Evolution of ice skating wear
The evolution of ice skating wear has mirrored both fashion trends as well as technological advancements in materials and fabrics over the years. Initially, in the 19th century, ice skaters wore heavy, layered clothing that prioritized warmth over mobility. After all, at that time, there were no stretch fabrics, so movement was quite restricted.
As skating became more popular and formalized, ice skating wear became integral to the presentation and storytelling aspects of competitive skating especially with the advent of indoor rinks. The evolution of ice skating wear became more influenced by cultural and artistic trends over the ensuing years, and gradually evolved towards more streamlined designs to enhance performance. The mid-20th century saw the introduction of synthetic materials like Lycra (1958), revolutionising the world of lingerie, swimwear, the fashion industry in general and offering skaters more flexibility and comfort. Today, skaters and designers collaborate to create ice skating wear that not only complement the technical aspects of their routines but by incorporating intricate designs, embellishments, and high-tech fabrics create visual appeal on the ice, as well as enhancing movement and performance, ensuring that ice skating wear continues to be both functional and expressive in the world of figure skating.