Clothing

Skaters are generally free to select their own attire, with a few restrictions. In competition, females may wear a dress, typically with matching attached briefs, and since 2004, they may also choose trousers. They may wear opaque flesh colored leggings or tights under dresses and skirts, which may extend to cover their skates. Men must wear trousers they are not allowed to wear tights, although, officials do not always impose a deduction for violations.Matching costumes are not required in pair skating and ice dancing.

Competition costumes vary widely, from simple designs to heavily beaded or trimmed costumes. Skaters risk a deduction if a piece of their costume falls onto the ice surface. An official may stop a program if he or she deems there to be a hazard. Skaters and family members may design their own costumes, sometimes with assistance from their coach or choreographer, or turn to professional designers.Costumes may cost thousands of dollars if designed by a top level costumemaker.According to current ISU regulations, costumes in competition must be modest, dignified and appropriate for athletic competition not garish or theatrical in design. Clothing may, however, reflect the character of the music chosen.Although the use of flesh colored fabric means the costumes are often less revealing than they may appear, there have been repeated attempts to ban clothing that gives the impression of excessive nudity or that is otherwise inappropriate for athletic competition.In general, accessories or props are not permitted in competition.The ISU allowed an exception for the original dance in the 2007 2008 season but never since.