When it comes to figure skating, the often-flashy outfits¹ worn on the ice are almost as important as a skater's technical skill and perfectly² choreographed³ moves.

 

说到花样滑冰，在冰上比赛时穿的亮闪闪的服装几乎同选手的技能和完美舞姿一样重要。
 

 

Figure skater outfits are distinctive⁴ for many reasons - for starters, skaters don't wear uniforms or team kits⁵ or colors that unifies⁶ members of a team, as many other athletes in different sports do.

 

The majority also tend to feature plenty of sheer flesh-colored material too, giving the illusion that the skater's ensemble⁷ features several rather saucy⁸ cut-outs as they whip around the ice.

 

But if you've ever wondered why so many skaters insist in casing their bodies in so much flesh colored netting, a writer at Bustle⁹ has come up with a theory to explain it - and it turns out, the panels of see-through fabric¹⁰ are nothing to do with keeping a skater warm.

 

Citing The International Skating Union Handbook, it has revealed that although figure skaters don't have to wear uniforms, they do have to follow a dress code, regardless of gender¹¹ or rank.

 

And modesty¹² is one of the main stipulations.

 

It states: 'The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. Men must wear full length trousers and must not wear tights. In addition, in Ice Dance ladies must wear a skirt.'

 

In 1988, the 'Katarina Rule' was implemented¹³ after skater Katarina Witt competed in a leotard.

 

Now all female skaters must wear skirts that cover their hips¹⁴ and butt¹⁵.

 

So much like sheer pantyhose, sheer panels on skaters' costumes give the illusion of skin without actually showing any.

 

And as most costumes feature the illusion of a backless design or opened up side panels, the flesh colored mesh¹⁶ material allows for more revealing designs that stay within the ISU guidelines.

 

The handbook also states that 'garish¹⁷' and 'theatrical¹⁸' looks are also not permitted on the ice and accessories and props¹⁹ are also banned.

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