Speed Skating Clothing

Skating clothing is designed for the low, forward-bent skating posture: a deeply bent knee position, a horizontal back and arms that swing rhythmically forward and back. That posture places different demands on the fit than ordinary sportswear. The back is cut longer, the hip fit is narrower and the material has to give with every push-off and recovery movement without riding up on the back or hindering the leg movement. The fundamental choice is the one between thermal material for outdoor temperatures and lycra stretch for the covered artificial ice rink: two material types that are each intended for a different combination of environment and intensity.

The range runs from standard thermal tights for recreational outdoor skating to windstopper skating trousers with a wind-repellent panel on the front, lycra tights for the indoor rink, separate skating jackets and complete skating suits for marathon skating and tour skating. In addition there are skating gloves and a microfleece hat for protection of the hands and head. The choice depends on whether you skate outdoors or indoors, how intensively you skate and whether you prefer a loose combination of trousers and jacket over a full suit.

Which skating clothing is there?

There are five types of skating clothing, each for a different combination of environment, temperature and skating level.

Thermal skating trousers

The standard choice for outdoor skating at cold temperatures. Thermal skating trousers, also called thermo tights, have an insulating inner side that retains heat and an outer side that wicks away moisture. They are available as standard tights, as an improved tight model with a narrower fit and as tights with a zip on the leg for easier putting on and taking off. The range also contains a version with reinforced material on the most vulnerable points for extra durability. Most models are unisex and are worn by both men and women.

Windstopper skating trousers

A step further than ordinary thermal tights: the windstopper skating trousers have a wind-repellent panel on the front that blocks the cold wind while skating. The back side is of breathable material so that heat and moisture can still escape. This type is intended for skating in open areas where the wind has free play, such as canal skating or marathon events under windy winter conditions. At higher skating intensity, windstopper trousers breathe slightly less well than standard thermal tights.

Lycra tights

For use on the covered artificial ice rink, lycra tights are the right choice. Lycra is thin, elastic stretch material without thermal lining: it offers maximum freedom of movement but no warmth. On an artificial ice rink there is no wind and the body heat during active skating is sufficient. Lycra tights are available in separate men's and women's variants because the fit with this material is more precise than with the broader thermal models.

Skating jacket

Skating jackets are cut for the skating posture: the back is longer, the silhouette close-fitting and the sleeves are constructed so that they move with the arm swing. There are thermal skating jackets for standard outdoor use and versions with windstopper and flatlock seams for extra protection in wind and better skin-friendliness. The XC model is aimed at cross-country skating and marathon rides and combines a more dynamic cut with the necessary thermal protection for long rides in the cold.

Skating suit

A skating suit combines trousers and jacket in one piece for an aerodynamic and seamless silhouette. There are thermal marathon skating suits for recreational to serious marathon skating, and slimmer CB variants with a tighter profile for competition and speed skating. A suit gives less air resistance than separate trousers and jacket, always stays in place without the loose parts shifting and gives the most consistent fit in the skating posture at high pace.

Which skating clothing suits you?

The choice depends on where you skate, how cold and windy it is and whether you skate recreationally or competitively.

You skate recreationally outdoors at average winter temperatures: choose thermal skating trousers and combine them with a skating jacket or winter sports jacket as a top layer. Standard thermal tights without a zip are sufficient for most situations. Choose a model with a zip if you want to be able to put the trousers on and take them off quickly during breaks or at the side of the ice.

You skate outdoors in strong wind on open ice, a canal or at a marathon event: choose windstopper skating trousers. The wind-repellent panel on the front blocks the cold frontal wind on the thigh, which considerably improves the feeling of warmth in windchill. Wear a thin thermal baselayer underneath for moisture wicking directly on the skin and extra warmth.

You skate on the covered artificial ice rink and need maximum freedom of movement: choose lycra tights. There is no wind on the indoor rink and your own body energy during active skating provides sufficient warmth. Lycra tights follow every movement and give no extra heat build-up. Men and women each choose their own specific variant for the best possible fit.

You want to take part in marathon skating or longer tour rides and are looking for the most complete equipment: choose a skating suit. A skating suit gives less air resistance than separate trousers and jacket, always fits well and matches the deep skating posture at high pace perfectly. Choose the thermal marathon skating suit for most winter conditions; for those who put speed above warmth there are slimmer CB variants. Also have a look at the complete winter sports range for additional equipment.

You are buying skating clothing for the first time and do not yet know how intensively you are going to skate: start with a loose combination of thermal skating trousers and a skating jacket. A loose system is more flexible: the thermal trousers are also usable for other outdoor activities in winter, and you can upgrade per item as you learn what you need. Windstopper trousers as a first purchase make sense if you already know that you skate mainly on open outdoor ice in wind.

What should you pay attention to when buying?

