Aerobics, Fitness and Dance classes became big business in the 1980s and people were going crazy for the clothing that the big stars of the day were wearing.
To authentically re-create the style is relatively simple. You can buy a ready-made costume, or you can easily buy the separate items at Amazon, which is actually a lot more cost-effective.
For a 1980s fitness look, you'll need a leotard or running shorts, leggings or tights, leg warmers and sweatbands.
If you choose a leotard then add a white or neon belt as in the Jane Fonda videos featured on this page.
Pastel and neon colors, candy stripes, paint splatter patterns, geometric shapes, animal print, shiny/metallic lycra or just plain black were popular choices.
Most Popular 80s Fitness Clothing
Smiffy's Women's Let's Get Physical Costume
Fun Costumes 80's Workout Girl Outfit for Women
Women's 80's Work Out Jumpsuit Costume
Kimberly's Knit 80s Workout Leggings and Leg Warmers Set - big choice of colors
Women's 80s Outfit Accessories Set
Women's Headband, Sweatbands and Leg Warmers Set - many colors
Neon Pink Stretchy Seamless Leggings - many colors
Women's 80s Paint Splatter Leggings
Create a Flashdance Look
Women's Flashdance Costume, 5 Sizes
Fun Costumes Womens Flashdance Wig Standard
80s Flash Dance Costume. Low cost alternative
Womens PLUS SIZE 18 to 26 Batwing Top Plain Long Sleeve
Off-Shoulder Batwing Top - choice of colors/sizes
Black leg warmers for 80s flash dance look
Capezio Women's Tank Leotard, black
Flashdance Men's Logo T-shirt White
80s Leotards

Choosing the right leotard for you
Purple, fuschia, and pink colors were very popular choices in the 80s, although the rules aren't set in stone and a whole variety of pastel, candy stripe and neon colors were also adopted.
If you choose a busy-looking leotard (e.g. leopard print/patterned) then accompany it with mono-colored leg warmers and scrunch up around your ankles. Choose a plain leotard and you can add striped, patterned, multi-coloured, ribbed or just plain leg warmers. Tights or leggings are entirely optional. Add a belt to further enhance the eighties look.
Let's Get Physixal Olivia newton John Costume for Women
Capezio Women's Tank Leotard - very popular
DanceNwear Adults Lycra Leotard in many colors
Womens Metallic Shiny Leotard - many colors
Women's Shiny Metallic Blue Swimsuit Leotard
Women Ladies
Danskin Women's Long-Sleeve Leotard
Adult Nylon Tank Leotard - 4 colors
Forever Women's 3/4 Quarter Arm Neon Animal Print Leotard
GirlzWalk ® Neon Leopard Print Sleeveless Bodysuit
Neon Animal Print Bodysuit - Sizes 4 to 10 - 2 colors
1980's Fishnet Rainbow Legwarmers, Neon, with Black Stripe
80s Fitness Shorts
Fitness shorts (Dolphin shorts) were generally short and tight in the 1980s and the interlock style (with a different colored band on the bottom of the legs and up the sides with a slit) and drawstrings were very popular. Wear with leggings/tights and leg warmers.
Women's Retro Fashion Shorts - best rated by customers
Retro Inspired Cotton Spandex Fitness Shorts - green or turquoise
Yoga Running Retro Workout Drawstring Shorts
Women's Retro Fashion Shorts
BININBOX Women's Shorts Waistband
80s Pattern Swim Trunks for Men with Pockets
80s Memphis Fashion Style Summer Quick-Drying Swim Shorts
Men's Breathable 80s Pattern Surf Shorts
80s Leggings
In the 80s, women ditched their pants for tight and clingy leggings. They came in a wide variety of loud colors and styles including shiny spandex, splatter patterns, animal print, neon, geometric designs or even just plain. Lace edging was also popular, as were lace cycling shorts, although they weren't much use or aerobics and dance. Tight leggings were often worn with oversized, baggy sweaters with batwing sleeves, but leggings became so popular that they were worn with just about everything!
Neon Pink 80s Leggings - other colors available
Soft Multi-Colored Animal Print Leggings
Shiny Wet Look Leggings - many colors
Multi Color Animal Print Bright Leggings for 1980s Workout
Women's Neon 80s Paint Splatter Leggings
Neon Splash Pattern High Waist Leggings for Women
Pac-Man Maze Pattern Leggings for Women
Women's 80s Graphic Print Stretchy Leggings
Women's 80s Paint Splatter or Geometric Print Leggings
Women's Seamless Ankle Length Leggings - Hot Pink
80s Triangles Geometric Pattern Leggings for Adults
Tipsy Elves Splatter Neon Leggings - up to XXL
80s Leg Warmers


Leg warmers were worn with just about everything, even over your jeans!
You can choose just about any color and style of leg warmers to go with your costume. Don't be afraid to experiment with clashing colors, many ladies went to aerobics classes wearing truly horrendous color combinations! Choose stirrup leg warmers that go over your foot for an eighties dance style.
Some sources would have you believe that everything was neon in the eighties. That truly was not the case. Ribbed, striped, pastel, rainbow, stirrup, footless - the choice is almost endless!
I've added some genuine photos from the 1980s to help give you some inspiration.
A crazy 80s knitting pattern for a girls string vest and matching accessories including leg warmers, mittens, headband, kit bag and even a matching cushion!
80s Fitness Tank Tops
1980's-Style Totally Rad Tank Top for Men or Women, S to 2XL
Let's Get Physical 80's Exercise Tank Top for Men or Women, S to 2XL
Endless Summer 80s Tropical Palm Trees Sunset Tank Top for Men or Women, S to 2XL
Women's I Love The 80's Racerback Tank Top, Six Colors, S to 2XL
Neon Leopard Rainbow Print Sexy Spandex Tank Crop Top, S to 2XL
Women's Neon Pink Dare Retro Tank Top Shirt, S to XXL
Men's, Women's Get Physical 80s Workout Tank Top, S to 2XL
Totally Rad 80s Fitness Tank Top for Men or Women, S to 2XL
80s Sweatbands
Wristbands and headbands are, of course, an optional extra. However, they really do add the finishing touch to a costume and give it an extra fun 80s look.
Retro 80s Red, White and Blue Striped Sweatbands Set. Ideal for 80s, John McEnroe Look.
Pink Sports Headband and Wristbands Ser for Men, Women
Terry Cloth Headband and Wristband Set for Adults, Many Colors
Women's 80s Fitness Set, Many Colors, Sweatbands and Leg Warmers
80s Neon Sweatbands Set, Orange, Green and Pink Stripes
Reagan Bush 1984 Unisex Sweatband Set (3-Pack: 1 Headband & 2 Wristbands)
Kimberly's Knit Women 80s Neon Hot Pink Running Headband Wristbands Leg Warmers Set
Rage Unisex Sweatband Set (3-Pack: 1 Headband & 2 Wristbands)
Neon Sweatband Combo Set 2 Wrist & 1 Headband, Choice of Colors
Women 80s Set Neon Knit Headband Wristbands Leg Warmers (Green), Other Colors Available
Kids Sweatband Set (1 Headband / 2 Wristbands), Choice of Colors
Women 80s Neon Tutu with Sweatbands for Dance and Fitness Look
You can see more 80s Clothing at our sister site 80sfashion.clothing
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