What to Wear Ice Skating: Indoor and Outdoor Guide
Wear warm, stretchy layers you can move in: a moisture-wicking base layer, a sweater or fleece, a light jacket, and leggings or warm-up pants, not jeans. Add gloves, one pair of thin socks or tights, and a helmet for beginners. Indoor rinks are often kept around 50°F, so dress in layers you can take off.
Last updated: October 30, 2026 · By the Skates.com Editorial Team
What should you wear ice skating?
Dress in layers that keep you warm, let you bend your knees freely and protect you when you fall. Learn to Skate USA tells new skaters that comfort and the ability to move freely are an absolute must. It recommends plenty of layers with a jacket, and says to shed layers as you warm up (Learn to Skate USA, “The First Day of Skating”).
| Item | What to choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Long-sleeve, moisture-wicking top (not cotton) | Keeps sweat off your skin so you stay warm |
| Mid layer | Sweater, fleece or sweatshirt | Warmth you can take off as you heat up |
| Outer layer | Light jacket (windproof for outdoor rinks) | Rinks are cold; outdoor rinks add wind |
| Pants | Leggings, warm-up pants, sweatpants or skating pants | Stretch for bent knees; sweatpants beat bulky snow pants |
| Socks | One pair of thin socks or tights | Thick socks limit support and create bumps in the boot |
| Gloves or mittens | Any warm pair | Protect your hands when you fall and push back up |
| Helmet | Certified to ASTM F1447 or Snell B-90A, B-95 or N-94 | Learn to Skate USA says all beginning skaters should wear one |
What should you wear ice skating indoors?
Indoor rinks are colder than most people expect. Learn to Skate USA notes arenas keep thermostats at a brisk 50°F. Wear a long-sleeve base layer, a sweater or fleece, and a light jacket you can take off, with leggings or warm-up pants. A hat or ear band is optional indoors. Many skaters warm up quickly once they start moving, so layers matter more than one heavy coat.
What should you wear ice skating outdoors?
For an outdoor rink, dress like you would for any active winter day, then add a layer. Wear a thermal base layer top and bottom, an insulating mid layer, and a windproof or water-resistant jacket. Add a hat or ear band, a neck gaiter or scarf tucked inside your jacket so it can’t dangle, and warm, waterproof gloves. Pants that shed snow and water help when you fall. Skip bulky snow pants if they stop you from bending your knees.
Can you wear jeans ice skating?
You can, but jeans aren’t a good choice. Denim is stiff, so it limits how far you can bend your knees, and it soaks up water when you fall on the ice and then stays cold and wet. Choose leggings, warm-up pants, sweatpants or stretchy outdoor pants instead.
Can you wear leggings ice skating?
Yes. Leggings are one of the best things to wear ice skating, especially indoors. They stretch with every movement and don’t bunch up at the top of the skate boot. For outdoor rinks or colder indoor sessions, choose fleece-lined leggings or wear warm-up pants over them.
What socks should you wear with ice skates?
Wear one pair of thin, moisture-wicking socks or thin tights. Learn to Skate USA says bulky, thicker socks limit support and create uncomfortable bumps inside your boots. Thin socks also let the skate fit snugly, which gives you more control. U.S. Figure Skating’s SKATING magazine adds that extra socks won’t fix skates that are too big (SKATING magazine).
- Choose socks tall enough to reach above the top of the boot so the boot doesn’t rub your shin or ankle.
- Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and makes feet cold.
- Figure skaters often wear footed tights instead of socks.
Shop socks or Danskin #69 Footed Women’s Tights ($4.99) and Capezio Footed Girls’ Figure Skate Tights ($4.99).
Do you need a helmet and gloves for ice skating?
Beginners should wear both. Learn to Skate USA says all beginning skaters should wear a helmet certified to ASTM F1447 or Snell B-90A, B-95 or N-94. Wear it snug and low on the forehead, and don’t wear a hat underneath it. Gloves or mittens, it says, aren’t really about keeping your hands warm: they protect your hands as you learn to fall and get back up.
Knee pads and elbow pads are optional but helpful for nervous first-timers. See the difference between skate helmets.
What should you wear ice skating for the first time?
- A long-sleeve, moisture-wicking base layer
- A sweater or fleece, plus a light jacket
- Leggings or warm-up pants (not jeans or bulky snow pants)
- One pair of thin socks or tights
- Gloves or mittens
- A certified helmet
- Snug-fitting skates. Rental skates are fine for a first visit, but shoe size doesn’t always match skate size, so try a few pairs.
Arrive about 20 minutes early to get skates and lace them properly, as Learn to Skate USA suggests. Keep hair tied back, and leave long scarves and dangling jewelry at home. For skates of your own, see Best Ice Skates for Beginners and Kids’ Ice Skates.
What do figure skaters wear?
For practice, figure skaters typically wear fitted, stretchy clothing: leggings or skating pants, a fitted long-sleeve top or jacket, gloves, and thin tights or socks. Fitted clothes let coaches see body position and won’t catch on the skate. Some skaters wear over-the-boot tights, which cover the boot for a long, clean line and keep laces tucked in. Competition dresses and costumes are for performances, not public sessions.
Shop women’s activewear and men’s activewear for base layers and practice wear.
How do you keep your feet warm and comfortable in ice skates?
Keep your feet warm with a snug-fitting skate and one thin, moisture-wicking sock, not thick or doubled socks. A skate that fits well and is laced correctly, firm across the instep and ankle, keeps your foot from sliding, which prevents blisters and cramping. If your feet hurt even with thin socks, the skate may be the wrong size or width. Riedell recommends a comfortably snug fit with toes lightly touching the front (Riedell). Check our sizing charts and fitting guides.
What should you wear ice skating in summer?
Summer skating is almost always at an indoor rink, and the ice is just as cold in July as in January. Bring the same layers you would in winter (long sleeves, a light jacket, leggings or warm-up pants and gloves), and pack a change of clothes for the heat outside.
Shop ice skates, figure skates and ice skate accessories for your next session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you wear ice skating?
Wear stretchy, warm layers: a moisture-wicking long-sleeve top, a sweater or fleece, a light jacket, leggings or warm-up pants, gloves, one pair of thin socks or tights, and a certified helmet if you are a beginner.
What do you wear ice skating indoors?
Indoor rinks are often kept around 50°F, so wear a long-sleeve base layer, a sweater or fleece and a light jacket you can remove, with leggings or warm-up pants, gloves and thin socks.
Can you wear jeans ice skating?
You can, but it is not recommended. Jeans are stiff, limit how far you can bend your knees, and get wet and cold when you fall. Leggings, warm-up pants or sweatpants are better.
Should you wear thick socks with ice skates?
No. Wear one pair of thin socks or thin tights. Learn to Skate USA says thicker socks limit support and create uncomfortable bumps inside the boot.
Do you need gloves to ice skate?
Yes, especially as a beginner. Gloves or mittens protect your hands when you fall and push yourself back up, and they keep your hands warm on cold ice.
Should beginners wear a helmet ice skating?
Yes. Learn to Skate USA says all beginning skaters should wear a helmet certified to ASTM F1447 or Snell B-90A, B-95 or N-94, worn snug and low on the forehead.
Can you wear leggings ice skating?
Yes. Leggings are one of the best options because they stretch and do not bunch inside the boot. For outdoor or very cold rinks, choose fleece-lined leggings or add warm-up pants over them.
Why do figure skaters wear tights over their skates?
Over-the-boot tights cover the skate boot to create a long, clean line from leg to blade and help keep laces tucked in. They are mostly worn for competitions and shows.