UK Skatewear Question

[Ice Dancer]

For those skaters in the UK, where do you get your skate skirts and dresses from?

I am currently looking for a velvet practice skirt with side splits, and from ebay and the two websites I know of (ice dancer and bunty) I can only find one which will fit me (and I am by no means big) at £32! For the tiny amount of fabric used, and the amount I spend on the sport already, I can't justify that!

Does anyone know of anywhere cheaper you can get them from online? Or do skaters generally make their own costumes? If so I'm screwed!

[mintypoppet]

I know the feeling! I put a few Jerry's skirts on my Xmas list last year, and they're lasting very well - certainly enough to justify the investment - but I couldn't afford them myself.

We have a rink-based dressmaker who makes simple skirts from £20 - it might be worth asking other skaters at your rink (including the kids) who makes their dresses.

Another (cheaper!) option is a wraparound georgette skirt - try ice-dancer's off-ice dance shop.

Aside from Bunty, here are the UK-based skatewear sites I know of (including tights only):
http://www.gk-elitesportswear.com/uk
http://www.specialistskatingservices.com/
http://www.everglides.co.uk/zc/
http://www.ice-dancer.co.uk/
http://www.icecoolsports.com/
http://www.blackwhitecat.com/category.asp?cat=Shop
http://www.dreamskate.com/
http://www.angelsonice.co.uk/

[fsk8r]

I've mail ordered from US based sites before and other than sometimes having to pay a little import tax, can get things cheaper that way.
Alternatively, save up for a holiday over there and pop down a skate shop whilst you are there, which is what I tend to do. The last business trip that way did become a bit more of a skate shopping trip than a business trip!

The shop I mail ordered from was Skate Dress Warehouse and they were very efficient.

[sk8_4fun]

have you tried ebay.com? the US site has much more choice than ours and even with shipping I've managed to get some bargains.
I got this one for $12.00!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/jayaweena_bucket/7180_2.jpg

[Mrs Redboots]

Try Lin & Pat at Inside Edge Fashions - they'll see you right (http://www.insideedgefashions.co.uk)

[Mrs Redboots]

Following up my post from yesterday, there are a couple of other alternatives - go to your local dancewear shop, and see if they sell practice-skirts in your size; many do.

There's a woman at my rink who makes practice (and other) skirts to order for around £25-£30 a shot; if you PM me I can let you have her details.

Or you can just make a wrap skirt yourself - they aren't difficult. I have made a couple which I sometimes wear - one isn't even tied, just safety-pins.....