Choosing a competition dress is one of the most fun and exciting things for a skater to do! Here’s where their personality can shine, limited only by your budget. So, get creative. But remember, a competition dress should fit the overall feel of the skater’s program. In addition, for ice dance, the dress should fit the style of dance.
Selecting a Dress
U.S. Figure Skating does set minimal standards for clothing that must be followed. If not, deductions will be assessed during a competition. The 2025-2026 U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook lists the current standards: Rule 6030 for singles, Rule 7030 for pairs, and Rule 8020 for ice dance. Below is a brief summary of these rules.
- The clothing must be modest, dignified and appropriate for athletic competitions or tests, not garish or theatrical in design. Clothing may, however, reflect the character of the music chosen. (6031, 7031, 8021)
- Clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. (6032, 7032, 8022)
- For domestic competitions and tests, there are no restrictions on attire related to gender. (6033, 7033, 8023)
- No accessories or props (except as specified for showcase categories). (6035, 7035, 8025)
- For singles and pairs, any ornamentation attached to the clothing must be firmly fastened so as not to fall off while skating under normal competitive conditions. (6036, 7036)
- For Ice Dance, the decorations on the costumes must be nondetachable, and no part of the costume or decoration may fall on the ice during skating. (8026)
Purchasing a Dress
When it comes to purchasing skating dresses, you have many options to choose from. Most of our skaters purchase dresses online as we don’t have a local skate shop. Below is a list of places where Charleston skaters have purchased dresses.
Make sure to take all the skater’s measurements accurately before purchasing any dresses online.
