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You take your bodybuilding and fitness regimen seriously, and you also care about your aesthetic. You love everything about the 80's too: the music, the movies, the video games, and the fashion.
So why is it so damn hard to find the iconic striped 80's bodybuilder shorts and tights?
You can still find those amazing and colorful gym shorts today, made with even better materials than in the past. And you don't have to look that hard to find them. We offer them up right her at LED Queens, and we feature them proudly as artifacts of bodybuilding history, queer empowerment and body positivity. Yes, 80's spandex is within your grasp. Let's get into it.
The 1980s marked a transformative period in fitness fashion, characterized by daring colors and designs that celebrated the male physique. Bodybuilders of that era embraced form-fitting spandex shorts and tights, showcasing their hard-earned physiques both inside and outside the gym. This unapologetic display was not just about aesthetics but also a statement of pride and confidence.
The 80's looks are a bold contrast against today's mainstream gym fashions, which often hide the body under bulky cuts and silhouettes. What's more, nowadays, most men's gym fits are dull in color, favoring grays and blacks. But we know that life ios way more interesting when you wear the full colors of the light spectrum.
For a glimpse into this vibrant era, Joe Weider's Bodybuilding Training System VHS tapes from the 1990s serves as a visual archive of these 80's fashions. These videos feature famous athletes like Dorian Yates donning the quintessential striped spandex attire, embodying the spirit of 80's bodybuilding fashion.
Another significant figure is Bob Paris, one of the few openly gay bodybuilders of his time. In his book Beyond Built: Bob Paris' Guide to Achieving the Ultimate Look, Paris not only delves into bodybuilding techniques but also emphasizes the importance of self-expression and confidence, often exemplified through his choice of spandex tights.
In today's fitness culture, queer individuals are uniquely positioned to reclaim and embrace these bold fashions. Wearing spandex is more than a nod to retro aesthetics; it's a powerful act of taking up space, being visibly proud, and celebrating one's body, irrespective of shape or gender. It's a reminder that confidence and self-expression are paramount in any fitness journey.
At LED Queens, we honor this rich history by offering apparel that not only pays homage to 80's bodybuilding fashion but also serves as a platform for radical self-expression. Our designs are crafted to empower individuals to assert themselves in spaces that may often feel unwelcoming. By embracing these styles, we challenge norms and advocate for a more inclusive fitness culture.
At LED Queens we also acknowledge the intersectionality of queerness and fetish. That means that we embrace our customers who are obsessed with spandex for both fitness and personal sensual purposes. Our products are made with care and are designed for fitness performance, and in that sense we make products primarily for gym activities, but we know that creative queer folks always find other contexts and environments to proudly wear their spandex.
If you're ready to buy some 80's bodybuilder shorts and leggings, you'll find out best ones here:
80's Retro Collection by LED Queens
Reviving the bold and colorful styles of 80's bodybuilding fashion is more than a fashion statement; it's an act of self-affirmation and pride. No matter your shape or gender, wearing spandex is a celebration of your unique journey and identity. So, step into those stripes, embrace the vibrancy, and make the gym your runway.
Disclosure: Portions of this post were augmented with gen AI.
