skatingforums
On the Ice => The Pro Shop => Topic started by: slcbelle on April 03, 2012, 11:19:53 PM
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I did a search and no one seems to have brought this up so I'll go out on a limb here...
I typically skate in regular fashion tights under a pair of Danskin supplex leggings and I sometimes wear Skating Safe Ultra Crash knee and hip pads. However, I WANT to buy skating tights and a practice dress/skirt and know I'll have to wear tights and dress for any testing.
I was wondering, for those of you with a bit of cellulite on your booties or legs, which tights (brand/thickness/combination) do you think give the smoothest appearance? I don't have too much to smooth out but I'd feel uncomfortable with only 1 layer of tights. I definitely do not want to go with shiny/shimmery tights (as I've seen offered by Mondor).
So, ladies with similar issues, what's your favorite solution?
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Do Not go with the shimmery tights. Good call there.
I think black hides everything well so you could go with black if you are concerned. But for the most part the tights are, well for lack of a better word, tight so they do hold most jiggly bits in nicely.
I would say go for the thinner Tights, as opposed to the thicker warmer ones. I don't like the look of the warmer ones and think they make even the tiniest of people look huge.
As for brands I usually seem to get Mondor.
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Definitely wear two pairs! You may find that dance or skating tights are more supportive than fashion tights.
That said, you don't have to wear skating tights. I prefer microfiber (very soft, matte finish) dance tights to skating tights... skating tights tend to be too dark for my skin tone and too expensive compared to their average lifespan. I'd rather pay half as much for slightly thinner tights that typically hold out just as long (sometimes longer).
I also prefer body tights to regular tights, but that's because I hate the "stuffed sausage" look of elastic digging into my waist... thinner folks usually don't have that issue :)
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I've started wearing one pair of over the boot 'sweater' type tights- just because we had to buy them for synchro.
Before that I would wear a pair of thinner, smooth over the boot tights over a pair of body tights from dance. In high school dance we wore two pairs of regular tights- but I do NOT need two waist bands. The body tights mean you get less digging into the waist. Since I wear OTB tights, I still have to deal with a waist band.
However, I've found that both dance and skating tights are such that you don't see the cellulite. They aren't like wearing pantyhose.
Even when I used to be in a ballet class with kids and was required to wear a single pair of PINK tights it didn't show (though you could see the moles on my legs...). Let me tell you- that was torture though. Pink tights are not made for adult bodies.
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All these tights with skirts sound so inconvenient!!! I drink a fair amount of water during practice, so bathroom issues would dissuade me from wearing any body tights! Even during tests or exhibitions that I have done, I manage to need to go to the bathroom and have to peel off all those layers in a cold bathroom. :sweat
Plus, sometimes I put in (or take out) a tailbone pad during the practice time, so the ability to do that rinkside is really worth it to me!
I like to practice in compression tights (a lot of runners and skiers wear those). On top of those I wear Chloe Noel over the boot leggings. Compression tights give me a great feeling of security. They are also great for any thigh jiggle:-)
Chloe Noel, while expensive, are the best ones I have worn! I always wash mine in a washing machine and dry them in the dryer (even though the manufacturer says to hand wash them--- ridiculous for sports wear!!). But again, I personally do not like skirts for practice.
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All these tights with skirts sound so inconvenient!!! I drink a fair amount of water during practice, so bathroom issues would dissuade me from wearing any body tights! Even during tests or exhibitions that I have done, I manage to need to go to the bathroom and have to peel off all those layers in a cold bathroom. :sweat
Oh, for practice I just wear a pair of skating pants over my normal underwear... no tights at all.
I wouldn't wear body tights with pants because there is no waistline to hide. I wear them with a dress otherwise I get a ring around the middle...
I like the Ny2sportswear pants because they have the Chloe Noel look, but are less expensive. The style I get (dual color waistband) is even cheaper than the under armour frostytights I used to wear. I wash them in the washer, but hang dry. Have to hang dry all of my husband's cycling clothes, so it all goes in the same load. It is the spandex that makes it not dryable- the heat wears it down and shortens the lifespan. Common for almost all athletic clothes.
