Jazzercise Costume
Bring back the high-energy neon glory of 1980s aerobics.
The Jazzercise costume is a high-energy throwback to the peak of the 1980s fitness craze. Perfect for parties, group themes, or retro events, this look is defined by bright neon colors, layered athletic wear, and unmistakable athletic accessories. It is a comfortable, fun, and highly customizable outfit that instantly channels vintage pop culture.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Jazzercise
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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What you need for a Jazzercise costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Jazzercise costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
High-cut neon leotard
A bright pink, blue, or green spandex leotard worn over tights.
DIY: Use a bright one-piece swimsuit instead.
Footless tights or leggings
Shiny, high-gloss spandex leggings or sheer tights in a contrasting neon color.
DIY: Any bright, tight-fitting athletic leggings you already own.
Neon leg warmers
Thick, ribbed knit leg warmers scrunched down around the calves.
DIY: Cut the feet off a pair of long, bright winter socks.
Sweatband set
Matching terry cloth headband and wristbands in a bright neon shade.
DIY: Cut strips of stretchy t-shirt fabric and tie them around your head and wrists.
White athletic sneakers
Classic chunky white running shoes or retro high-top sneakers.
DIY: Any clean white tennis shoes or gym shoes.
Slouchy off-the-shoulder sweatshirt
An oversized, cropped sweatshirt worn over the leotard for a layered look.
DIY: Take an old sweatshirt and cut the collar wide so it drapes off one shoulder.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Jazzercise costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the shiny spandex leggings or footless tights first.
- 2
Layer the high-cut neon leotard directly over the leggings.
- 3
If using an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, pull it on over the leotard, letting it drape to one side.
- 4
Pull the knit leg warmers up to your calves and scrunch them down toward your ankles.
- 5
Lace up your clean white athletic sneakers over white crew socks.
- 6
Slip on the terry cloth headband and matching wristbands to complete the fitness instructor look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a high, side ponytail secured with a bright scrunchie, or tease it for maximum 1980s volume. For makeup, apply bright blue or pink eyeshadow, heavy pink blush on the cheekbones, and a glossy pink lip.
Jazzercise for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner wearing a matching neon track suit or a retro male weightlifter outfit with a tank top and short athletic shorts.
- group
- Coordinate a group with each person wearing a different neon color palette for a full 80s aerobics class lineup.
- kids
- Use a bright toddler leotard, colorful leggings, and mini leg warmers for an adorable, high-energy kids' outfit.
- Plus size
- Opt for high-waisted, supportive neon leggings paired with a colorful oversized graphic tee or cropped sweatshirt for a comfortable, flattering fit.
- pet
- A simple neon green or pink dog t-shirt paired with tiny decorative sweatbands on their front legs.
Tips
- Wear a nude seamless undergarment beneath the tights and leotard for a smooth silhouette.
- Keep the leg warmers scrunched, not pulled straight, to capture the authentic 80s slouchy aesthetic.
- Carry a vintage-style plastic water bottle or a portable cassette player as a fun, on-theme prop.
- Choose breathable cotton-blend leggings if you plan on dancing or wearing the costume in warm weather.
Jazzercise costume FAQ
- What do you wear to an 80s Jazzercise party?
- The classic outfit consists of a neon leotard layered over shiny leggings, finished with scrunched leg warmers, a sweatband, and white sneakers.
- How do I make a DIY Jazzercise costume last minute?
- Combine any bright workout leggings with a swimsuit, cut the collar off an old sweatshirt to make it off-the-shoulder, and cut the feet off colorful socks for instant leg warmers.
- Can men wear a Jazzercise costume?
- Absolutely. Men can wear neon bike shorts, a sleeveless muscle tank top or crop top, a sweatband, and matching leg warmers for a hilarious retro gym look.
Did you know? Jazzercise was founded in 1969, long before the 1980s spandex boom, but it became a global phenomenon during the decade thanks to the rise of home workout VHS tapes.