Workout Costume
Bring back the neon energy with a classic 80s aerobics look.
The retro workout costume is a high-energy, comfortable classic that brings the vibrant spirit of 1980s aerobics to life. Perfect for parties or actual fitness events, this look is defined by bright neon colors, layered spandex, and athletic accessories. It is incredibly easy to put together using comfortable activewear you can move in all night.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Workout
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.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Workout costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Workout costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Neon Leotard or Bodysuit
A high-cut, sleeveless spandex bodysuit in a bright color like hot pink, neon green, or electric blue.
DIY: Use a bright, tight-fitting tank top tucked tightly into your waistband.
Bright Leggings
Stretchy, full-length leggings in a contrasting neon color or a bold geometric pattern.
DIY: Use any bright yoga pants or black leggings as a neutral base.
Crop Top Sweatshirt
An oversized, off-the-shoulder cropped sweatshirt worn over the bodysuit.
DIY: Cut the collar and hem off an old gray or bright pullover sweatshirt.
Knit Leg Warmers
Slouched acrylic knit leg warmers worn around the calves, matching or contrasting with the leggings.
DIY: Cut the feet off a pair of long, thick winter socks and bunch them at your ankles.
Sweatband Set
A 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 with white crew socks.
DIY: Use any comfortable running shoes or gym sneakers you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Workout costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Pull on the bright neon leggings as your base layer.
- 2
Layer the high-cut spandex bodysuit or leotard directly over the leggings.
- 3
Slip on the cropped, off-the-shoulder sweatshirt over the bodysuit.
- 4
Pull the knit leg warmers up to your mid-calf, letting them slouch naturally over white crew socks.
- 5
Lace up your white athletic sneakers.
- 6
Place the terry cloth headband flat across your forehead and slide the matching wristbands onto your wrists.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a high, bouncy side ponytail secured with a bright scrunchie, or tease it for maximum volume. For makeup, apply bright pink lipstick, a sweep of blue or purple eyeshadow, and a touch of pink blush on the cheekbones.
Workout for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as retro aerobics instructors with matching neon color schemes and hand weights.
- group
- Form an entire aerobics class with everyone wearing different neon color combinations, carrying a portable boombox.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a bright unitard, tiny leg warmers, and a soft headband.
- Plus size
- Opt for highly stretchy spandex blends, or swap the leotard for a colorful, loose-fitting retro color-block windbreaker and joggers.
- pet
- A small neon sweatband around the neck or a pet-sized colorful t-shirt.
Tips
- Choose moisture-wicking fabrics if you plan to wear this to an actual fitness class or a crowded dance floor.
- Carry a lightweight plastic dumbbell or a retro fanny pack as a practical prop to hold your phone and keys.
- If the high-cut leotard feels too revealing, wear a pair of matching high-waisted spandex shorts over the leggings.
- Keep the colors clashing on purpose—the more neon pink, green, yellow, and purple you mix, the more authentic it looks.
Workout costume FAQ
- Can I wear this costume to an actual workout class?
- Yes! Just ensure your layers are breathable and sweat-wicking, and skip any heavy makeup or restrictive jewelry.
- What can I wear instead of a leotard?
- You can wear a bright fitted tank top, a neon sports bra, or a retro color-block windbreaker jacket paired with your leggings.
- How do I make this look more like a 90s workout outfit?
- Swap the neon spandex for a pastel color palette, a matching velour tracksuit, or biker shorts with an oversized graphic t-shirt.
Did you know? The iconic 1980s aerobics look was popularized by fitness icons like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons, whose home workout VHS tapes turned brightly colored spandex into a global fashion phenomenon.