As for bathroom break, when wearing a skating dress you already have to take the dress off, so taking body tights off is no different. You're still sitting topless (or bra'd) on the toilet...
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You no longer have to wear dresses or skirts for testing. Women are now allowed to wear pants - about time too!
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I know you said testing, but I wanted to add that dance competition still requires a skirt.
USFS rulebook:
Ladies must wear a skirt. The skirt must go around her entire waist;
however, there may be slits in the skirt on one or both sides up to the waist.
The ladies dress must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate
for an athletic sport. The majority of the upper body must be covered.
I am unclear how this effects testing, as the test book does not cover clothing.
Edit- I take that back. Never seen this before:
Not withstanding the above, ladies competing in any adult competition may
wear trousers if they so choose.
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The majority of the upper body must be covered.
Good to know that the bottom doesn't count :blush:
USFSA (or it may have even been ISU) created a "no pants" rule for ladies back in the 80's thanks to Debi Thomas (they were unhappy with her choice of outfit at the olympics in '88)... they required skirts for ladies for a while after. I'm not sure exactly when it was changed.
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USFSA (or it may have even been ISU) created a "no pants" rule for ladies back in the 80's thanks to Debi Thomas (they were unhappy with her choice of outfit at the olympics in '88)... they required skirts for ladies for a while after. I'm not sure exactly when it was changed.
It was ISU, and IIRC it changed back to permitting trousers for ladies skating singles and pairs sometime in the 90s. Once it changed back, Slutskaya wore some spectacular unitards for competition - I really liked her '02 Olympics one.
Now can someone tell me why the ISU still hasn't changed the rule to allow female dancers to wear trousers yet? It's not like dancers don't pass through some inelegant positions on the way to grace...
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I guess you could say that Nathalie Pechalat's mummy costume at 2012 Worlds has a skirt, but it was really only parts of one.
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Great comments! I wouldn't mind wearing a skating skirt (not a dress) with tights for practice sometimes to get used to being in a skirt AND making it easy to use the restroom and add/remove crash pads. For testing, I do think I'd want to wear a dress because it will make me feel legit in some way. Having said all of that, I have NOT bought or tried on tights and skirt so my opinion may change once I see myself. If I feel like I look lumpy or jiggly, I'm wearing pants!
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I guess you could say that Nathalie Pechalat's mummy costume at 2012 Worlds has a skirt, but it was really only parts of one.
Same with Alena Leonova's SP outfit - she's a pirate, and her "skirt" is her shirt tail!:)
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Same with Alena Leonova's SP outfit - she's a pirate, and her "skirt" is her shirt tail!:)
Singles doesn't require a skirt (see Kostner)- so Leonova's outfit didn't need to have one, I don't think her shirt was supposed to be a skirt at all.
Pechalat on the other hand consulted with officials to determine that the wrap at her waist was sufficient to be called a skirt (it is open like a skirt, and wraps around her waist completely).
IIRC- the Kerr's had to get special permission to allow John to skate in a kilt, that was not over trousers. Men are required to wear trousers. A few other (I think in the mummy program actually, at least at World's) men have worn skirt-ish things over their pants.
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I wouldn't mind wearing a skating skirt (not a dress) with tights for practice sometimes to get used to being in a skirt AND making it easy to use the restroom and add/remove crash pads.
For testing, I do think I'd want to wear a dress because it will make me feel legit in some way. Having said all of that, I have NOT bought or tried on tights and skirt so my opinion may change once I see myself.
For practice, many times I wear a warm top, and a skating skirt with tights for the reasons stated above.
And Yes ! , wearing a skating dress for testing or competition does give my confidence a boost, and makes me fell legit, even though I, as an adult skater, do not have the same legs as do the teens and young women. So what if I do not have the legs of a runway model, I still feel great when I skate in a skating dress ! I wear nude SUPPORT/COMPRESSION sheer-to-the-waist pantyhose ( not ordinary pantyhose ) , then regular skating tights over that. I used to like to wear Danskins, but had to switch to Mondor when Danskins became unavailable. Silkies pantyhose are the best, IMO. The support pantyhose holds the " jiggle " without a lot of bulk, and the regular tights makes for a very even color and look. That's what works for me.
