American Gladiators Costume
Channel 90s athletic glory with patriotic spandex and a DIY pugil stick.
The American Gladiators costume is a high-energy throwback to the hit 80s and 90s physical competition show. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and retro fans alike, this look captures the bold, patriotic athletic aesthetic of the original gladiators. The outfit centers around a red, white, and blue spandex singlet or bodysuit paired with classic athletic accessories.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as American Gladiators
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a American Gladiators costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete American Gladiators costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Patriotic wrestling singlet or bodysuit
A form-fitting red, white, and blue spandex singlet, leotard, or wrestling uniform with stars and stripes patterns.
DIY: Use a plain blue one-piece swimsuit and decorate it with red and white duct tape or fabric paint.
Red and blue sweatbands
Terrycloth sweatbands for both the forehead and wrists in matching red or blue.
White athletic socks
Classic white, ribbed crew socks or knee-high athletic socks.
White sneakers
Retro-style white athletic running shoes or cross-trainers.
DIY: Use any clean white sneakers you already own.
DIY Pugil Stick
The iconic double-ended jousting staff used in the show's 'Joust' event.
DIY: Wrap a pool noodle or wrapping paper tube in silver duct tape, then tape red foam blocks or pillows to both ends.
Black weightlifting belt
A wide black foam or leather weightlifting belt to wear around the waist.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made American Gladiators costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the patriotic red, white, and blue spandex singlet or bodysuit.
- 2
Secure the black weightlifting belt tightly around your waist over the singlet.
- 3
Pull on the white crew socks, bunching them slightly at the ankles, and lace up your white sneakers.
- 4
Slide on the matching terrycloth wristbands and place the sweatband snugly around your forehead.
- 5
If using a DIY pugil stick, assemble it by taping red and blue foam ends to a central silver shaft.
- 6
Strike a muscular, athletic pose with your pugil stick held horizontally in front of you.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a voluminous 80s/90s blowout, a high ponytail, or a crimped look. Keep makeup bright and sporty with a touch of blue eyeshadow or zinc sunscreen swipe on the nose.
American Gladiators for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses as a Gladiator (e.g., Nitro or Ice) and the other wears a black-and-white striped referee shirt with a whistle.
- group
- Have multiple people wear matching patriotic singlets with custom name tags like 'Laser', 'Zap', 'Nitro', and 'Turbo'.
- kids
- A miniature version using a blue tank top, red shorts, and tiny sweatbands.
- Plus size
- A patriotic tank top paired with high-waisted red or blue athletic leggings offers a comfortable, flexible fit.
Tips
- Wear skin-toned compression shorts or seamless underwear under the singlet for a smooth look.
- If trick-or-treating in cold weather, layer a flesh-colored thermal top and leggings underneath the bodysuit.
- Carry your DIY pugil stick by a central grip so it is easy to pose with in photos.
American Gladiators costume FAQ
- What is an American Gladiator costume?
- It is an athletic costume inspired by the 1980s and 90s TV show, featuring patriotic red, white, and blue spandex, sweatbands, and a pugil stick.
- How do you make a DIY pugil stick?
- You can make one by wrapping a long cardboard tube or pool noodle in silver duct tape, then taping red and blue foam blocks or small pillows to each end.
- What should I wear under the singlet?
- Seamless, nude-colored athletic underwear or compression shorts work best to maintain a smooth silhouette under the tight spandex.
Did you know? The iconic 'Pugil Stick' used in the Joust event was actually adapted from real military training tools used by the United States Marine Corps.