Figure skating is one of the greatest sports. For all newcomers, it is very important to pay attention to your outfits. Have you ever wondered why figure skaters wear leg warmers? That is a good question. Let’s find out more of the reason behind why figure skaters wear leg warmers.
Why Did Leg Warmers Become Popular
Leg warmers became a popular fashion craze in the 80s. They have become a major fashion icon. Over time they have become very popular to wear because they are so cozy.
Keep Warm
The main reason why figure skaters wear leg warmers is to keep their legs warm. You’re not skiing in the summer. Winter is cold. Plus, when ice skating indoors it is kept very cold. So, in order for figure skaters to stay warm, the leg warmers help.
leg warmers keep your legs warm. If you own shorter-style leg warmers, you can use them around your ankles and over the tops of your skate boot. If you want extra warmth, you can buy longer leg warmers that go up to your knee or even over your thigh.
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It is very important to stay warm, especially in midst of a figure skating competition. The cold makes your muscles hurt and it ruins your focus. Some people use leg warmers so their legs don’t get so cold. Warm muscles are necessary for good skating. They pull the end over the boot so there isn’t a layer of skin showing to the cold.
Do Skaters Get Cold?
That’s a question most skaters are always asked. Overtime, skaters get used to skating in cold weather. And the lights of the arena stages also tend to keep skaters warm. Based on some reports from skaters, by the time they’re done with their programs, they’re quite warm.
Leg Protection
As fun as ice skating is, it is a dangerous sport. Leg warmers protect the legs from any injury. However, make sure that leg warmers are not too thick and puffy. They’re dangerous to skate around in.
Can Tights Help you Stay Warm?
Yes, tights will help skaters stay warm. To add another layer of warmth, most skaters wear leg warmers. While tights are not required, it’s best to keep your legs protected from any falls that will happen. The ice is sharp after all.
Reasons for Fashion
It’s no question that ice skaters want to stand out. Think about all those outfits that you see out in the rink. Leg warmers are a fashion craze. Yes, we all know that ice skating is all about the technique. But most people like to go all out in fancy outfits. Figure skaters like to wear a skirt and leg warmers.
Leg warmers, especially colorful ones, look great when skaters are doing all those tricks and spins. They extend your leg when you put them on just right over the skates. Leg warmers also cover the top part of your boot if you don’t like the way the laces look or if one dislikes the side stitching on the side of the skate and must hide it, with leg warmers.
Most skaters try to match the color of tights and leg warmers to their skin tone. Some skaters will wear a style that goes over the boot. The reason behind why some skaters do this is to lengthen the leg line.
Should I Worry About Matching Colors?
Who says that you have to match colors. No need to fret about matching colors. Unless you’re wearing black, this is a tough call. Leg warmers that are a different shade of brown and beige are totally fine. The detail draws attention.
What Should Figure Skaters Wear?
Now that we have established the importance of how leg warmers help figure skaters, you should learn what figure skaters should wear. Figure skating clothing reflects you and your musical choice. Costumes should not hide the body line of skaters. Here is what male and female skaters can wear for figure skating.
Men
- Trousers that can easily stretch
- Shirt
- Sweatshirt
Women
- Trousers
- Skirts that cover the hips
- Tights
- Unitards
- Leg warmers
What Should Figure Skaters NOT Wear?
Now, this is an essential topic to cover. Leg warmers are a definite accessory and shouldn’t be the focal point for all figure skaters. Ice skaters have shown up with over-the-top costumes that are not appropriate for audiences.
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According to judges, figure skaters’ clothes must be modest, dignified, and appropriate for athletic competition. If anyone does revoke the clothing apparel of figure skating then their privileges just may be revoked by the judges.
Men
- Tights
- Shorts
Women
- Skirts that don’t cover the hips
- Any costume too revealing
Injuries that Come out of Ice Skating
Ice skating is a dangerous sport. That’s why you need to be careful about what you wear. Depending on what kind of leg warmer you buy, the material may get caught on the skates if you perform some tricks.
Types of Injuries
- Ankles sprains/fractures
- Head Injuries
- ACL Tears
- Lacerations
- Hand and Wrist Injuries
Safety Tips to All Figure Skaters
Have the Proper Equipment
Many skating injuries that are commonly suffered can be prevented. Wear proper equipment; that may include padding, helmets, and–of course–quality skates. So, in other words, pay attention to the kind of leg warmers that you buy as they could result in injury.
Proper Fitting
Skates that do not fit correctly contribute to a high number of skating injuries. Don’t just get leg warmers to make your skates fit better because that won’t work. Without the right skates, they may cause stress to bones, muscles, and ligaments, as well as an imbalance.
Skaters Need to Warm Up
Warming up is all a part of sports. Without warming up you may not be at your best. Cold muscles are more brittle and prone to tears and injury. Warming up your muscles can help to loosen muscles, tendons, and ligaments and help to prevent tears.
Avoid Exposure to the Warmth
Most people own leg warmers because they want to stay warm. Skating in the cold can be tough. All skaters should wear adequately warm clothing including thick layers and a waterproof shell. Figure skaters should also pay attention to changing weather. If you start to feel uncomfortable or chilled, it’s time to end remove those leg warmers.
How Do I Wear Leg Warmers?
Getting back to the real topic at hand here is how to wear leg warmers. There are several styles to wear leg warmers.
Wearing Leg Warmers with Flats and Tights
For any female who wants to go out wearing that favorite dress of there’s, but the cold is stopping them, here’s where leg warmers will save you. leg warmers, leggings, or footless tights are the best options. Black tights and black leg warmers are an understated, classic style. It feels like you’re wearing boots, but much more comfortable!
Wearing Leg Warmers with Pumps
This one takes a bit more confidence to pull off. It is an acceptable look. As long as your heels are on the understated side, leg warmers will look stunning. Stick to wearing heels that are nude, brown, black, or gray. Avoid shoes that glow in the dark because leg warmers do not look right.
Leg Warmers and Skirts
You bet that wearing leg warmers with a skirt is stylish. And dress, too. You have your decision to wear tights only if the weather requires it, though they can streamline the leg. If you have a skirt that’s a little short, leg warmers can make it more modest.
Can I Wear Them Over Jeans?
Jeans are the greatest clothing attire to wear in ice skating, but outside of the sport, yes leg warmers will work. They look great over jeans.
Wearing Them Over Boots
For an extra-textual touch or more warmth, wear leg warmers just glimpsing above your boots. Anywhere above 2-6 inches is good. Wear them on the top of your ankle boots or ice skates.
If the pants, skirt, or dress figure skaters are wearing don’t go well with the calf-high boots, skaters can get a similar look with ankle boots and leg warmers. Just pull the leg warmers over the tops of your booties and scrunch ’em up!
Sticking to Neutral Colors
The reason behind why leg warmers are so popular is because of the color. When they used to be neon yellow and pink, now leg warmers are mostly donned in browns, beiges, blacks, navies, and creams. While they don’t have to be a color in your outfit, skaters should stick to neutrals that match everything.
What to Look Out For
There are a few things that you need to look out for when wearing leg warmers. Make sure that leg warmers are a little bit bunched, especially around your ankle. If legwarmers are too low then they’re dragging on the ground which is not good. There should be an overlap between your shoe and the leg warmer.
