Skaters' tights are one of the most important yet underrated skating accessories. They keep the skater warm on the ice, protect them from numbness, and help maintain a uniform look when completing footwork and leg movements. Unlike dress tights, figure skating tights are made from special material and designed with the needs of skaters in mind. Tights for figure skaters must be flexible and soft and must also be strong enough to protect the skater's skin from damage. Most tights on the market are made of spandex, lycra, or elastane, all of which provide strength, elasticity, comfort, and ease. That's why it's essential to take proper care of your figure skating tights so they can last as long as possible. Skater’s tights are a valuable piece of equipment that provide comfort and protection from the cold while adding to a skater's appearance and presentation. For ice skaters who want to ensure they’re getting the most out of their tights, here are our top tips for making your figure skating tights last longer. Choose Quality Over Quantity While it may be tempting to buy cheap tights that are of a lower quality, this will likely cost you more money in the long run. When it comes to figure skating supplies, you get what you pay for. A cheap pair of tights may cost you less upfront, but the poor quality will likely have you purchasing another pair after almost every use. Instead, we suggest purchasing opaque tights with a high denier count from trusted skating brands and retailers, such as Figure Skating Boutique. Denier measures the thickness of a pair of tights. The higher the number, the better the tights will be at resisting unwanted snags and runs. However, keep in mind that a denier number higher than 80 can add a weighted look and are not ideal for competition wear. Wash Before You Wear Figure skating tights are delicate items and how you wash them is key to their life span. The best way to clean your tights is by hand, but if that is too much effort, always use a mesh laundry bag that only contains tights in the washing machine. Remember to remove any undergarments with hooks or clasps as they can catch and rip the fabric. Turn the tights inside out, use a mild detergent, and wash with cold water. If you're using a spinner, ensure it is at a low or medium speed. Dry your tights near, but never directly on, a radiator. Or, hang them to dry naturally in the sunshine if possible. Do not throw them in the dryer, as it can damage the material and cause them to shrink. Once they're washed, make sure to stow them in your skate bag appropriately. We suggest putting them in a sandwich bag or an interior pocket to avoid water bottles, zippers, velcro closures, and other tight-damaging objects. Add a Buffer Find your toes poking through the tights when you take off your boots at the end of the day? Add an ultra-thin ped or low-cut liner before putting on the tights to help reduce friction between your toes and your tights, minimizing the chances of creating unsightly holes. If you're wearing over-the-boots tights, use a pair of knee-high microfiber socks and pull the top down to cover the lace hooks at the top of the skates before pulling your tights over the boots. This extra layer of protection can make a big difference. Carry an Emergency Kit With You So you've found a new hole in your tights and are next in the rink? Clear nail polish is here to save the day. Apply a thin coat of clear polish at the hole's origin and repeat as necessary until you feel the gap is secured with the dried crust of clear varnish. This will help stop the hole from getting bigger and turning into a ladder. If a ladder has already appeared, apply the varnish to the hole itself and the top point of the ladder to ensure it stops progressing any further. Some skaters also like to keep a can of hairspray in their skate bag and give their tights a quick spray down before hitting the ice. The hairspray helps bond the fibres and reduce runs from blade nicks. Figure Skating Boutique is your one-stop shop for all your skating needs. We have everything you need, from skating boots to skating tights for competitive, professional, and recreational skating. As one of North America's top skating stores with over 20 years of expertise in the figure skating industry, we are here to help you find the right fit. For all your figure skating needs, visit our website or call 866-957-0396 today!
