6 Figure Skating Tights For Warmth That Coaches Actually Recommend

You drop your child off at the rink, and ten minutes into the lesson, you see it: the shiver. Their arms are crossed, their focus is gone, and they’re more concerned with staying warm than listening to their coach. Choosing the right skating tights feels like a small detail, but it’s one of the first hurdles in ensuring your child can actually learn and enjoy their time on the ice.

Why Coach-Approved Tights Matter for Skaters

When your young skater is cold, they aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re distracted. A child who is shivering can’t focus on correcting their posture or mastering a new spin. Warm muscles are also pliable muscles, which is essential for both performance and injury prevention in a sport that demands flexibility and power.

Coaches recommend specific brands and styles because they’ve seen it all. They know which fabrics hold up to dozens of falls, which ones wick away sweat during a demanding practice, and which ones provide warmth without adding bulk that can hinder movement. This isn’t about brand names; it’s about function.

While it’s tempting to start with generic leggings for a 6-year-old in their first "Learn to Skate" class, investing in a proper pair of skating tights makes a difference. The specialized, high-waisted fit stays put during spins and jumps, and the over-the-boot style protects expensive skate laces from being shredded by their own blades. It’s a small step that sets them up for success from the beginning.

Mondor 3372 Polartec Tights for Cold Rinks

If your home rink feels more like a frozen barn, this is the tight coaches consistently name first. Mondor is a heritage brand in the skating world, and their 3372 Polartec model is the gold standard for serious warmth. It’s designed for skaters who get cold easily or who practice in facilities where the ice temperature dictates the air temperature.

The key is the Polartec fabric. It provides exceptional insulation without the puffiness of old-school fleece, allowing skaters to maintain the clean, long lines that are so important in the sport. This is crucial for skaters moving from basic skills into choreography and programs, where every detail of their form matters.

This tight is an investment, best suited for a skater who has committed to the sport beyond a single introductory session. Think of the 8 to 12-year-old who is on the ice a couple of times a week. For them, being properly equipped is essential for productive practice time.

ChloeNoel P06 Polartec Tights for Practice

Walk into any rink during a freestyle session, and you’ll see ChloeNoel tights everywhere. This brand is a workhorse, known for its incredible durability. The P06 model also uses Polartec fleece, offering warmth comparable to Mondor, but coaches often highlight its ruggedness.

These tights are built to withstand the realities of training. Learning new jumps and spins means falling—a lot. ChloeNoel’s construction holds up to that repetition, resisting pilling and tears better than many alternatives. This makes them a smart, practical choice for skaters in the intermediate stages who are pushing their skills daily.

From a family logistics standpoint, their durability is a huge plus. They often last long enough to become hand-me-downs for a younger sibling or can be sold in rink "swap and sells," helping you recoup some of the initial cost. They are a true practice staple.

Jerry’s 4500 Heavyweight Tights for Warmth

Jerry’s is another foundational brand in figure skating, and their 4500 heavyweight tights are a fantastic option for reliable warmth. These are less about a technical brand-name fabric and more about a proven, thick, and cozy microfleece construction that simply gets the job done.

Coaches frequently suggest these for younger skaters, especially those in the 5-to-9-year-old range. The thicker material not only keeps them warm during group lessons with more standing around, but it also provides a subtle layer of padding. That little bit of extra cushion can be a real confidence-booster when they’re learning to fall correctly.

For parents, the Jerry’s 4500 hits a perfect balance. They are exceptionally warm and durable but often come in at a more accessible price point than the premium Polartec options. This makes them an ideal choice for a growing child whose passion for the sport is still blossoming.

CRS Cross Bamboo Tights for Softness & Heat

What if your skater complains that fleece is "too itchy" or "too bulky"? For children with sensory sensitivities, the wrong fabric can be a major distraction. Coaches are increasingly recommending bamboo tights from brands like CRS Cross as a solution.

Bamboo fabric is a game-changer for these skaters. It’s incredibly soft against the skin and is a natural thermal regulator, providing warmth without the risk of overheating during a strenuous program. It also wicks moisture effectively and has natural antimicrobial properties, which is a nice bonus.

This is a fantastic option for any skater, from beginner to advanced, whose comfort is paramount to their focus. If your child’s primary complaint on the ice is about their clothing, solving that problem with a softer tight can unlock a new level of concentration and enjoyment.

Edea Therma-Pro Tights for Advanced Skaters

You know Edea for their world-class boots, and their apparel follows the same high-performance philosophy. The Edea Therma-Pro tights are a piece of technical equipment designed for the serious, competitive skater. This is not the tight you buy for weekly group lessons.

The focus here is on an anatomical, second-skin fit. The fabric is engineered to provide targeted muscle warmth and slight compression without adding a millimeter of bulk that could disrupt a skater’s line or balance. For an advanced skater working on triple jumps or intricate step sequences, that precision is non-negotiable.

This is a purchase that should match a high level of commitment. It’s for the pre-teen or teen skater (ages 11-14+) who is training many hours a week and whose performance is measured in fractions of a point. The investment reflects the dedication required at that elite level of the sport.

Transpack Ice Tights: A Reliable Classic

Many parents first encounter the Transpack brand when buying their child’s first Z-style skate bag. Their Ice Tights are just as practical and reliable. Coaches often point to these as the perfect "first real pair" of warm tights for a skater graduating from basic leggings.

These tights offer a fantastic middle ground. They are significantly warmer and more durable than generic activewear but are typically more affordable than the high-end Polartec models. They provide the proper over-the-boot fit and a fleecy interior that is comfortable for long sessions on the ice.

This is arguably the most versatile tight on the list. It’s an excellent choice for a 7-year-old starting their first private lessons and is equally suitable for a 13-year-old who skates recreationally once or twice a week. It’s a confident, no-regrets purchase that delivers on quality and performance.

Matching Tight Fabric to Your Rink’s Climate

Ultimately, the "best" tight depends entirely on your child and your rink. A skater practicing in a modern, climate-controlled facility in Florida has very different needs than one training in a drafty, old arena in Minnesota. The goal is to match the gear to the environment.

Use this simple framework to make a decision:

• For bitterly cold, old-school rinks: Your priority is maximum insulation. Choose Polartec or heavyweight fleece from brands like Mondor, ChloeNoel, or Jerry’s.
• For average community rinks: A versatile, mid-to-heavyweight tight is usually perfect. A reliable classic like Transpack or a soft bamboo option from CRS Cross will serve most skaters well.
• For skaters with sensory needs or who overheat: Comfort is key. Choose bamboo fabric for its softness and thermal-regulating properties.
• For elite, competitive skaters: The gear must support performance. Choose a technical fabric that offers a sleek, anatomical fit, like the Edea Therma-Pro.

When in doubt, ask your child’s coach for their recommendation. They know the rink’s temperature quirks and have seen what works for dozens of other skaters at your child’s exact age and skill level. Your goal isn’t to buy the most expensive gear, but the right gear to help your child thrive.

Keeping your skater warm is about removing a barrier to their learning and enjoyment. The right pair of tights allows them to forget about the cold and focus on the joy of gliding, spinning, and flying across the ice. That is an investment that always pays off.