EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear Ice Skating Outdoors (Warm, Flexible and Photo-Ready)

“An outdoor rink is the most cinematic place you'll be all winter, so of course you want to look good. Dress like you're going for a winter walk, then make everything a little closer to the body. You'll move better and you'll photograph better.”Her take

Start with the right layers

You start cold and warm up fast once you're moving, so dress in layers you can adjust. A thin base layer in wool or a synthetic fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin is better than cotton, which stays damp and leaves you colder when you stop.

Over that, a warm knit, then a jacket. Skating is easier when your arms and back can move freely, so choose layers that are warm without being bulky.

Choose a jacket you can move in

A fitted, hip-length jacket, a light puffer, a quilted jacket or a short wool coat, is ideal. Long coats get in the way of your knees, and very bulky puffers make it hard to balance with your arms out.

If there's a chance of falling, water-resistant fabric helps: the ice surface is wet, and a wool coat soaks up melt water and stays damp. Zippers are easier than lots of buttons when you warm up and want to open the jacket.

What pants to wear ice skating

Stretchy pants that let you bend your knees are best: thermal leggings, ponte or knit pants, or jeans with real stretch worn over thin leggings. Stiff denim restricts how you bend, and it's cold and slow to dry if you fall.

Keep the hem slim or tuck it into the skate. Wide, flowing pant legs and long skirts can catch the blades. A short skirt or dress over thick tights and thermal leggings works if you love the look; keep it above the knee and not flared too wide.

Which socks to wear with skates

Wear one pair of thin-to-medium socks that comes up above the top of the skate, so the boot doesn't rub bare skin. Mid-calf or knee socks are ideal. Wool or a wool blend keeps your feet warm without bulk.

Skip very thick socks or two pairs; they make the skate tight, which cuts circulation, and your feet end up colder. Rental skates in particular can rub, so a smooth, snug sock helps.

Gloves, hats and scarves

Gloves are essential, both for warmth and because your hands go down on the ice if you fall. Water-resistant or leather gloves stay drier than knit ones.

A hat, beanie or ear warmers keep your ears warm in the wind you make by moving. If you wear a scarf, wrap it close and tuck the ends into your jacket so they don't flap around or catch.

• Hands: lined leather or water-resistant gloves.
• Head: a fitted beanie or ear warmers.
• Neck: a scarf wrapped close with ends tucked in, or a neck warmer.

How to look good in rink photos

Pick a simple color story, like cream and camel, black and white, or all gray with one bright accent. A light-colored knit or hat looks lovely against ice and lights, and a single bold accessory, like a bright hat, stands out in photos.

Leave behind anything that dangles or swings: long earrings, big bags and long necklaces. Small studs or hoops and a small crossbody or zipped pocket for your phone are all you need.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

No cotton base, a fitted jacket, stretchy pants, one tall sock, gloves, a hat, and nothing that dangles.

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