39 Amazing Figure Skating Costumes Through the Years

1946: Sonja Henie

Norwegian film star and ice skater Sonja Henie wore many glamorous costumes to perform in, including this incredible feathered and fringed number she donned in the 1940s.

1948: Gretchen Merrill

Six-time U.S. national champion Gretchen Merrill skated in a pleated, sequined number for her routine at the 1948 Olympics. Reporters at the time dubbed Merrill as one of the best-dressed female athletes.

1954: Tenley Albright

Besides impressive routines, you could count on eye-catching costumes from Olympic medal winner Tenley Albright. The skater is pictured here practicing at Grossinger's Resort in upstate New York, wearing a long-sleeve fuchsia leotard with an attached flounce skirt.

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1960s: Carol Heiss Jenkins

Carol Heiss Jenkins, who won a silver Olympic medal in 1956 and gold in 1960, posed in a peachy mock-neck number with a short petal skirt and sequined trim.

1961: Cathy Machado

Professional skater Cathy Machado was captured mid-spin during an Ice Capades performance wearing a bejeweled look with a matching tiara. Machado joined the Ice Capades and toured worldwide after competing in the 1956 Winter Olympics.

1968: Peggy Fleming, Gabriele Seyfert and Hana Makova

Peggy Fleming, Gabriele Seyfert, and Hana Makova waved to the crowds after receiving their medals at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Each sported a stylish outfit featuring eye-catching details, like sequins, pleating, lace, and fur trim.

Moreover, Fleming's gorgeous chartreuse dress was made by her mother. As the story goes, Fleming's mom was inspired to make a costume in this specific green shade because it had the name of a town in France, which was that year's Olympics host country.

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1968: Peggy Fleming with Jean-Claude Killy

Fleming chats with skier Jean-Claude Killy while at the 1968 Olympics. Fleming wore a white sequined leotard with a chiffon skirt for the occasion.

1969: Peggy Fleming

That looks familiar! Fleming wore a hot pink outfit with a white lace-trimmed collar and cuffs to skate at Rockefeller Center.

1977: Dorothy Hamill

Skating great Dorothy Hamill wore an elaborate ruffled yellow costume during a 1977 competition. The piece featured a sequined bodice with a V-neckline and a flouncy knee-length skirt with unexpected white trim.

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1980: Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner

Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner were one stylish duo. The two posed for a photo in Los Angeles wearing one of their competition costumes—long-sleeve light blue looks with sequined rainbows sewn across the chest. Babilonia's outfit also included brightly hued ribbon fringe along the hem.

1980: Elaine Zayak

Figure skater Elaine Zayak took the ice during a 1980 competition in a bubblegum pink look with a scattering of sequins on the bodice.

1981: Dorothy Hamill

Hamill impressed onlookers once again when she arrived at a competition in a fabulous ombre purple outfit. The look featured feathered sleeves, a wide V-neckline, and a sequined skirt.

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1984: Linda Fratianne

Olympic gold medal winner Linda Fratianne also incorporated feathers into her competition looks. She's photographed here in a picture-perfect black and purple ensemble with one elaborate feathered sleeve and an asymmetrical hemline.

1984: Tiffany Chin

How elegant is this long-sleeve sky blue leotard that Tiffany Chin wore to the 1984 Winter Olympics? She donned this piece during the Ladies Long Program, and the sequined flowers along the neckline and sleeves are the perfect touch.

1985: Linda Fratianne

Here's another of Fratianne's glamorous looks. This pick showcased a sparkly striped bodice and a short skirt with a beaded fringe.

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1985: Tiffany Chin

Chin posed for photographers in a delicate pink costume punctuated with sequined, embroidered flowers. The young skater had just won the title at the 1985 U.S. Championships.

1986: Dorothy Hamill

Hamill wore this ethereal, icy blue and white sequined look while skating during a competition in the late 1980s. The ensemble included a delicate flowing skirt and unique arm accessories.

1988: Debi Thomas

Debi Thomas represented the United States at the 1988 Winter Olympics in a head-turning black leotard with a splash of silver sequins across the sleeves and chest. The young figure skater took home an Olympic bronze medal in Singles that year.

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1988: Jill Trenary

Meanwhile, Jill Trenary skated into fourth place at the 1988 Winter Olympics, outfitted in an elaborately designed bright pink number. The ensemble consisted of exaggerated shoulders, a center mesh cut-out, and an embroidered bodice.

1988: Caryn Kadavy

American figure skater Caryn Kadavy waved to the camera during the 1988 Winter Olympics in a navy blue costume punctuated by bright gold threading and magenta-pink accents. Unfortunately, Kadavy had to drop out of the competition due to illness.

Brittany is a freelance writer based in her hometown of New York City. She writes about everything from fashion and beauty to food and wellness. When she's not writing, she can often be found at her local library, playing with her cats, or exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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