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I've got cellulite and for competition I wear Mondors, thin light-coloured ones, and honestly, it doesn't show.
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The Mondor Evolution series has a lighter Suntan shade than the other models, such as the 3310s. It's also 70 denier, and has good coverage. A bit more expensive though, but for the color and the Fastex buckles, I think it's worth the price.
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I wear nude SUPPORT/COMPRESSION sheer-to-the-waist pantyhose ( not ordinary pantyhose ) , then regular skating tights over that. I used to like to wear Danskins, but had to switch to Mondor when Danskins became unavailable. Silkies pantyhose are the best, IMO. The support pantyhose holds the " jiggle " without a lot of bulk, and the regular tights makes for a very even color and look. That's what works for me.
I was thinking that a pantyhose/tights combo might be worth a try. Thanks for the brand recommendations, too. I really do want to wear a skirt to practice sometimes.
I've got cellulite and for competition I wear Mondors, thin light-coloured ones, and honestly, it doesn't show.
Good to know!
The Mondor Evolution series has a lighter Suntan shade than the other models, such as the 3310s. It's also 70 denier, and has good coverage. A bit more expensive though, but for the color and the Fastex buckles, I think it's worth the price.
Those are over the boot? I guess I'll consider those for testing?
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The Evolution series has footed, footless, and over-the-boot variations. I think the numbers are 3337, 3338, 3339.
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I've been looking at figure skater photos and I like the look of foot tights, with the whole boot showing, the best. If one chooses to go that route, can you only wear one layer of tights? Or, can you do pantyhose under the Evolution footed tights. I'd think bunching might be a potential issue in the foot area.
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You can do footless Evolution over pantyhose, but tuck the Mondor tights under the boots, not over, as is common practice for footless tights. that way, you won't have bunching in the toe area, but the whole boot will show.
EDIT: I just checked my 3310 and 3338: the Evolution is not really lighter, but it has a different shade of suntan. I would say that the 3310 is more yellowish-brown, while the Evolution is more reddish brown.
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You can do footless Evolution over pantyhose, but tuck the Mondor tights under the boots, not over, as is common practice for footless tights. that way, you won't have bunching in the toe area, but the whole boot will show.
OH! Brilliant. Wasn't sure how much fabric there'd be and was thinking it'd be too much to tuck. Thanks, sampaguita!
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No prob, slcbelle! If you also want to go by one layer of tights, a pair of footed tights is fine if your rink is not too cold. ;)
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For shows and competitions, I wear two pairs of tights. Typically one pair of footless and one pair of over-the-boot. I am going to start wearing two pair of over-the-boots in the future because if you get a run in the boot of one, it won't show since you are wearing another pair. Unless the odds are against you and you get runs in the exact same spot :o
For practice, I wear a pair of under armour compression tights, in flesh color (desert sand). They hold everything in and being beige, work with my tights well. I cut the waistband off everything so I don't get squeezed.
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For shows and competitions, I wear two pairs of tights. Typically one pair of footless and one pair of over-the-boot. I am going to start wearing two pair of over-the-boots in the future because if you get a run in the boot of one, it won't show since you are wearing another pair.
Are you skating barefoot, then?
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Are you skating barefoot, then?
Yes, but you can wear footed tights underneath OTB tights-it serves the same purpose. I have also seen some of the girls at my rink wear socks (white) folded over the top of their skates, in addition to footed tights and/or OTB tights. The socks also hold the laces down.
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I had another thought about tights...
I wear black almost exclusively. It's very likely I will only buy dresses in black with gray or white being the only exceptions. What would a black dress, with black tights, and black boot covers be like? I'd be a skating ninja!
