I'd like to see the purple boots as well. And perhaps a pair in pink.
I think most of the older and advanced skaters in my rink also wear leggings. It's easier to put in/take out crash pads in pants/leggings than up a dress. They are also a bit less expensive. If I'm working on doubles and I know I'll be falling, I'd rather beat up the leggings than a dress. The little girls tend to wear dresses, and they're very cute.

__________________
Recycle Love - Adopt a homeless pet

Where do you find Under Armour leggings? My local Sport Chalet carries tops so I didn't know they made leggings. Do they run short? I have long legs and find that leggings usually run too short.

actually I order them on amazon.com. However, I've seen them sold at Dick's and at Omega Sports sometimes. hav ealso seen them at Sports authority I think.

Actually they are quite long. I'm 5'7 and i get a good 2" extra to pull over my skating boots. Actually these are the best leggings i've ever had in my whole life. they keep you perfectly warm if you keep moving and I've had my msot recent pair for about a year now and sakting in them at least 3 dyas a week they show no wear.

most other leggings seem to get caught on the hook on my boots and then get torn or scratched up.

I'm speaking for pretty much 100% of the population of any and all rinks I've frequented in my lifetime, so I guess I'm speaking for about...500+ people, but you're free to speak for yourself and whoever agrees with you, if you'd like. Not sure what was so offensive about my comment or why it deserved an eyeroll, but I guess you like dresses? Good for you. No need to take it so personal, I didn't insult anyone. It's true that I only see kids and beginner adults wearing dresses, and that the serious kids (there are no competitive adults at my rink but from the sounds of it, a lot of the ones here who compete wear mostly pants too...) wear leggings. I can't help it, it's a fact. If you're different that's great. But that doesn't mean you're the majority. Or that being a minority is a bad thing.

GAH, either way, I have no idea how you could've taken this post wrong, when all I was doing was reporting clothing trends at various ice rinks. What, if I said I don't often see people wearing yellow and orange together, and you happened to have an orange and yellow shirt on, you'd get angry? Sheesh.

PS to Icedancer: don't worry, I don't wear over the boots tights in competitions. From what I've been told, most judges absolutely hate them and actually have been known to take off some presentation points for them. Not worth it.

You know I've been thinking about this a lot this afternoon (shows where my head is I guess) -- it strikes me that seeing people have really good stretch and extension is really what I want and not necessarily what their boot looks like.

For instance: IMO Sasha Cohen can wear anything she wants and still look good -- she wears OTB tights sometimes, sometimes not -- in practice she wears leggings or tights -- she always seems stretched, extended and pointed (just to give an example). So if you are really good at the extensions, stretch, etc., it doesn't matter what you are wearing. But if your free knee looks bent and your toes aren't pointed, I think it looks worse in OBT than just plain white boots.

I have been a judge at local competitions, though, and I can tell you that I am so busy trying to figure out the placements (still doing 6.0 system here for this stuff) and counting revolutions and trying to see cheats on jumps, give deductions, etc., I am not paying attention to the kind of tights the competitor is wearing. I might notice if they have good extensions, toe-point etc., but otherwise.... -- judging is hard!!

__________________
Is Portland the only city with it's own ice-dance website? http://www.pdxicedance.net/

No I wouldn't because you didn't put it the way you put your post in regards to skating dresses and adults. I don't know, but maybe if you read your own post you'll see what I mean... it just sounds patronizing/condescending:

Which sounds to me like you're implying that those of us adult skaters who skate in dresses are either not serious skaters just wanna-bes or beginners... or that we act childish.
Why not just say: "You might find that a lot of adult skaters for whatever reason prefer wearing leggings instead of dresses." That would have been neutral...

See I've experienced the exact opposite and actually don't know any beginner adult skaters (nor have I seen any so far) that wore dresses, they've at best worn leggings but a lot of times not even that but rather jeans, sweats or warm-ups... me included... I started out skating in leggings or jazz pants, I would have felt totally out of place wearing a dress, sort of silly at that level. I didn't start waering dresses until I became a more serious skater and started competing since I did have to wear a dress for that and thus get used to it, be able to feel comfortable in it, not self conscious.
Found out I'm much more comfortable and secure skating in a dress... should actually have figured as much since even in the midst of Winter I run in shorts because I'm not comfortable running in leggings or sweats... And again it sounds like you're implying that skaters who do wear dresses must be beginners as serious skaters would most likely not.

Pretty presumptious isn't it?

Come on be honest, you can't tell me that you don't find that that sounds condescending, almost insulting... so all of us adult skaters... over the age of 14 mind you... look absolutely silly like little 5 year olds in tutus and should drop dead from embarassment.

Need I repeat myself?

And another doozy adding 'insult to injury'...

If you really just wanted to say that most female adult skaters you've encountered so far tend to wear leggings or such rather than dresses then why didn't you just say it like that rather than sounding so judgmental?

