80s Aerobics Costume
Bring back the neon, spandex, and high-energy retro fitness vibes.
The 80s aerobics look is a classic costume choice for anyone wanting to bring high energy, bright colors, and retro fun to a party. Inspired by the fitness craze of the 1980s, this outfit relies on bold neon layers, stretchy spandex, and iconic accessories like leg warmers and sweatbands. It is comfortable, highly customizable, and instantly recognizable.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as 80s Aerobics
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a 80s Aerobics costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete 80s Aerobics costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Neon Leotard or Bodysuit
A high-cut spandex leotard in a bright neon color like pink, green, or electric blue.
DIY: Use a brightly colored one-piece swimsuit instead.
Spandex Bike Shorts or Leggings
High-waisted bike shorts or full-length leggings in a contrasting neon or metallic shade.
DIY: Cut an old pair of colorful leggings into mid-thigh shorts.
Cropped Sweatshirt
An oversized, off-the-shoulder cropped sweatshirt in grey or a complementary bright color.
DIY: Cut the collar and hem off an old thrifted sweatshirt for a raw, slouchy look.
Neon Leg Warmers
Slouchy, ribbed knit leg warmers worn pulled up to the calves.
DIY: Cut the feet off a pair of long, bright winter socks and bunch them at your ankles.
Sweatband Set
A matching terry cloth headband and wristband set in a neon color.
DIY: Cut strips from a stretchy, colorful t-shirt and tie them around your head and wrists.
Retro Fanny Pack
A neon or metallic zippered waist bag to hold your essentials.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made 80s Aerobics costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your neon bike shorts or leggings first to establish your base layer.
- 2
Layer the high-cut neon leotard directly over the shorts or leggings.
- 3
Slip on the cropped, off-the-shoulder sweatshirt over the leotard, letting one shoulder slouch down.
- 4
Pull the ribbed leg warmers over your calves, bunching them slightly above your sneakers.
- 5
Put on a pair of classic white high-top sneakers or running shoes.
- 6
Slide the terry cloth headband over your forehead and place the matching wristbands on your wrists.
- 7
Buckle the neon fanny pack around your waist to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a high side ponytail secured with a bright scrunchie, or tease it for maximum volume. For makeup, apply bright blue or pink eyeshadow, heavy pink blush swept high on the cheekbones, and a bold pink lipstick.
80s Aerobics for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner in matching neon tracksuits or matching color-blocked spandex sets.
- group
- Gather a squad to recreate a full aerobics class, complete with a designated instructor holding a cardboard boombox.
- kids
- Scale down the look with a colorful toddler leotard, bright tights, and mini leg warmers.
- Plus size
- Opt for highly stretchy spandex leggings paired with an oversized, slouchy tunic-length sweatshirt and a bright belt.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a mini neon green or pink t-shirt with cut-off colorful socks on their front legs.
Tips
- Wear comfortable white sneakers, as this costume is perfect for dancing and moving around.
- If dressing for cold weather, swap the bike shorts for full-length thick leggings and wear a long-sleeve bodysuit.
- Keep your phone and keys in the fanny pack so your hands are free for retro fitness poses.
- Thrift stores are excellent places to find authentic vintage sweatshirts and colorful belts cheap.
80s Aerobics costume FAQ
- What do you wear under an 80s aerobics costume?
- Wear supportive undergarments that match your skin tone, or wear a pair of opaque tights under your bike shorts for extra coverage and warmth.
- How do I style my hair for an 80s workout look?
- A high side ponytail secured with a scrunchie is the easiest option. If you have shorter hair, tease it with hairspray for a voluminous, frizzy retro look.
- Can I make this costume using regular clothes?
- Yes! You can easily assemble this using a bright swimsuit, colorful workout leggings, a DIY cut-off sweatshirt, and some colorful socks with the toes cut off.
Did you know? The 1980s fitness craze was heavily fueled by celebrity workout videotapes, most notably Jane Fonda's 1982 workout video, which became the bestselling home video of all time.