10 Roller Skating Outfits To Take For A Spin - Byrdie

In recent years, roller skating has become more popular than ever on social media. Videos of people skating to catchy songs, showing off tricks, and posing in statement-making skating outfits are everywhere on Instagram and TikTok—and in turn, skate brands like Impala Rollerskates are seeing increasing demand. If you're considering giving this thrilling activity a try and are wondering what to wear, you've come to the right place. Scroll on to learn more about the trend and see 10 roller skating outfits that balance practicality with style, so you can get your skate on for hours and have the coolest content to prove it.

The Rise of Roller Skating

It’s important to note that roller skating isn’t just a social media trend. The HBO documentary United Skates illustrates Black communities’ long history with roller skating, from the civil rights movement to the emergence of hip hop. Being able to roller skate freely and safely has been historically difficult to do in many predominantly Black communities.

As you might imagine, there are many Black-owned skating brands that have lived through this history, long before TikTok or Instagram made the sport more popular than ever. SK8 Fanatics makes more types of skates than I even knew existed, specifically for the beach, indoor, and outdoor use. Moonlight Roller, founded by 25-year old Adrienne Cooper, makes the iconic Moon Boot with a half-moon cutout. It’s a roller skate with a hybrid wheel that works for both indoors and outdoors. Church of 8 Wheels, a 124-year-old church-turned-roller disco rink founded by David Miles, San Francisco's Godfather of Skate, sells skate gear and skates. Skatewear brand Paradise also recently teamed up with the aforementioned Impala to make the Marawa x Impala Rollerskates in rose gold with custom artwork and branding.

So, when you buy your roller skates, know that there's a history beyond what you may think of based on TikTok, mainstream movies, or diner waiters on wheels. Below are just a few ways to join in on the fun, complete with products and inspo from Black-owned skate brands and content creators.

The Best Roller Skating Outfits to Try

Boxer Shorts and Bra Top

These Church of 8 Wheels skates are “designed to make your first skate a great skate at a price people can afford without having to accept a cheaper product,” which is great for those of us who are just starting out. Try styling these royal blue boots with breezy linen or cotton boxer shorts and a matching bra top, like how Kamrylorin does above. A striped blue ensemble will match these particular skates well, though this is easily adaptable to fit any summery vibe or pair of skates you may have.

Shop The Look

• Church of 8 Wheels

• Donni

• J.Crew

Bright Bottoms

Pants are a practical roller skating outfit component for beginners because they provide material between your knees and the pavement if you fall, but a breezier pair will move with the wind as you spin around doing tricks if you’re on a higher level. I love the idea of matching the pants to the roller skates, and Church of 8 Wheels has a cherry-colored pair of skates that you might call the red shoe trend on wheels. Simply pair it with matching pants, a ribbed knit tank, and a necklace or two, and you're good to go.

Shop The Look

• Church of 8 Wheels

• Ciao Lucia

• 8 Other Reasons

Flannel Styling

In the above video, Aaliyah Warren (@aaliyah913) wears a tank, denim shorts, shin-high white socks, and a flannel shirt tied around her waist. Styled like a skirt, it moves with her hips as she dances. Pair some rose gold Marawa x Impala skates with a similar outfit to Warren's, and you have a skating style winner. You also might consider swapping the laces so you have different laces on each skate.

Shop The Look

• Marawa x Impala

• Hollister

• Agolde

The Bigger the Flare

Above, Jasmine Moore (@justseconds) pairs her roller skates with bell bottoms, which make her spins look all the more impressive as they swing along with her movements. Of course, they won’t look like this on beginners, but it's a cool look regardless. This lilac pair from SK8 Fanatics would look amazing with a pair of brown bell bottoms or a slinky neutral pattern that matches the skates' standout energy. Add a bodysuit for easy movement, and you might consider completing the look with an oversized chambray shirt, left open for extra wind flapping and elbow coverage.

Shop The Look

• Sk8 Fanatics

• Frame

• Skims

Slip Dress Statement

Another look from Moore, here she wears a mini leopard print slip dress, which looks so fun to wear as she dances on wheels in her video. We love how her colorful skates contrast the dress, so we've done the same by pairing dusty blue suede boots with an orange mini slip. Simply add a tennis necklace for some elegant sparkle: From the knees up, nobody would know you’re even in skates.

Shop The Look

• Impala

• Amanda Uprichard

• Dorsey

Sets and Socks

Here, Shove (@fat_girl_has_it) styled a yellow bandeau top and shorts set with neutral roller skates and high socks. In that spirit, below we've paired a citrusy ensemble with some classic skates from SK8 Fanatics. Shove wore tall tube socks with her skates, which adds a sporty '70s flair. A chunky gold necklace will tie in great with the yellow hues.

Shop The Look

• Sk8 Fanatics

• Re/Done

• Oma the Label

Get Your Gingham On

Above, Toni Bravo (@bonitravo) pairs a gingham midi dress (hers is by Ganni) with her two-tone skates, which you might call the skating equivalent to wearing sneakers with a dress—one of my favorite ways to give dresses a more casual vibe for everyday wear. Bravo does her jumps with ease and grace even within the confinements of a semi-narrow-cut dress, which is a true skill. Below, we paired cool two-toned skates from SK8 Fanatics with a puff-sleeved midi dress similar to Bravo’s but with a little more give, plus some statement sunglasses.

Shop The Look

• Sk8 Fanatics

• Vineyard Vines

• Aperçu

Skater Prep

Here, Paris (@empariskates) styles a yellow plaid uniform-style pleated skirt, not dissimilar to the one Cher wears in Clueless, with her yellow skates and a black tube top. Everything about this video is particularly fun, from her smile and her captioned instructions down to the clothes. The only thing we might add here is a mini shoulder bag to swing as you weave along the sidewalk.

Shop The Look

• Tripp NYC

• Sk8 Fanatics

• Staud

Groovy Jumpsuit

Only once I saw Oumi Janta (@oumi_janta)—a Berlin-based model and roller skater with almost a million followers—in a jumpsuit doing warm-up variations (I love a comfy groove) did I realize how perfect this piece is for skating. Jumpsuits provide full coverage, are comfortable, and look especially cool paired with skates. Janta belted hers for waist definition as she twists and bends. She paired her jumpsuit with classic white skates, so we did the same. We added a sleek pair of tortoise sunglasses for a neutral vibe, but you could also find a pair with a pop of color if you so desire.

Shop The Look

• Riedell

• Buck Mason

• Coco and Breezy

Pedal Pushers, Hold the Pedals

Capris and pedal pushers are back, and they're ideal for all your summer skate sessions. We love the idea of wearing cropped leggings or pedal pushers with a statement pair of skates, as this allows your wheels to take center stage. On top, opt for a baby tee, then accessorize with sunglasses and a fun beaded necklace.

Shop The Look

• Moonlight Roller Skates

• Reformation

• Urban Outfitters

FAQ

• How should I dress for indoor roller skating?

  Indoor roller skating is usually on a smoother surface than outdoors, allowing for a bit more freedom in dressing than if you're skating on rough pavement. Opt for comfortable pieces that you can move in, and don't forget protective gear—especially if you're a beginner. From there, get as creative as you want: We love the idea of crafting an outfit around the color of your skates, matching your aesthetic to the rink, or opting for pieces like bodysuits and leotards that are synonymous with classic roller skating outfits, but easier to wear inside than out.