Are boot covers weird to wear for testing? Are they primarily for costuming? Is the reason most people go with over the boot tights because most people don't wear black or white tights and the nude boot covers are less likely to match the tight color or is it because it's just a smoother look to have over the boot tights? (Given that they get runs so easily, I'm curious why they are preferred by many.)
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And yet another thought...
Why not wear a pair of nude boot covers UNDER over the boot tights so if the tights get a run, the boot is already covered in nude. Would that look bulky and odd?
I'm just full of skating thoughts being newly diagnosed with AOSS. :blush:
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And yet another thought...
Why not wear a pair of nude boot covers UNDER over the boot tights so if the tights get a run, the boot is already covered in nude. Would that look bulky and odd?
I'm just full of skating thoughts being newly diagnosed with AOSS. :blush:
well, I usually wear 2 pair of tights anyway so it's no big deal.
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I wear nude SUPPORT/COMPRESSION sheer-to-the-waist pantyhose ( not ordinary pantyhose ) , then regular skating tights over that. I used to like to wear Danskins, but had to switch to Mondor when Danskins became unavailable. Silkies pantyhose are the best, IMO. The support pantyhose holds the " jiggle " without a lot of bulk, and the regular tights makes for a very even color and look. That's what works for me.
PrettySk8Dress, I was just looking at Silkies and can't seem to find their compression hose that are sheer to waist. All I found were http://www.silkies.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=08&Cat= . Can you tell me the exact style name or number of the ones you wear?
By the way, I did purchase a pair of Capezio skate tights in a size Large and they are HUGE. It seemed I was on the top end of the Medium range (5'4" - almost 5'5" - and 121 lbs) so went with the large. That was a mistake. I'll wear them under leggings and skating pants but they still bunch up at my feet. Way too long and not nearly tight enough. Just FYI.
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Ha ha! I call dd skating ninja when she wears all black. Black tights are not flattering though - she wears tight black pants. :P She wears boot covers to protect her boots. Light colors so I got her black this time. So black from head to toe!
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Are boot covers weird to wear for testing? Are they primarily for costuming? Is the reason most people go with over the boot tights because most people don't wear black or white tights and the nude boot covers are less likely to match the tight color or is it because it's just a smoother look to have over the boot tights? (Given that they get runs so easily, I'm curious why they are preferred by many.)
The idea of OTB is to give the illusion that your legs are one smooth line -- the boot becomes part of your "leg". I think this works best for boots with narrow ankles, like Riedells. Wearing footed tights and nude boot covers would not create exactly the same effect, because you can see where the boot starts. It would be more like wearing beige boots.
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Wearing footed tights and nude boot covers would not create exactly the same effect, because you can see where the boot starts. It would be more like wearing beige boots.
Agreed. Maybe my next pair of boots will be tan.
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OH! What about these tights UNDER a pair of footed skating tights? (The first pair thicker with more support.)
(http://www.hotlegsusa.com/products/0000000040.jpg)
http://www.hotlegsusa.com/product-details.asp?cat=Footless+Pantyhose+%26+Tights&ID=18&pID=40
They are described as:
NEW!!! Footless High Gloss Tights
Does your active life style demand increased durability and strength that pantyhose cannot deliver? Are you spending too much money on replacing regular pantyhose? Here is the solution: Sara & Brittni Lee are wearing our new Footless High Gloss Tights from Peavey Hosiery. These footless tights are a step up from Peavey’s Premium Pantyhose line. These footless hosiery tights are made from 87% ANTRON® NYLON & 13% LYCRA® SPANDEX 40 dn. Peavey Premium Quality Footless High Gloss Tights feature Reinforced Crotch, Double Stitched, Sewn on Plush Waistband, Leg Flattering Support, & Stunning High Gloss Sheen that has a sheer appearance from the ankle to the waistband. These footless high gloss tights are very soft & sexy, yet durable and strong to take on your active lifestyle. Peavey Footless High Gloss Tights (sometimes referred to as Capri Tights) are the fastest growing segment of the hosiery industry. These footless hosiery tights are perfect for anyone who wears tights with tennis shoes, anklet socks , boots, or skates. Footless hosiery means you will have all the beauty & benefits of tights without the confining feeling or binding of your toes. Best of all, with these footless tights you will eliminate foot perspiration that comes from wearing footed tights. PLEASE NOTE: Footless tights will allow for a larger fit than what is indicated by our size chart. Peavey Premium Quality Footless High Gloss Tights are very popular with the famous sportsbar waitresses and cheerleaders (professional & collegiate). These athletic footless tights are ideal for Aerobics/Fitness, Bartending, Cheerleading Clubbing, Gymnastics, Skating, Stage Work, Waitressing, Fashion and so much more... These premium tights are comparable to others that sell for well over $50.00 each. These footless tights are the strongest and most durable hosiery we offer. Peavey High Gloss Tights typically last 3 to 4 times longer than normal pantyhose hosiery. When you want your legs to look and feel their very best, choose Peavey Footless High Gloss Fashion Tights.
