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Tips on How to Wash Figure Skating Dresses and Tights

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Whether you’re a competitive skater or you’ve taken up figure skating as a hobby, the right ice skating dresses can make or break your performance, both in practice and in competition. Keeping outfits clean properly can ensure they remain in great condition for a long time.

Figure skating dresses and tights are not only delicate and expensive but also essential for unlocking your best figure skating abilities. Here’s a detailed guide for figure skaters on how to wash figure skating dresses and figure skating tights.

a female figure skater wearing a red dress holding a medal

 

Understand the Materials

 

Figure skating dresses are often made from a combination of delicate fabrics like lycra, spandex, mesh, and velvet, with embellishments such as rhinestones or sequins. Figure skating tights are typically made from stretchy, sheer materials like nylon or microfiber. These materials require gentle handling to avoid damage.

 

Hand Washing Is Best

 

For maximum care, it’s best to hand wash your figure skating dresses and tights. Figure skating costumes are usually made from delicate fabrics that require gentle handling.

 

Supplies Needed

 

  • Gentle detergent or delicate laundry detergent 

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  • A basin or clean sink

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  • Cold water

 

Steps

 

  • 1. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent.

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  • 2. Submerge the dress or tights and gently agitate the water with your hands to distribute the detergent.

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  • 3. Let the item soak for 10-15 minutes.

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  • 4. Gently rub any soiled areas with your fingers, being careful around embellishments.

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  • 5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed.

 

Important Note: If you’re confused about whether to use cold or lukewarm water, remember this: cold water protects delicate fabrics like lycra, mesh, and velvet from shrinking or losing elasticity. If needed, cool water can be used, but avoid lukewarm water to prevent damage to embellishments.

 

a female figure skating performing a routine on ice

 

Avoid the Washing Machine

 

Even on a delicate cycle, washing machines can cause snags, stretching, or damage to fancy stones and other embellishments. If you must use a washing machine to clean your figure skating outfits, place the item in a mesh bag and use cold water with a gentle cycle. However, this should only be a last resort.

 

Drying Techniques

 

Avoid wringing or twisting your figure skating tights and dresses, as this can damage the fabric and embellishments.

 

Steps for Drying:

 

  • 1. Lay the dresses or tights flat on a clean, dry towel.

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  • 2. Roll the towel with the garment inside to gently press out excess water.

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  • 3. Unroll and reshape the item, then lay it flat on a drying rack or another clean, dry towel to air dry. Ensure it’s away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

 

Additional Tips for Dresses

 

  • Rhinestones and Sequins: Check for any loose embellishments before washing. Secure them if possible to prevent loss during cleaning.

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  • Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, use a damp cloth with a small amount of detergent to spot clean instead of washing the entire dress.

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  • Storage: Store your dress in a garment bag to protect it from dust and damage.

 

Additional Tips for Tights

 

  • Prevent Runs and Tears: Handle tights with care, especially when putting them on. Keep nails trimmed and avoid sharp jewelry.

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  • Rotation: Have multiple pairs of tights in rotation to reduce wear and tear on a single pair.

 

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

 

For heavily embellished dresses or severe stains, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner who specializes in delicate or performance wear.

 

Keep Your Figure Skating Apparel Performance-Ready

 

Taking proper care of figure skating dresses and tights not only preserves their appearance but also ensures you’re always performance-ready. Gentle washing, careful drying, and proper storage go a long way in keeping these essential items in top condition.


Shine on the ice with Sports Gear Swag. Our collection of figure skating costumes is designed for elegance, durability, and freedom of movement. You may also check out our long sleeve shirts, compression shirts, training skirts, and more. Perform at your best in outfits made for the spotlight.

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