I've skated in several different areas of the USA and found dresses vs. leggings in adult women depends a lot on the rink and outdoor temps. In the South I found lots of women wear dresses or skirts. Its hot. I tried to wear leggings a few times and boiled. I found more of the advanced adult women in dresses, to be perfectly frank. In the NE I've found more adult women wearing leggings. Could be a temp thing. When its 20 degrees outside and my house is chilly, the last thing I want to do is put on a dress. I think its more about practicality than how advanced the skater is or WHATEVER. Geez it's just getting to be catty crap....

As far as over the boot vs. not-I've seen quite a mix, too. I've noticed many of the talented skaters at Un. Del wearing dresses or skirts and really nasty, holey, runny OTB tights during practice. I've seen Kimmie Meissner wearing leggings almost 100% of the time for practice. I personally don't think they give a rat's behind if others like what they're wearing or whether or not their damned tights are in or out of their boots. They're wearing what works for them. Last test session I was at with about 60 applicants, mostly girls and women, probably 90% had OTB tights on. Did the judges care? Nope b/c most of them passed. So who cares, ya know?

For me, I think the OTB is warmer when its hockey ice. I hate the look of boot covers and that little added material on your toes aint half bad. I also like the look of stirrup tights for practice. I think OTB is good for comps if the white boot is distracting with the rest of the dress, otherwise I favor the footed as long as the boots are polished and laces tucked. Thats my 2 cents. I think the bottom line is-do what works for you. If you're focused on what everyone else is wearing, you're not all that focused on your own skating now are ya.

__________________
~AF

Or, you could tape your skates. Not perfect, but neither are fabric boot covers. Personally, I hate the look of boot covers, although I will admit that years ago I wore them. White ones, underneath neon blue stirrup pants and a matching skirt. The skirt had two layers - the top was blue, the bottom was a neon flower pattern, and the leggings had a diagonal insert on the lower leg in the same flower pattern. Ahh, fashion.

I agree with Vegas Girl. Condescending much? It's one thing to say, "Most serious skaters I know wear leggings." You imply that skaters are not serious if they wear skirts or dresses. Your experiences are NOT universal truths. Yes, I see more elite/high-level skaters in leggings than I do in skirts/dresses. But that doesn't mean that if a skater doesn't wear leggings, they're not serious. I think people might be able to take your point seriously if you didn't insult them while making that point.

I'm serious about my skating. I'm a real skater. I wear dresses because I feel they are more flattering. End of story. It's awfully judgemental of you to assess the seriousness of skaters based on what they wear.

Not to mention, there's a big difference between practice dresses and competition dresses. I have seen serious ballet dancers wear practice skirts to their classes, but never a full-on tutu. If a skater wore their competition dress with 1800 rhinestones to practice in, then I'd think they are a little... off.

for tights, i prefer to wear footed tights. i have been known on cold days to wear a pair of footed tights under with a footless pair over top. i kind of really just hate the look of over the boot tights but would never judge a skater for their personal preference. they just don't elongate anything for me. i mean - yr skating, WE KNOW YOU HAVE SKATES ON. i find them more distracting than anything.

50% of the time i wear dresses and the other half i wear leggings. it depends on how i feel that day. in fact, i'm more self conscious in leggings than in a dress. When i do wear leggings i don't wear tights at all but the body wrappers knee highs which i then fold over the top of the boot to hold my laces in.

it's just a personal preference, i think. i've seen really amazing skaters only practice in dresses and really terrible skaters practice in leggings. there is no hard and fast rule about skating attire.

in the immortal words of Michael Kors and Santino on Project Runway, "LIGHTEN UP IT'S JUST FASHION!"

__________________
the truth lies in between the 1st and 40th drink - tori amos

At my rink, there doesn't seem to be any preference. A lot of the girls wear skirts/dresses at all levels, probably equal numbers wear leggings. Same with our adult skaters.

I wear leggings the bulk of the time for convenience, since I am usually going straight from the rink to work. If I am running a bit late (often), it's much easier to dash into the building in leggings than in a skating dress, get started on my computer at work, then go to the ladies room and change clothes.

__________________
American Waltz... Once, Twice, ???? ...

Q: How many coaches does it take to fix Jen's Dance Intro-3 Problems
A: 5 and counting...

Am I the only person actually to prefer the look of OTB tights? Or, at worst, beige skates with tights the same shade?

I absolutely hate skating, whether in practice, test or competition, without covering my boots with something - covers in practice, OTB tights for "best" - as I'm totally paranoid about catching my blade in my laces. If, for any reason, I forget my boot-covers, I have to put thin socks on and fold them down over the top of my boots.

Besides which, at this time of year, woollen knitted boot covers do help to keep your feet warm!

__________________
Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Of course, if youre skating enough (ie. everyday), youre going to have to replace your boots after a year anyway

Oh and OTB tights arent going to protect your boots from your partners toepicks in dance


Just being picky

Please dont hurt me!

