1980s Jane Fonda and Fitness Clothing Ideas at Simplyeighties.com

In this section, we take a look back at the 80s fitness craze that swept the nation. You will also find a big range of 80s workout costume ideas, and we link to the best suppliers on the most trusted store on the web, Amazon.

80s Workout Clothes UK

Most Popular Costumes

Create a Flashdance Look

80s Leotards

80s Shorts

Footless Tights and Leggings

Leg Warmers

Tank Tops

Sweatbands

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.

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

The Alex (Jennifer Beals) Flashdance 80s movie style is one of the easiest 80s looks to re-create, and all that is required is a gray, over-sized, off-shoulder sweatshirt, a black leotard and some black leggings. Of course, you don't have to replicate the look exactly and you can express yourself by using different colors and accessories.

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

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

Womens Big Plastic Belt, S to 5XL, Choose White for an 80s Look Ladies High Waist Patent Soft Leather Wide Fashion Square Belt, White. Many Colors Available 80's Neon Pink Heart Belt, Faux Leather

Women's 80s Running Fitness Shorts with drawstring - gray

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

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

Girl wearing Interlock Drawstring Shorts and Leg Warmers in the 80s

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.

80s Knitting Pattern for girls string vest, mittens, leg warmers, kit bag and matching cushion!

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!

These tops are ideal for wearing with shorts, leggings and leg warmers to create a fitness style. There are many more ideas on our 80s T-shirts page for women.

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

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