How Important is a Lined dress?

[PhysicsOnIce]

So here is the deal my coach and I are working in order to prepare me my first and last competition of the season, but we are not sure if I will be ready. I don't want to go and compete and make a complete fool of myself because I have not been back on the ice for too long and while the program is starting to take shape and get consistent. We are just not simply sure that I will be ready to present my best. In any case, since I did not compete this season I do plan on keep my music. So here is the dilemma, I've kinda put myself in the mentality of "I don't want to pay too much for a dress now that might need alterations in the future since I'm in the progress of losing weight", but since I will most likely be keeping the music for next season that means I will be keep the dress as well and that makes me have seconds thoughts about my mentality.

I have been asking for quotes and most of the dresses I want are very similar a fully custom made and lined dresses (although not stoned) are running around 200€ while an semi-customized stoned dress off the rack is running 75€.  I'm happy with the designed for both dresses but the off the rack dress isn't lined and the custom dress I'd have to do the stoning myself (or pay out the nose for it).

So How Important is the lining on the dress? And do you think the price different is worth it? What would you ladies/gents do in this situation?

[Loops]

Can you try it on and see?  I've worn both lined and unlined dresses.  When I make them myself, I line them, but my mother never did.  I think it depends on the thickness of the spandex.

Come to think of it our synchro dresses this year are not lined.  They're stretch velvet and on the thin side.  Some of the girls do wear undergarments to keep the lines smooth.  You'll probably be fine with the off the rack dress. 

If you find you do need/want a lining.....One thing I consider doing every year, especially at end-of-year-gala time is purchasing, or making a flesh colored leotard to go underneath of whatever they make us wear.  For warmth as much as anything else.....  If you can find one that fits underneath, or do one of those body tights in a flesh color, that might be a solution.

How are you doing?

[DressmakingMomma]

I might not be able to ship out of the U.S., but at least I can help with this 

I always line anything i sew because I feel like if you're purchasing a custom dress it should have a lining - but that doesn't mean it needs a lining, especially if the fabric is layered. I don't always line my own daughter's dresses. She wears a nude colored dance undergarment under all of her dresses anyway because that is how she is most comfortable.

Like this:
http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_N8301.html?pid=4204&Shop=Style&SID=849154830

If you like the stock dress and it is significantly less, then I would buy it unlined. Worst case scenario may be wearing a dance leo underneath for $30. Also, can you return the stock dress if you don't like it? And sometimes dancewear and skatewear is unlined but the front panel of fabric is doubled, maybe call and ask if the front has two layers.

With all the lining questions aside, a good dressmaker will create something that fits you really well, with special attention to things like skirt placement, torso length, curve proportions, etc. that will most compliment your body shape. If you think you are going to wear the same dress for some time, then having one made is probably going yield the best results. Consider having something made that has a nod to your program music but that is flexible enough to be used for other types of music as well. You can never go wrong with a classic, beautiful dress that fits really well.

[PhysicsOnIce]

Unfortunately, I would be buying online if I do my off-the-rack. So, trying it on means buying it and returning it if I don't like the fit. I've just asked the seller if a lining could be added or if there is a front panel, so I'll have to wait to see what they respond. I'm just afraid that if I don't have the dress lined, the girls up stairs (though I don't have much there) might start to peek through...

The dress is actually a modification of this (actually just adding lace sleeves to this):
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/$(KGrHqJ,!iwFD)3PFL4fBQ9gcQQMHw~~60_57.JPG

To me the fabric appears to be rather thick in the photo, but I know that can be miss-leading. What's your opinion on that? I know that with this type of dress I can definitively  wear a nude undergarment without any major problems because the  back is rather high. Wearing an undergarment is something I have considered and I do this on a regular bases when it comes to Galas for quick change purposes (mainly). 

How are you doing?

I'm doing alright. All of Belgium is a bit in a state of stock at the moment, but all in all daily life is continuing for most of us rather normally. I was lucky enough that no one that I know was a the airport or the metro when things occurred and I was safely in the office (~20 km) from Brussels.  I do drive through the airport to get to my rink and right now that part of the city looks like a war zone. The Highway exits to the airport is closed and if you even drive through one of the side-roads (which is the only connection to the highway now from that part of the city) you have to pass a police check-point.

Skating wise things are progressing rather nicely after a coaching change, new boots, new blades, new program and several months off.

[Neverdull44]

If you get an unlined dress (or lined), consider wearing a full body stocking (dancers wear them) underneath your skating tights.  I helps to line the dress, and hides bulges & bumps.

Watch our for sequins.  I bought one (made oversees) off e-bay, and they were sewn in a line, using the same thread.  They were not on tight, and just getting the dress on caused me to pop lines of sequins.  i have never worn that dress on the ice.   Look for a used skating dress that is a brand name on e-bay.  You will get something that will hold up.

[amy1984]

I'd say it depends what it's made of.  Velvet like lots of the Jerry's dresses?  No lining needed.  Something scratchy or something that's thin and could use some more structure?  Lined for sure.