Thermal or lycra

This is the most fundamental choice and depends on where you skate. Thermal skating clothing insulates at outdoor temperatures and has a lining that retains heat. Lycra is thin, elastic and has no warmth function: it is intended for the artificial ice rink, where there is no wind and freedom of movement is more important than insulation. Thermal tights on a covered rink can become uncomfortably warm. Lycra tights in sub-zero temperatures outdoors quickly give cold legs. Buy the type that suits the environment where you skate most.

Windstopper or not

Windstopper skating trousers are noticeably warmer than ordinary thermal tights in windchill, but breathe slightly less at high skating intensity. For recreational skating in open areas, the wind panel is a clear comfort improvement. For skaters who skate intensively and warm up quickly, the windstopper on the front can cause heat build-up. Standard thermal tights combined with a good thermal baselayer underneath are a more flexible combination in those cases.

With or without a zip

Thermal skating trousers are available with and without a zip on the leg. Trousers with a zip are easy to put on and take off while you are wearing your skates, which is practical on skating outings and longer tours with breaks. Without a zip the construction is slightly tighter and there is no zip fastener that affects the cold resistance on the leg. For beginners and recreational skaters who pause regularly, a zip is handy. For serious skaters who skate on, it is less relevant.

Loose system or skating suit

A skating suit gives less air resistance than separate trousers and jacket and always fits well in the skating posture: nothing shifts and no creases occur that can appear with a loose combination. A disadvantage is the lesser flexibility in changeable weather. A loose system is also financially easier to start with: begin with skating trousers and add a matching jacket later. Choose a suit if you regularly skate under comparable conditions and are looking for the highest fit and aerodynamics. Choose a loose system if in doubt or for recreational use.

Our advice: buy based on where you skate most. If you skate mainly outdoors in wind, then windstopper skating trousers are your best first investment. If you skate on the indoor rink, then start with lycra tights. For serious outdoor skating at marathons or longer tours, a thermal skating suit is the most complete choice. Always wear a thin thermal baselayer under your skating trousers: it provides moisture wicking directly on the skin and prevents your skating trousers from getting wet from the inside.

Who is skating clothing suitable for?

• Recreational outdoor skaters who skate on canal ice, lakes or open ice in winter weather and want to stay warm, free to move and wind-dry.
• Marathon skaters and tour skaters who cover long distances and need skating suits or windstopper clothing that stays comfortable and aerodynamic for the entire ride.
• Skaters on the artificial ice rink who use lycra tights for maximum freedom of movement on the indoor rink without an unnecessary warmth layer.
• Competition skaters and skating athletes who choose CB skating suits for a slim silhouette and minimal air resistance at tournaments and time trials.
• Beginners and occasional skaters who buy skating clothing for the first time and are looking for versatile thermal skating trousers that are also usable for other winter outdoor activities.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy skating clothing but you are not yet entirely sure which type and which combination best suits your skating style and conditions? Then we are happy to help you further. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or drop by our triathlon shop in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about skating clothing

What is the difference between thermal skating trousers and lycra tights?

Thermal skating trousers have an insulating lining that retains heat at cold outdoor temperatures and are intended for outdoor skating. Lycra tights are thin stretch material without thermal lining and are intended for the covered artificial ice rink, where there is no wind and the body energy during skating is sufficient for warmth. Use thermal trousers at outdoor temperatures below five degrees and lycra tights for the indoor rink or during intensive skating at milder outdoor temperatures.

When do I choose windstopper skating trousers instead of ordinary thermal tights?

Choose windstopper skating trousers if you regularly skate in open areas with wind, such as canal or marathon skating. The wind-repellent panel on the front reduces the feeling of cold wind on the thigh and makes a noticeable difference in windchill. If you skate mainly in sheltered conditions or skate intensively and warm up quickly, standard thermal tights are usually the better choice because they breathe better at higher effort.

Are skating suits warmer than separate skating trousers and a skating jacket?

Not necessarily. A skating suit and a loose combination can have comparable thermal values. The advantage of a skating suit is not so much warmth but aerodynamics and fit: one piece gives less air resistance and there is no edge at the waist that can crease or ride up at higher skating speeds. For marathon skating and tour rides where pace and fit count over a longer distance, a skating suit is the better choice. For recreational skating a loose system is more flexible.

How do I choose the right size of skating clothing?

Skating clothing must be close-fitting but not pinch. Always check the fit in the skating posture when buying: deliberately go into a deep forward-bent position so that you feel whether the back rides up or the leg movement is limited. Trousers that are too loose flap at speed and give air resistance. The lycra tights must fit tightly without pressure points at the knee or crotch. Follow the size chart of the specific model and take the larger size if in doubt.

Can I also use skating clothing for other winter sports?

Thermal skating trousers are widely usable and also usable for other outdoor activities in winter such as inline skating or active walking in the cold. The specific skating cut with a longer back and narrow hip fit is optimal in the skating posture but does not restrict in an upright posture. Lycra tights are less versatile due to the absence of warmth. Skating suits are specifically designed for skating and less suitable as multisport clothing.