Growing up in Michigan, I spent lots of time during the winters ice skating. Whether we were on my grandparents lake or on the make shift rink my dad built in the backyard, ice skating was just part of the season. When my siblings and I were still practically babies, my parents would just put a little chair out there for us to push around the ice until we could skate on our own. Ahhh…good times!
What to Wear Ice Skating INSIDE:
Women: Although ice rinks are cold, ice skating is a work out and will warm up your body. Wear leggings with some thermal underwear underneath if you don’t think you will be moving around too quickly. Layer up on top with a long sleeved shirt with dry-fit fabric, a fitted fleece, or sweater that you can take off and tie around your waist if you really start workin' it. Wear some cotton gloves to keep your fingers warm, a headband and or hat while you are warming up, and maybe a snood to keep you warm at first. Wear some warm winter socks, but nothing too thick and bulky. Want to make it a little more fashionable? Wear leather driving gloves instead of cotton. Try cotton leggings with leather or lace cutouts, and top them off with some neutral colored leg warmers.
Men: You are fine just wearing jeans. No need to pull out your secret spandex pants. You will want to layer on top as well. Start with a long sleeve shirt and add a sweater or a thick cotton pullover. You can also wear a fleece jacket or a fleece lined track jacket. Feel free to wear a thin winter hat, if that’s your thing.
What to Wear Ice Skating OUTSIDE:
Women: Ice skating outside is a different story. Depending on where you are, temps will usually range from below zero to 30 degrees. Much colder than an indoor ice rink! Thermal and dri-fit fabrics are a MUST! If you do not plan on working up a serious sweat, go ahead and throw on some fitted ski pants to help keep you extra warm and dry. Layer on top just as you would indoors, but top it all off with a winter coat. You will definitely need scarf, hat, and gloves!
Men: Depending on the temps, you also might want to throw on some ski pants. If not, definitely wear some thermal and dri-fit materials under your jeans. Do wear a winter coat over your layers with a hat, scarf, and gloves. No matter how manly you think you are, being on an open lake in single digits temps is no joke. You WILL be cold.
Related articles: What to Wear Skiing
Heather Kilpatrick
