Figure skating costumes at the 2026 Winter Olympics require more than just sequins and sparkle; they demand engineering. A skater can be penalized if any part of their outfit falls off during their routine. With Team USA earning gold in the team event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, the stories behind these dazzling designs are brought to light.
Key Takeaways
- Figure skating costumes can range from $500 to $4,000, with high-end costumes potentially containing up to 4,000 crystals applied by hand.
- Amber Glenn set a new short program record of 83.05 points at the U.S. Championships skating to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” highlighting how the right costume can enhance a performance.
- Ilia Malinin, known as “Quad God,” is pushing the boundaries of male figure skating fashion, embracing more elaborate and showy costumes. His short program scored 90.81 during the team event.
How Do Designers Capture a Skater’s Vision?
The process of designing a figure skating costume often begins with collaboration between the designer, the skater, and the choreographer. Designer Lisa McKinnon, who has crafted costumes for Team USA skaters like Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn, explains that each skater has a different approach. McKinnon elaborates, “Usually, I get a quick rundown on the program. What the vibe is. Is there a message with this program?
What’s the style?” McKinnon then sketches her ideas while listening to the music repeatedly. Similarly, Pat Pearsall, who designed costumes for 2018 bronze medalist Mirai Nagasu, immerses herself in the music, listening to it “probably 20 to 30 times” while designing. Pearsall emphasizes the importance of imbuing the costume with positive energy and consciousness, stating, “When I’m making a dress, that energy of consciousness is imbued in the very fabric. The dress designs itself.”
The intricate details of a costume can significantly impact a skater’s performance, both physically and emotionally. A high-end costume can contain as many as 4,000 crystals, each applied by hand, contributing to the overall weight and sparkle. Historically, figure skating fashion has evolved from functional attire to elaborate artistic expression, and it now has become an integral aspect of the skater’s storytelling on the ice. According to NBC figure skating analyst Tara Lipinski, “A costume can transform a skater; it has to capture the essence of the music while also allowing complete freedom of movement. It’s a true art form.”
Why Is Comfort and Mobility So Crucial?
Skaters and designers must consider the weight of the costumes, as every addition can affect the athlete’s performance. American figure skater Starr Andrews acknowledges the trade-off between sparkle and weight, stating, “You have to consider, do I really want to be wearing a heavy dress? Or do I want it lighter? For me, I don’t care. I just want to be sparkly.” Pearsall’s costumes, for example, can weigh between one to two pounds.
The fit and comfort of the costume are equally crucial, as ill-fitting attire can restrict movement and hinder performance. Kaitlyn Weaver, a former Olympic ice dancer and current choreographer for Glenn, emphasizes the importance of functionality, stating, “At the end of the day, it has to be beautiful, but it also has to function. Most skaters can tell you a horror story of something that was really beautiful, but they couldn’t breathe in, or they got a wedgie.”
Designers have to be mindful of International Skating Union (ISU) regulations, which dictate that “the clothing of the Competitors must be modest, dignified, and appropriate for athletic competition – not garish or theatrical in design.” However, recent changes have allowed for greater freedom of expression, with women skaters no longer required to wear skirts since 2004.
Designer Lisa McKinnon had to redo Alysa Liu’s costume three times when she debuted a revamped free skate program to Lady Gaga music at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, showcasing how much effort goes into comfort and mobility of skaters in their costumes. “That’s really what it comes down to, “said costume designer Vera Wang in an interview. “You can have a brilliant design, but if it doesn’t allow the skater to execute their program flawlessly, it’s all for naught.”
What Design Trends Are Emerging?
Male skaters are increasingly embracing more elaborate and showy costumes, mirroring trends seen in women’s figure skating. Fashion designers David Paul and Nick Verreos, who host the podcast “The Fashion Daddies,” have noted this shift, praising skaters like Ilia Malinin for pushing the boundaries of male skating fashion.
As Verreos observes, “We like the fact that a lot of the male skaters are getting closer to mirroring what female skaters are doing costume-wise. We know that sometimes it’s baby steps to get them out of their comfort zone and become a little showy.” This evolution reflects a broader trend toward greater self-expression and individuality in figure skating.
Madison Chock, a three-time world champion and two-time winner of the ISU Best Costume award, collaborates closely with designer Mathieu Caron, creating costumes inspired by everything from aliens to Salvador Dalí. Their matador costume for Chock’s flamenco-inspired routine, where Evan Bates plays the bull, exemplifies the creativity and innovation in modern figure skating fashion. Even mishaps can occur, such as costume malfunctions, where zippers stick or fabric tears. Designer Pat Pearsall recommends adding redundancy in closures to prevent wardrobe failures. Such detailed precautions underscore the delicate balance of aesthetics and practicality that defines figure skating costume design.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Alysa Liu: A Team USA skater who has collaborated with designer Lisa McKinnon on Lady Gaga-inspired costumes.
- Amber Glenn: An openly queer American figure skater who uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ issues and holds a U.S. Championship record.
- Mirai Nagasu: The first American woman to land a triple axel at the Olympics (2018), designed by Pat Pearsall.
- Starr Andrews: Pewter medalist at the 2023 U.S. Championships, known for working with Lisa McKinnon on costumes that match her skin tone.
- Team USA: Won gold in the team event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, showcasing innovative costume designs.
What This Means
- For Figure Skating Fans: Expect to see increasingly elaborate and expressive costumes as skaters push the boundaries of self-expression, with male skaters following the lead of their female counterparts.
- For Aspiring Designers: Collaboration with skaters and choreographers is key to creating a costume that is both visually stunning and functional, ensuring it enhances the performance without hindering movement.
- For Future Competitors: Considering the weight and fit of the costume is crucial for optimizing performance, as even small details can impact jumps, spins, and overall comfort on the ice.
