’ll be protected.
At the same time, you don’t want to be bundled up so much that it restricts your movement – for both safety and comfort on the ice, you need to be able to move freely. As long as you follow the advice in this article, you’ll be protected and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy improving your skating skills. You can dress responsibly and still look cute for an ice skating date! It’s all about flexibility and smart layering.
These are the items you should make sure to put on every time you hit the ice skating rinks.
Long Pants
Whether you are skating indoors or outdoors, it’s going to be chilly. If you wear pants, you can keep your legs warm and protect your knees from any unforeseen tumbles.
It’s best to wear comfortable pants that you can easily move around in. Yoga pants, fleece leggings, sweatpants or even snow pants all work well.
Sweater
The key thing to remember when dressing for ice skating is to layer up. That way, you’ll be prepared for the cold, but you can also shed the layers as you warm up!
A comfortable sweater or long sleeved shirt is an essential part of your layered ensemble. Again, make sure it’s one that allows for ease of movement.
Jacket
You’ll need a jacket to top off your layers, but the type of jacket you need depends on where you are going ice skating. A light jacket over a sweater is probably sufficient for an indoor rink as you won’t be exposed to wind chill.
If it’s midwinter and you’re heading to an outdoor rink, you’ll probably need a heavier jacket. You can always take it off if you get too hot!
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Accessories
These items aren’t essential, but may be a good idea depending on the type of ice rink you’re going to be skating at.
Gloves
It’s a good idea to wear warm gloves when ice skating. As well as keeping your hands warm, these will prevent scrapes from falling on the ice. If you’re going to an indoor rink, thin gloves are probably fine. If you’re skating outdoors, thick padded gloves are best.
Hat
We lose heat through the head, so if you’re worried about the cold, a beanie or beret is the way to go – especially if you’re going to be skating for a long time.
Socks
You may think that thick socks are best to ice skate in, but experts typically recommend wearing thin socks. Overly thick socks will interfere with the fit of your skates and their ability to provide the correct support. At the same time, make sure you wear long socks that reach well above your skates.
Scarf
Especially if you’re headed to an outdoor ice rink, a scarf will protect your neck from cold winds. Just make sure to wrap it carefully so that it stays secure while you ice skate!
Protective Gear – Optional!
Tumbles on the ice are inevitable for new ice skaters. And while they seldom lead to serious injury, they can be painful! That’s why it’s a good idea for beginners, especially young children, to feel free to wear protective gear, such as a helmet, elbow guards and knee pads.
As well as preventing head injuries, a helmet has the added benefit of keeping your head warm.
What Not To Wear
Here’s what you should avoid wearing when heading to the rink to unleash your inner ice skater, to ensure you remain warm.
Shorts
This one is a no-brainer – shorts leave way too much skin at the mercy of the elements. Also, any skin exposed leaves you vulnerable to scrapes on the ice.
Dresses Or Skirts
Unless you are wearing them over leggings, dresses and skirts won’t protect your legs either. Excessively long skirts can also be dangerous if your skates get caught up in them.
If you feel like you need a cute skirt to keep up your style, make sure it’s a short, loose skirt layered over a pair of warm leggings.
Tight Pants
Any clothing that is too tight will restrict your movement on the ice. Not only will this make it harder to enjoy yourself, but it could even diminish your ability to catch your balance and lead to falls.
Thick Socks
As we explained above, whether using your own or skate rental, thick socks can make it difficult for your skates to give your feet the support they need when skating. Wondering about Figure Skate Vs Hockey Skate? Click here to read more. If you are a hockey player and would like to purchase the best gear and equipment, click on Best Hockey Skates, Best Hockey Sticks, Best Hockey Pucks and Best Hockey Rebounders and you will find everything you are looking for. Don’t forget to also check out our review of the Best Snow Tubes for fun time with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Wear To An Indoor Ice Skating Rink?
You should wear comfortable clothing to an indoor ice skating rink. The most important thing is not to wear anything that will restrict your movement. Yoga pants, leggings or sweatpants are a good choice. Another useful tip for a budding ice skater is to layer up – put on a t-shirt, followed by a sweater and then a light jacket. That way you’ll stay warm, but you’ll also be able to ditch layers if you get too hot from the exercise.
Can You Wear Jeans For Ice Skating?
You cannot wear jeans for ice skating unless they are very stretchy. Most jeans are not designed to be worn during physical activity, and do not allow for free, easy movement when doing things like skating. Think about it – would you put on jeans to go for a run? Ice skating also involves a lot of movement, so sweatpants or leggings are a much better choice.
Is It Cold In An Ice Rink?
It is cold in an ice rink, whether indoors or outdoors. Although you aren’t exposed to the elements, ice skating rinks have to be kept at a very low temperature to maintain the cold ice. You probably don’t have to bundle up as much as you would at an outdoor ice rink in winter, but you should be prepared with warm clothing.
Do You Wear Socks With Ice Skates?
You do wear socks with ice skates. However, whether figure skates or ice hockey skates they should not be too thick as this will get in the way of the fit of your ice skates. Whether you are wearing your own ice skates or rental skates, they are designed to support your feet while skating. Comfortable, thin socks will allow your ice skates to provide the correct support.
Can You Wear Leggings To Go Ice Skating?
You can wear leggings to go ice skating. Leggings are actually a great choice to pair with ice skates as they are comfortable and allow for easy movement. Just make sure your leggings are warm enough for the ice rink. They should also be thick enough to protect your knees in case of falls.
Conclusion
Whether you’re going on a romantic ice skating date or a family outing to the ice rink, you need to be thoughtful about what you wear when ice skating. It’s important to dress in layers of comfortable, stretchy clothing so you can remain comfortable and move freely – plus extras like gloves can help you have an even more smooth day on the ice. Also, whether you have your own ice skates or are using rental skates, you should wear thin socks. Now all you need to do is check out our beginner skates review to pick your ice skates, and you’re ready to go skating!