OR
(http://www.hotlegsusa.com/products/0000000005.jpg)
http://www.hotlegsusa.com/product-details.asp?cat=Footless+Pantyhose+%26+Tights&ID=18&pID=5
NEW from Peavey Hosiery!!! - Perfect for anyone who wears pantyhose with tennis shoes, scrunchie socks, boots, or skates.
Peavey Hosiery is letting you in on a Sportsbar Waitress hosiery exclusive... Crystal is wearing a completely new offering from Peavey Hosiery : Peavey Premium Quality **Footless Pantyhose** (sometimes referred to as Capri Pantyhose) are the fastest growing segment of the hosiery industry. PLEASE NOTE: Because these are footless pantyhose, they will allow for a larger fit than what is indicated. (20dn Light Support) Perfect for anyone who wears pantyhose with tennis shoes, anklet socks , boots, or skates. **Footless** means you will have all the beauty & benefits of pantyhose without the confining feeling or binding of your toes. Best of all, with these footless pantyhose you will eliminate foot perspiration that comes from wearing footed pantyhose. These footless pantyhose are very popular with the famous sportsbar waitresses, cheerleaders (professional & collegiate), (amateur/professional) skaters, fitness instructors, waitresses, and bartenders. Peavey **FOOTLESS** Pantyhose are sheer to waist with a cotton crotch. These hose look awesome, feel great, and because of their durability and strength, last a long time. Attractive look, oh so comfortable hugging fit, small gusset, and durability are why these footless pantyhose are the choice of women all over the world. Seductive sheen enhances the natural beauty of your legs while hiding imperfections. Be daring and care free... Excellent for when you need your legs to look and feel their best. These footless pantyhose are so comfortable and make my legs look awesome. I stand all day long and they are excellent support pantyhose. If you are active or on the go all day like me, you will love these **footless** pantyhose. ** Perfect for waitresses, bartenders, cheerleaders, figure skaters, fitness or aerobics instructors, or for your ‘Famous Sportsbar Waitress’ at home.
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Bumping this thread to see if anyone has further comment. I've decided that I like tights that are 70 denier or higher. Total opacity. Definitely 2 pair. But I'm still searching for the perfect solution. Or maybe I'm searching for perfection.
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I go with the basic, thicker, tights. No shimmer, nothing too thin. And I think it looks fine. That would be my rec! Works for me :)
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Sounds like we need "What not to wear."
I don't do shiny. People over 30 shouldn't do shiny tights or dresses. (Just like What Not to Wear says about miniskirts). :blush:
I really try to wear a skating dress almost to every practice. (I break the 'no miniskirt rule' here). I don't like skating in pants. I tried in my yoga pants, but every now & again I managed to stick the back of my blade into my pants when doing jumps. It's a split second of panic for me. I bought a pair of those new skating pants. They are ok, but I'm freaked out to really cross my legs in jumps because they are still a little loose over the boot (right where I'd go to cross). Old school was you came to the freestyle ice in a dress. I'm old school on most days.
I just wear regular ice skating tights, in boot ones too. Old school. Danskin, Capezio or Mondor (Mondor my favorite).
