Richard Simmons Costume
Bring the high-energy 1980s fitness vibe with this iconic workout look.
Richard Simmons is the legendary American fitness instructor known for his infectious energy and iconic aerobics videos like Sweatin' to the Oldies. People choose this costume for its nostalgic 1980s charm, high energy, and comfortable athletic fit. The look consists of a sparkling tank top, striped dolphin shorts, white athletic socks, and his signature curly brown hair.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Richard Simmons
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 Richard Simmons costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Richard Simmons costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Sparkly Red or Blue Tank Top
A sleeveless tank top, preferably in red, blue, or pink, adorned with sequins or glitter.
DIY: Take a plain cotton tank top and apply fabric glitter paint or glue on individual sequins.
Striped Dolphin Shorts
Short, retro-style running shorts with white trim and vertical stripes, usually in red and white or blue and white.
DIY: Use fabric paint or white tape to add vertical stripes to a pair of short red or blue athletic shorts.
Curly Brown Wig
A voluminous, curly brown afro-style wig that mimics his signature hairstyle.
White Slouch Socks
Thick, white cotton athletic socks pushed down around the ankles.
DIY: Use regular white tube socks and bunch them down around your ankles.
White Athletic Shoes
Classic white running shoes or retro sneakers.
DIY: Any clean pair of white tennis shoes will work.
Wristbands
Terrycloth athletic wristbands in a matching bright color.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Richard Simmons costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the sparkly red or blue tank top.
- 2
Slip into the striped retro dolphin shorts, pulling them up to sit comfortably at the waist.
- 3
Pull on the thick white athletic socks and bunch them down around your ankles for a slouchy look.
- 4
Put on your clean white athletic sneakers and tie them securely.
- 5
Slide the terrycloth wristbands onto both wrists.
- 6
Put on the curly brown wig, shaking it out beforehand to maximize its volume and bounce.
Makeup & hair
Wear the voluminous curly brown wig. Keep your face clean-shaven or lightly groomed, and wear a wide, enthusiastic, high-energy smile to match his famous persona.
Richard Simmons for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with someone dressed as Jane Fonda in a 1980s leotard and leg warmers.
- group
- Have a group dress as a 1980s aerobics class with neon leotards, headbands, and weights.
- kids
- A miniature version with a small curly wig, tiny striped shorts, and a glittery tank top.
- Plus size
- Look for high-stretch polyester tank tops and elastic-waist dolphin shorts for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a tiny red sweatband and a miniature red tank top.
Tips
- Keep your energy high and practice some classic aerobics moves like grapevines and jumping jacks for photos.
- This costume is highly breathable and perfect for warm indoor parties or dancing.
- Carry a vintage portable cassette player or boombox prop to play 1980s upbeat music.
- Ensure the wig is pinned securely if you plan on doing high-energy dance moves.
Richard Simmons costume FAQ
- What kind of shorts did Richard Simmons wear?
- He wore short, retro dolphin-style athletic shorts, typically featuring vertical stripes and white trim.
- How do I style the Richard Simmons wig?
- Gently shake out the curly brown wig to give it maximum volume, and use a pick or your fingers to fluff up the curls.
- Is this costume suitable for cold weather?
- Since the costume consists of a tank top and short shorts, you may want to wear a nude thermal undershirt or a matching track jacket when outdoors.
Did you know? Richard Simmons propelled the 1980s fitness craze alongside stars like Jane Fonda, making colorful workout gear a major pop culture trend.