Skating costumes - a retropective

Last week as the Olympics were starting I heard a story on the radio about how upset some figure skaters were in the 1920's when the hem lines started to rise.  According to this story one skater in particular complained that her skirt was so short (6" below her knees).  She was worried people would see her bloomers when she jumped. 

I always love to watch the skating competition for the skating and, of course, the outfits!! 

... Remember Katarina Witt?

The outfits in the late 80's were starting to distract from the skating and shortly after that new rules were put in place to limit the amount of stuff that could go on a skating costume.

What happened to the simple skating dresses  like Peggy Fleming wore in the 1960's?

Until 1956 all Olympic ice skating competitions were held out side, except for Lake Placid in 1932.  So, the skaters needed warm outfits. Here's what Anna Hubler and Heinrich Burger, who captured the pairs figure skating competition, wore at the 1908 Summer Olympics, the first year for competitive Olympic skating.

Of course, I doubt they were doing any maneuvers like this.

And here is Madge Syers the Women's Champion at the same Olympics, with her ankle length skirt.

And below is Herma Szabo the Olympic champion in 1924 with a shockingly short skirt!! I don't see any bloomers!?!

Sonya Henie was the first big named famous figure skater.  She won the Olympic title in '28, '32, and '36. She was much more athletic and wore even shorter skirts.


Don't you just love this velvet?? I wonder what color it was?

See how tall and close fitting her boot is.  Until about the 1970's skating boots were very soft to allow for flexibility.  Even Peggy Fleming's boot were like that.  Skaters were not doing the wildly difficult jumps that require such substantial ankle support. Lots of spinning and squatting down low were the tricky things they were doing.


Next we have Olympic winner Barbara Ann Scott, the Canadian darling in 1948.  Now the skirts have gotten as short as they are now, but you can see she still is dressed very warmly with that adorable embroidered cap.

This is Tenley Albright, the 1956 Olympic Figure Skating Champion.  I find it so interesting to see the outfits evolve as the skaters become more athletic.

So, this brings us up to Peggy Fleming in the 1960's.  If you want to see more photos like this, check out these 3 articles.  

Cosmopolitan article

Sonya Henny popularized the wearing of short skirts

Older Skating outfits on Mintage Vintage Clothing