What to wear ice skating
Indoor rinks are kept cool, with the air above the ice typically somewhere between 5 and 15°C, so dress as you would for a brisk autumn walk, but in clothes you can bend and move in.
The basics
- Legs: leggings, tracksuit bottoms or stretchy walking trousers. Thermal leggings underneath are worth it for nervous beginners who will spend time sitting on the ice.
- Top half: a long-sleeved base layer, then a fleece or light jacket you can take off as you warm up. Long sleeves protect your arms if you fall.
- Hands: gloves. Many rinks require them, and they protect your hands from the cold ice and from blades. Thin, close-fitting gloves give a better grip on the barrier than ski mittens.
- Feet: one pair of normal, smooth socks that come above the top of the boot. No thick or doubled socks.
What not to wear
- Jeans: stiff when you bend and cold and heavy once you have sat on wet ice.
- Long scarves, loose belts or dangling cords: a trip hazard and a safety risk.
- Very short skirts or shorts without leggings, unless you enjoy cold knees.
- Jewellery such as large rings and bracelets, which can catch or hurt in a fall.
For children
- Waterproof trousers or snow trousers over leggings are ideal for little ones who fall a lot.
- A helmet is strongly recommended for young children and required at some rinks for classes.
- Waterproof mittens or gloves, plus a spare pair in the bag.
- A hat for the spectators' area afterwards. See kit for children.
What to bring
A water bottle, a small towel, a spare pair of socks for afterwards and a coin or card for lockers if the rink uses them. If you have your own skates, bring hard guards for walking and soft soakers for the bag (see skate care).
Watching hockey?
The stands are colder than the ice because you are sitting still. Bring a proper coat and a hat. See your first ice hockey game.