Knowledge Center – Inline Speed Skating Apparel

Inline Speed Skating Suit Basics

What Is an Inline Speed Skating Suit?

An inline speed skating suit is a close-fitting one-piece garment worn by inline speed skaters during training and competition. Unlike general athletic wear or cycling skinsuits, inline suits are designed specifically for the skating posture — deep knee bend, forward-leaning torso and repetitive weight transfer through corners.

Why Wear a Dedicated Skating Suit?

  • Reduced air resistance​ — a smooth, fitted surface reduces drag at speed
  • Freedom of movement​ — four-way stretch fabrics allow full range of motion in the skating stride
  • Moisture management​ — technical fabrics wick sweat away from the body during intense sessions
  • Protection​ — reinforced panels protect against frame and wheel contact during falls and cornering
  • Team identity​ — custom colors, logos and numbers create a unified team look

Fabrics & Materials

Common Fabric Compositions

Most inline speed skating suits use a blend of synthetic fibers:

  • Polyester / Spandex​ — lightweight, quick-drying, good color retention
  • Nylon / Spandex​ — stronger, more abrasion-resistant, better recovery
  • Elastane​ — provides stretch and shape retention

Typical fabric weights range from 220–280 g/m² depending on the product tier and intended use.

Four-Way Stretch

Four-way stretch fabric stretches in both lengthwise and crosswise directions. This allows the suit to move with the skater's body during deep knee bends and powerful strides without restricting motion.

Mesh Ventilation Panels

Strategically placed mesh panels improve airflow and temperature regulation. Common placement includes:

  • Side waist
  • Underarm
  • Back / hamstring area

The extent of ventilation varies by suit type — marathon suits typically have more extensive mesh coverage than training suits.

Sublimation Printing

Rollfly uses digital sublimation​ for team colors, logos, names and numbers. Sublimation turns solid ink into gas under heat and pressure, bonding it permanently with the fabric fibers. Benefits include:

  • No peeling or cracking under normal use
  • Unlimited colors and gradients
  • Breathability unaffected by the print
  • Durability through repeated washing

Pattern & Fit

Why Inline-Specific Patterning Matters

Inline speed skating involves a unique body position — low crouch, knees bent at approximately 90 degrees, arms behind the back. A suit designed for this posture differs significantly from a cycling or running suit.

Key Pattern Features in Rollfly Suits

  • Pre-shaped knees​ — extra fabric and shaping at the knee to prevent restriction in the skating crouch
  • Pre-shaped hips​ — accommodates the forward lean and hip extension during the push phase
  • Articulated sleeves​ — allows arm movement without pulling the torso fabric
  • Shoulder shaping​ — reduces bunching when arms are held behind the back

What to Look for in a Good Fit

  • The suit should be snug but not restrictive
  • No excessive fabric bunching at the knees, elbows or lower back
  • The crotch should sit comfortably without pulling
  • Shoulder seams should align with the natural shoulder line when in skating position

Customization Guide

What Can Be Customized?

Depending on the selected product and production requirements, customization may include:

  • Base color​ — any single or multiple colors
  • Graphics​ — team logos, club crests, geometric patterns, gradient designs
  • Names​ — athlete names printed on the back or leg
  • Numbers​ — race numbers on the back, chest or legs
  • Sponsor logos​ — placement and size discussed per project
  • Coach / staff version​ — differentiated styling for non-athlete team members

Design Approval Process

  1. Submit artwork and customization requirements
  2. Rollfly creates a digital mockup for review
  3. Adjustments are made based on feedback
  4. Final design is approved before sampling or production

Tips for a Successful Custom Design

  • Keep important elements (logos, names, numbers) away from seams
  • Allow contrast between text/numbers and the background color for readability
  • Consider how the design wraps around the body — what looks flat on screen may distort on a curved surface
  • Test your design on both light and dark base colors before finalizing

Size & Measurement

Sizing Systems Available

Rollfly can work with:

  • EU size chart
  • US size chart
  • Asia size chart
  • Custom size lists (per athlete measurements)

Junior sizes typically cover 100–160 cm height. Adult sizes vary by product pattern.

How to Measure for a Skating Suit

For best results, measure the athlete in their skating stance or standing upright with relaxed posture.
Measurement

How to Measure

HeightBarefoot, standing straight against a wall

ChestAround the fullest part of the chest, tape horizontal

WaistAt the narrowest point of the torso

HipAround the widest part of the hips

InseamFrom crotch to ankle bone, inside leg

Arm lengthFrom shoulder point to wrist bone, arm slightly bent

What If Someone Is Between Sizes?

If measurements fall between two sizes, consider:

  • Tighter fit preferred for racing​ → choose the smaller size
  • More comfort preferred for training​ → choose the larger size
  • Mixed body proportions​ → discuss custom sizing for the project

Keeping Size Records for Reorders

Returning teams can request stored size records from previous orders to simplify reordering. Confirm record availability with your project coordinator.

Care & Maintenance

Washing Instructions

  • Hand wash or gentle machine wash in cold water (30°C / 86°F max)
  • Turn the suit inside out before washing to protect printed areas
  • Use mild detergent — avoid bleach, fabric softeners and optical brighteners
  • Do not soak for extended periods

Drying Instructions

  • Shade dry only — do not expose to direct sunlight for prolonged periods
  • Do not tumble dry
  • Hang or lay flat to dry — avoid hanging by the collar when wet to prevent stretching

Ironing

  • Do not iron directly on printed areas
  • If ironing is necessary, use low heat on the reverse side of the fabric

Storage

  • Store clean and completely dry
  • Avoid folding tightly across printed areas for long-term storage
  • Keep away from sharp objects that could snag the fabric

Expected Lifespan

With proper care, a well-maintained inline speed skating suit can last:

  • Training use​ — 1–2 seasons depending on frequency
  • Race use​ — multiple seasons with rotation between suits
  • Signs of replacement: loss of compression, frayed seams, faded colors, visible wear at knee/hip contact zones

Quick Reference Card

Topic Key Takeaway
Suit types Training / Club / Racing / Marathon / Pro Aero
Fabric Polyester/spandex or nylon/spandex, 220–280 g/m²
Print Digital sublimation — no peeling
Fit Inline-specific patterning — not cycling or running
Customization Colors, logos, names, numbers, sponsor art
Artwork format .ai / .eps / .pdf preferred
Wash Cold gentle wash, shade dry, no bleach
MOQ 1 piece for B2B custom orders
Sampling 7–10 days

Still Have Questions?

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