Fitness Fashions from the '80s

The eighties were breakthrough years when it came to fashion, hairstyles, makeup and accessories. Jelly bracelets could be found in droves in general stores and skinny jeans were worn with pumps and wide belts. There were other additions in clothing styles that really stood out like jean jackets covered from top to bottom with buttons with funny slogans. Mix-and-match earrings dangled form ear lobes while Pat Benatar head bands and makeup made its way into class rooms across the nation. Besides the general fashions in the streets, the gym scene had its own style. Yes, it's very own style, and here are just a few of the most stylish pieces during the decade.

Spandex/Lycra Shorts

The most interesting thing about the spandex/lycra shorts is these were not only worn by women but by muscular, hard bodied men. Men with quads the size of tree trunks would wear these to the gym and for photo shoots. These shorts often cropped up in photos in strong vertical stripes on freshly shaved men without shirts.

Drop Crotch Pants aka MC Hammer's

Though this style was popular among the general public there were many bodybuilders who took this look to another level. The pant was the same style as the average persons but was worn in an array of solid bright colors, patterns and prints.

However terrible this style may have seemed it was a great choice among bodybuilders. The waist fit well and left enough room in the legs for men who had earned the nickname "quadzilla". To further accentuate this pant was the Jennifer Beals Flash Dance sweatshirt which had large cut out necks and were cut off at the waist. What a look!

Thong Leotards

Of all the fashions this is one that seemed completely misplaced by being in a gym. These were the rage of women with fantastic bodies, as well as, those without such fantastic bodies. Fitness television shows and gyms were filled with women wearing thong leotards in bright colors with spandex shorts beneath, and a sport's bra to complete the outfit.

White Hi-Top Reebok's

Although the hi-tops didn't have to be Reebok's; in many cases this was the chosen brand due to its popularity. Reebok's were at the height of fashion in the eighties and the slim athletic shoe with it's double velcro-strap could be seen on many of the aerobics instructors and their patrons. These shoes were known to be accompanied by heavy white socks that were crunched down above the shoe.

Fanny Packs

This was a staple of many hardcore bodybuilders and how it ever became so popular is a surprise. The belted waist bag was more than a bag for women as it suddenly symbolized the creation of the man purse.