When starting out in this lifetime fitness sport, most people want to know what to wear roller skating.
Safety is most critical when choosing what to wear for roller skating.
So, you should put most of your attention on getting the proper safety gear.
Aside from that, you will also need to choose comfortable skating clothes that let you move around easily.
That is where this article comes in!
How to Dress to Roller Skate
In the world of roller skating, comfort and mobility are essential.
You should wear clothes that are easy to move around in, like shorts, sweatpants, or athletic pants.
If you do choose jeans, make sure they are well-worn.
Also, you need to wear socks, but not just any pair will do.
Thick, tall socks are preferable for skating.
Your socks should at least reach the top of your skate boots to avoid blisters.
Lastly, make sure to wear safety gear.
Always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards until you’ve become experienced enough.
Related Reading: How To Roller Skate – Find Out Here.
Roller Skating Safety Gear
Safety is the most important thing when putting together an outfit for roller skating.
So, let’s look at what kinds of safety gear you’ll need:
Skating Wrist Guards
It’s OK to go fingerless or with fully covered gloves.
Make sure they are made of tougher materials and have an extra layer of rubber or another material over the palm.
Even though they won’t keep you from sprains or breaks, they will make it less likely that you will cut or scrape yourself.
If you dislike wrist guards or are skating in the winter, skating gloves are a good alternative.
They make you feel comfortable and keep you safe.
Just ensure that the ones you wear will actually protect you should you fall.
Roller Skating Knee And Elbow Pads
On roller skates, you are most likely to hurt your elbows and knees aside from your wrists.
So, knee and elbow pads are an important part of your roller skating safety equipment.
It’s important to know that elbow, and knee pads usually come as a set, often with wrist guards as well.
Make sure your knee pads fit well, are comfortable, and have the correct size.
During skating, you will bend and move your knees the most, so the knee pads have the most potential to hurt.
When choosing knee or elbow pads, think about how long your arms and legs are.
Make sure the padded part is right where your elbows and knees are.
You should also make sure that the buckles can be tightened so that the pads don’t move around while you skate.
Roller Skating Helmet
Yes, having a helmet is crucial, especially if you’re a beginner.
Check with your local skate park to see if helmets are required.
Some skate parks owned by the city have high safety standards and require helmets because of insurance risks.
Usually, helmets aren’t a big deal at roller rinks.
If this is your first-time roller skating, I think it’s best to be safe and wear a helmet.
Roller Skating Socks
People often think skaters wear socks as a fashion statement, but that’s not always the case.
You wear socks to avoid blisters and rubbing, especially when breaking in a new pair of skates.
Cotton socks are not a good choice for roller skates.
This fabric might be comfortable but doesn’t let much air through.
So, it will keep all the moisture inside your skates, which is uncomfortable and unclean.
Nylon seems like the best choice here.
Clothes for roller skaters
Think about your outfit as a whole.
Roller skating is fun because there are no rules about how to look.
So you have a lot more freedom when it comes to choosing what to wear.
But when you choose your clothes, ensure they help you skate instead of getting in the way.
Also, remember to dress for the season.
Check all of your gear.
Whether you own or rent roller skates, it is vital to check the wheels, toe stops, and bearings for safety.
You should always have an all-in-one pocket skate tool with you.
It’s a cheap way to protect yourself if your roller skates break down.
Here are all the things you need to look into.
Wheels
Turn each one of your wheels by itself. They should move around for a while.
Your bearings are bad if they stop spinning after a few seconds.
This means they need to be cleaned, oiled or screwed on too tight.
Also, pull each wheel and ensure it doesn’t move back and forth on its axle.
Any form of rocking means that the wheel is too loose.
Toe Stops and Brakes
Toe stops tend to come loose after being used for a while.
If this keeps happening, they will fall off somewhere you don’t know about, leaving you without a brake.
Before you skate, make sure to screw them on tight.
Bearings
Bearings wear out over time and can rust because of moisture and humidity in the air.
They need to be oiled and cleaned often.
The best way to tell if a bearing is bad is if it makes a strange noise when you spin the wheel or if you can feel it wobbling when you skate.
Related Reading: Roller Blading vs. Roller Skating – Read The Comparison Here.
What Not to Wear When Roller Skating
Don’t wear clothes that are too tight.
No matter what you wear, you should be able to bend your knees without any trouble.
You don’t want to wear loose clothes that can get caught in your skates, either.
Make sure that none of your clothes, including their drawstrings, come close to touching the ground.
You should also think about what might happen if you fall. Big buckles, plenty of zippers, and other metal on your clothing might make a fall more painful.
Here are examples of what you shouldn’t be wearing.
Jeans
Most jeans are too stiff and make moving hard, especially if you’re starting out.
Say you have several favorite pairs of jeans that are comfortable and strong enough to protect you if you fall.
They might still make it harder for you to move around.
This can make it harder to get where you want to go when skating.
The only time jeans would be acceptable are if they were very baggy and worn in.
But only skaters with a lot of experience should wear jeans.
To avoid accidents, newbies should stay away from them.
Tight or Fit Skirts
Also, skirts that are too tight or below the knees are not a good idea.
Again, this is due to your movement getting restricted.
You should stay away from long skirts that just touch your ankles.
Though they look cute, they can easily get caught on your skates and pull you down.
Heavy Clothes
Also, stay away from clothes that are thick or can’t breathe.
Remember that roller skating, like any other activity, will make you sweat after a while.
So, you should wear clothes made of fabrics that let air in and allow sweat to evaporate quickly.
This will keep you dry.
Thin Or Ankle Socks
Thin socks or ankle socks are also a big no.
Whether your skates fit properly or are comfortable, chafing is inevitable after a time.
So, do yourself a favor and put on socks that match your shoe length.
Can a dress be worn while roller skating?
Yes, you can.
Most people just starting out aren’t very good at it, and that’s fine.
But once you feel more comfortable with your skating skills, nothing stops you from putting on a fabulous retro dress and going skating.
Ensure the dress isn’t too tight, and you can still move your knees when needed.
Also, don’t wear long dresses or skirts because they can get caught on your wheels and cause you to fall.
Related Reading: How To Clean Your Roller Skate Wheels – Learn The Process Here.
Final Thoughts
Don’t think you have to dress dully or conservatively.
Skating on rollerblades is a great way to show who you are.
Wear something fun, crazy, or vibrant if you want.
Whatever makes you feel comfy will help you have a great time.
But still, remember to dress according to your comfort and safety.
Unless, of course, you’re already a pro at roller skating, then go ham!
Just stay safe!