This study examines the design characteristics of figure skating costumes by a content analysis of their design elements. The content analysis method for the study was used based on 185 photos of female figure skaters. A total of 218 coding units in 1...
This study examines the design characteristics of figure skating costumes by a content analysis of their design elements. The content analysis method for the study was used based on 185 photos of female figure skaters. A total of 218 coding units in 15 categories were used. In the category of color, unicolor costumes were the mainstay and represented 48.11% of the total costumes. Black costumes showed the highest rate (13.51%), followed by red (7.57%) and blue (7.03%). In the dual-color costumes, combinations of red and black and white and black, represented 4.32% of all costumes. A camisole was the most popular type of neckline (20.54%). Stand collars with neck decorations were found in 5.95% of the costumes. In addition, 98.2% of all figure skating costumes had decorations (crystal beads 21.86% were the most frequently used decoration type), 65.41% exposed all the shoulders and arms, 70.81% of the costumes did not have sleeves, 5.41% of the costumes had arm decorations, and 3.78% had wrist decorations. In the analysis of the hem of skirts, 32.40% had a curved line, 30.73% had a straight line, and 15.08% had an unrecognizable form. In general, the figure skating costumes have stand collars with neck decorations, arm and wrist decorations, and irregular skirt hems that are not found in everyday dresses. To emphasize and intensify a theatrical effect, the costumes were fabulously decorated with spangles, crystal beads, feathers, and lace; black, red, and blue were frequently used. The skirts had frills, fringe, flared lines, and beads on them to reflect the stage lights and emphasize movements.