It is to laugh...DailyMail explains illusion panels on costumes

[barbk]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5368719/Figure-skater-dress-codes-revealed.html

The captions are downright funny:
"Bold looks: Japanese figure skater Miyu Honda (left) and American skater Ashley Wagner (right) have both adhered to the strict modesty rules in the past, even making sheer panels part of their sleeves and plunging necklines"

...but I think Mirai should sue: "Hopeful: Skater Mirai Nagasu who is part of Team USA is heading to PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics was photographed for her official event portrait wearing a sheer halter dress, not unlike the style Tonya Harding wore in 1994"

And nowhere does the author of this wonderful article ever seem to understand that frequently the illusion fabric actually holds parts of the costume together that would otherwise not stay up.

 

[Willin]

Not only does it hold the costume together or hold it up, but it's also warm! That's why so many skaters have sheer long sleeves - warmth. I always wished I had long sleeves, but all of my synchro coaches have had some sort of crusade against them and for solo dance I've been using old synchro dresses to save money.

TBH as a viewer if a skater doesn't have illusion mesh I'm always worried a wardrobe malfunction is imminent.

Though, I find it really annoying when the mesh doesn't match the skin color. When you're paying that much for a dress dying fabric shouldn't be that hard.

Also, it goes to show how bad Daily Mail is that they call Mirai and Tonya's dresses in that article "halter dresses". They are not halter dresses in any sense of the word. Including mesh they are tank tops; excluding mesh they're strapless dresses with choker necklaces. Like, do they not know what the most iconic neckline of the '00s and bikinis looks like?

 

[Skittl1321]

Are elite skaters really that worried about warmth? Most of them, men especially, come off the ice drenched in sweat.
I think the sheer fabric trend in men's skating is catching on because it is so breathable and allows some airflow in compared to their heavily fabric costumes of the past.

You don't see many illusion sleeves unless it is to put decoration on them or get color to the writsts. If it was for warmth, I'd think nearly all the costumes would have them. It seems most skaters prefer NOT to have sleeved costumes.

 

[Willin]

@Skittl1321 Well, you have Mariah who chose to have the arm decor without attached sleeves. Those skaters I know who want sleeves definitely want them for warmth. The decoration is added to justify their existence. But, as you said, it's a personal preference. I think for some skaters/coaches the lack of sleeves has a lot to do with arm movement - if you have sloppy arms having sleeves just draws more attention to how sloppy they are.

 

[mag]

@Skittl1321 Well, you have Mariah who chose to have the arm decor without attached sleeves. Those skaters I know who want sleeves definitely want them for warmth. The decoration is added to justify their existence. But, as you said, it's a personal preference. I think for some skaters/coaches the lack of sleeves has a lot to do with arm movement - if you have sloppy arms having sleeves just draws more attention to how sloppy they are.

I think the opposite is also true. If you have fabulous arms, bare arms show that off better. The sleeve / no sleeve and more or less illusion is really a personal preference other than in cases where it is holding the dresss on.

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

Most illusion panels look awful, and either don't match the skater's skin tone. Or, serve no purpose other than being covered in random sequins and bling.

Having said this, I did like the trend for shear black fabric back in the mid to late 1990s. Skaters like Nancy Kerrigan and Joanne Carter had really elegant outfits which incorporated its use.

 

[screech]

When I had long sleeved competition dresses it was never for warmth - it was to fit the aesthetic of the program. Skating to swing, rock or big band music was short sleeves (or with straps). Classical music was usually long sleeves.

And many many long sleeved dresses have open backs, so warmth isn't exactly the priority. It's the aesthetic.