__________________
--------------
-Erinna-
aka cassarilda

My Progress Report!
"Did I mention there is only ONE rink in Melbourne?!"
"If you're not flying, you're obviously not trying!!!" - courtsey of the guy who helped me up off the ice after my last spectacular and sore fall

No your not, I do too and that's why OTB tights is what I wear.

Nothing protects your boots from your partner's toepicks in dance! The black marks on your skates are due to your partner's carelessness in kicking you; the white marks on his skates are due to his carelessness in not getting his feet out of the way.

Not a lot protects your legs, either! Last year I had the most wonderful graze across the top of my shin, you could see every pick on the whole rake! It didn't even hurt, and scarcely bled, but it did scar - and I milked it for all I was worth! Well, wouldn't you????

__________________
Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

"I milked it for all I was worth! Well, wouldn't you???? "

Too funny! I also tend to have the leggings with multiple holes and gashes. That's one reason I really like buying the kids leggings from Target - inexpensive and made for kids wear and tear. They can take my splats!

__________________
Recycle Love - Adopt a homeless pet

I bought a pair of UnderArmor leggings a TJ Maxx (a US discount chain) a couple months ago and love them, especially in my super-cold rink. Nice stretchy fabric. I do wear cotton lycra leggings over them but that's because my butt's big and the slight flare at the ankles to the cotton leggings balances that out a (very) little.

At my rink, what I wear depends on the session I'm skating on. For public sessions or for club sessions where most of the kids out there are basics skills or very low test, I wear sweats or casually loose pants. For lessons with my coach, I like tighter leggings because she can see the line better. In the summer I might wear a skirt and the Mondor heavy weight tights.

I don't like the OTB tights or boot covers. I worry more about catching the heel of my blade on the cover than in my laces. Plus, even though I have short legs in comparison with my long torso, I don't think the OTB tights make my legs longer. They just make my feet look bigger.

I'll have to try the under armor. Thy're made here and often have local sales and promotions. I did try a top - I got my usual size and it felt like shrink wrap!

__________________
Recycle Love - Adopt a homeless pet

Of course! I had a similar scar from synchro for many years. It didn't even make a hole in my tights!!!!

No, nor did mine - and the scar is still there, I had a look this morning in the shower. I can't think why it scarred, it really was only a very superficial graze, but it looks as though it was a huge gash! Remind me, Flo, and I'll show you at the MC!

__________________
Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

I like the look of OTB tights on others, but I've never tried them on myself. Don't own any skirts yet. I usually skate in running tights or dance capris with a long-sleeved t-shirt, sometimes with a pair of running pants over the tighter layer.

At my session (all collegiate), everyone's in some sort of leggings or pants. Occasionally a skater will wear a skirt, but usually only in April or September, 'for fun', or 'because it's so nice out.'

As a beginner, I'd be reluctant to wear a skirt unless we were taking pictures or something, because it would be seen as having a bit of a wannabe complex since I can't skate, or at the least a wannafreezamybuttoff complex, as we have hockey ice that is soooo cold.

I found a top at a Goodwill store-size XL....so it fits snug but not tight and it was $3!!!!! SCORE!!! the color is what I call "really dark caribbean tan" but who cares! Very warm!

I'm going to look into the leggings. I didn't know they made them.

__________________
Skate@Delaware
Ah, show skating!!! I do it for the glitter!

While I appreciate that lots of skaters wear leggings to train in, I have to disagree that serious skaters don't! Having skated now for 14 years I've skated in leggings, skirts and dresses and I have to say that I ALWAYS wear a dress for practice and lessons. I've had too many accidents where I've caught my blade in the bottom of my joggers while doing a backspin, not to mention I actually feel I skate better in a dress. At least when I come to compete it's one thing less to worry about since I've been wearing dresses all year round. The only time I wear joggers is when we are practising for our ice show. We never do much skating and there's a lot of standing about so it's more sensible, but the rest of the time I skate in a dress. Another point I'd make is that my original coach liked all her skaters to wear tights so that she could see the "line" so I guess I just conformed and now can't see any reason to change.

Nicki

i havta agree, in the end its whatever feels more comfortable. I prefer leggings simply because i am not interested in replacing tights that have ripped from scratches. To me leggings are better because they don't egt in the way. Other people like tights more so they can wear them. but it is true that in general the more advanced skaters seem to prefer leggings. At my rink the people that wear tights and dresses are msotly little kids and middle aged women who can hardly skate. but I have seen other people wearing the dresses too. In my opinion its hust too cold and gets in the way.

Doesn't Alissa Csziny (sp?) practice in a dress? When she was on Ice Diaries, she was always shown in a dress or skirt at her practices. I'd say she's a pretty serious, high level skater. At my rink, most of the high level girls actually wear skirts, so it could be a local thing. But in the dead of winter, when the rink is actually colder than the outside, just about everyone wears a pair of tights with fleece leggings over them.

I wear legging-like pants (usually yoga pants or track pants). Sometimes, if it's cold or if I feel bloated, I'll wear tights under my pants. I'm an advocate of 2 pr of tights while wearing dress/skirt.

I also like skating in my jeans! Comfy.