What to Wear for A 1980s Aerobics Workout
So you’re ready to pop a Jane Fonda video into the VCR and work out 1980s aerobics style ... but what should you wear?
I mean, sure, you could just wear your everyday Gymshark or Lululemon but why do things by halves?
A big reason I think we’re all fascinated with 1980s workouts is, admittedly, the fashion!
Wasn’t it just ... *chef’s kiss*?
I’ve been doing retro aerobics for a long time but when I started dressing in theme? Game changer! That’s what clinched the experience for me.
Not only does it make the workouts EVEN MORE fun, but oh my God, you have to try this type of dress for a 1980s workout. You have so much more freedom of movement, everything’s held in and it’s a million times more comfortable.
But here’s the thing: you can’t just walk into Lorna Jane and kit yourself out like Jane Fonda or Kathy Smith.
So if you’re ready to try an 80s aerobics class, headed to a Halloween party, or rediscovering 1980s workout magic on YouTube, and you want to look the part, here’s what to wear for a 1980s aerobics workout. We’re covering just ALL the bases in this post:
Bottoms
Tops
Footwear
Accessories
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Dressing for a 1980s Aerobics Workout: The Main Components
The EASIEST way to put a 1980s workout outfit together is to layer two critical components:
Leggings or bottoms
Leotard
You can then build on these two staples in a variety of ways. Here’s what I mean.
What to Wear for a 1980s Aerobics Workout Step 1: Bottoms
Your bottoms go on the ... err ... bottom of your outfit. Literally.In the 1980s they didn’t wear their bodysuits (or two piece brief and crop top) underneath their leggings – oh no. They wore them over top.
Superman style.
Booty shorts weren’t really a thing then – think ¾ or full-length leggings, or even long bike shorts. The colour you choose is completely up to you.
Colours and patterns didn’t have to match then. The louder the better.
(But black is just fine too.)
Now when I’m choosing leggings for my 1980s workouts, I choose something without a visible waistband because I find this disrupts the look. Also, now is not the time for low rider or mid-rise cut – choose something high-waisted.
It’s honestly just more comfy under your leotard. But more about that later.
Now if you're feeling adventurous, you can take it to the next level with a pair of dancer's shimmer tights. They make your legs look amazing!
Looking for ideas/inspiration? Try these!
What to Wear for a 1980s Aerobics Workout Step 2: Tops
Next, you’ll want to get yourself a leotard, or bodysuit.
A traditional leotard can be hard to find, though not impossible (but dance leotards can be expensive).
I’ve also got a bit of a prediction that we’ll see bodysuits re-emerge as an activewear trend, and in fact, clothing lines like Ms Kardashian’s Skims have started releasing them.
I’m totally here for it, but until that time, I’ve got a hack that works a trick!
Use swimsuits! Yup, go down to your local thrift store or chain store and find yourself a one-piece swimsuit.
For comfort and style, I just find one with a higher square back so my various sports bras don’t show through (though it’s no biggie if they do). Slide these on over your leggings and you’re almost good to go!
Looking for more inspiration? Here are my favourite picks
If it’s cold out, or you want some additional cover, you can take your top look further. Layering with crop tops was a huge trend in the 1980s – long sleeve, short sleeve, it totally doesn’t matter!And crop tops are virtually everywhere nowadays – the sky really is the limit.
Here are some of my favourite picks
What to Wear for a 1980s Aerobics Workout Step 3: Footwear
In 2012 I made a solemn vow: I was bringing leg warmers. The hell. BACK!
Because what’s not to love about leg warmers? They look so cute and they really do keep your legs warm.
Who wants cold legs, especially when working out?
Just say no to exercising with cold muscles, babes!
Anyway it took me almost 10 years but I’m determined to make good on my promise. It’s 2021 and leg warmers are happening.
Leg warmers are the cherry on top that will pull the whole 1980s workout outfit together. And the good news is: they’re easy to find, and they come in a bunch of cute colors, so you can have different pairs to match all your outfits!
The next step to 1980s workout footwear is, of course, the shoes. White Reebok Freestyles are the way to go! They’re what all the 1980s aerobics icons wore (Janes Fonda and Austin most notably) and they’re synonymous with 1980s workout fashion.
However, if that’s out of your price range, any pair of white kicks will do fine – as long as they’re designed to support your feet and ankles with good shock absorption and proper support throughout high impact movement and lateral bounding.
Shop my top picks
What to Wear for a 1980s Aerobics Workout Step 4: Accessories
Here’s where you get to be really creative.
In the 1980s it was all about accessories!
Think belts, scrunchies, headbands and wristbands to complete the look.
Headbands and wristbands are especially great because they serve a practical purpose: they keep you from getting sweat everywhere and staying cute throughout your workout.
Especially if you're a Sweaty Betty like me.
Let your imagination run totally wild! I just have one condition: save the chunky jewellery for a costume party and don't wear it to workout. It's safer that way.
Shop my top picks
Conclusion
If you want to dress the part for your 1980s aerobics workout I highly recommend it. You really do get the most out of it this way!
And it doesn't have to involve shopping at costume stores - with a little creativity you can build a 1980s activewear collection Jane Fonda would be proud of!
Now we'd love to hear from you! What brought you here today?
Are you looking for a Halloween costume, something to wear to a 1980s costume party, or best yet - are you going to rock this look for your next workout? Share with us in the comments!
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P.S. Now that you look the part, want to know how you can work out like it’s 1989 for less than the cost of a cuppa per week? Our home video store is like the Netflix of aerobics - an ever growing collection of retro 1980s aesthetic workouts that you can do from the comfort of your own living room. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Rhiannon Day
Aerobics Instructor, Host & Founder
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