What to Wear to Skate Night
STYLING
A skate night outfit is built from the tee down, and every piece has to move with you.
Dressing for a roller rink is half nostalgia and half common sense. The look comes straight from the late seventies, but every piece also has a practical job, because you will be moving, leaning, and occasionally grabbing a wall for a few hours. Here is how to put it together.
Start With the Tee
Pick the tee first and build down from it. A ringer suits a looser style of skating, with room through the body for wide arm swings. Tuck it fully into your shorts or knot it at the hip, so the hem cannot flap at speed. A baby tee suits anyone who wants a close fit with no extra fabric at all, since it is cut to end right at a high waistband.
Shorts or Flares, Not Long Hems
High-waisted shorts are the classic rink choice and the easiest to skate in. Flares and wide-leg jeans work too, as long as the hem clears the top of your skates. A hem that drags near the wheels can catch on a turn, so roll it once or choose a cropped pair if it reaches the floor.
Tube Socks Do Half the Look
Striped tube socks pulled up toward the knee are the most recognizable part of a skate night outfit. They also keep skate boots from rubbing your shins. If your ringer has a dark band, a dark stripe on the sock ties the outfit together from collar to ankle. One repeat of the band color is plenty.
A Layer You Can Tie On
Rinks run cool at the start of the night and warm by the end. Bring a light zip jacket or an open shirt you can tie around your waist once you warm up. Knot the sleeves firmly and tuck the ends in, so nothing swings down toward your wheels.
Keep Accessories Small and Secure
Anything that dangles will swing into your face on a turn. Small hoops, a short chain, or a few thin bangles stay put. Tie long hair back, and leave a bulky bag in a locker, since a crossbody strap pulls the tee crooked every time you lean.
Questions about which tee to pick, how sizing works, and caring for contrast trim are answered in our FAQs.
Thank you for shopping with us, and for saving us a spot on the rink.