Sweater tights, I have them, from 20 years ago. They are a size too small, unfortunately. They are too hot for our South Florida rinks. Up north in winter, you NEED them. I keep them anyway. One day I will be smaller and at a northern latitude.
Worse then skating tights, are what to wear under your dress if you have had a baby and have any bit of loose, overstretched belly skin. This is when shapewear is needed, something you can still move in, but shows NO panty through the stockings. I love Spanx Trust Your Instincts (with the thong) bottom.
Then, there's the dreaded dress. For practice, i fell in love with just the skating skirts with attached bottoms. Throw on a t-shirt and you are good to go. For real skating, the best is velvet with not too big of a skirt. Velvet covers the lumps & bumps of us old ladies. Shiny makes me look yucky. But, most importantl for me is a straight skirt (like Mondor style 2987). Too much fabric adds inches to me, in the horizontal direction.
Oh, us old ladies have it different now. When I was young, my mother added ruffles to my dresses (think Lady Diana's wedding dress) to add meat to the bones. Now, it's less is best. Less shine, less material, and even less makeup. I like it this way. Simple.
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I found the Capezio Stretch and Hold dance tights are good for a base layer with the Mondor Evolutions on top. I could do 2 layers of Evoluntions, though. I'm small 33-25-34 and haven't had children so my stomach isn't an issue. My legs are my worst feature, though, and cellulite runs in the family. My sister is 104lbs and 5'1" with it. She doesn't care a bit and wears thong bikinis everywhere she can (even still at age 61!). I stopped wearing shorts, skirts, and bathing suits in public at age 14. I have issues for sure.
The Stretch and Hold suck and smooth and the Evolutions provide opacity. So far, it's the best I've found. But, I still see dimples when I squeeze my butt muscles.
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With those measurements, you are most likely a very beautiful skater. Don't frett.
A friend of mine wrote a few pieces about our issues with body image. I found it interesting, and it helped me let go of my tummy issues (well, for a few minutes). There are three parts to her write-up.
http://internationaladulticeskaters.com/2013/02/12/when-skating-is-your-lifeline/
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I just wanted to say that I have always worn suntan tights - I have cellulite as most women do - but you cannot see it through the tights.
Maybe I am just dillusional. 88)
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With those measurements, you are most likely a very beautiful skater. Don't frett.
A friend of mine wrote a few pieces about our issues with body image. I found it interesting, and it helped me let go of my tummy issues (well, for a few minutes). There are three parts to her write-up.
http://internationaladulticeskaters.com/2013/02/12/when-skating-is-your-lifeline/
"Well, for a few minutes"....exactly! I sometimes wear skating skirts with tights for practice just to help me get more comfortable. I can do it. Nothing is going to cure my body image issues completely. Maybe when I'm 80 I won't care as much.
Great articles. I've seen her videos on YouTube before.
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,
I really try to wear a skating dress almost to every practice.
Old school was you came to the freestyle ice in a dress. I'm old school on most days.
I just wear regular ice skating tights, in boot ones too. Old school. Danskin, Capezio or Mondor (Mondor my favorite).
For practice, i fell in love with just the skating skirts with attached bottoms. Throw on a t-shirt and you are good to go. For real skating, the best is velvet with not too big of a skirt. Velvet covers the lumps & bumps of us [veteran] ladies.
I like it this way. Simple.
+1 GOE from me for your " old school ", down-to-earth, practical view of what to wear for ice skating practice. Although I have been experimenting with wearing practice outfits assembled from other sections of my wardrobe ( pretty blouses and modern dance circle skirts with a baruma [ cheerleader panties ] ), at heart I am also " old school " about ice skating fashion, and believe that ice skating practice means that you wear a plain but nice ice skating dress, and clean, tear-free tights. Will we ever see the return of plain, but nice looking, Polar Sport style practice dresses worn with plain footed tights ?
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I just bought some US Icewear tights. They're different from Mondor in that they're smooth. I don't notice cellulite in them. :) I always had a problem with Mondor being too loose even though I fit the height/weight range. Maybe that'll work better?