Although known as leg warmers, they didn’t actually keep your legs warm, instead, they were the ultimate 80s fashion and aerobics accessory.
Leg warmers were a fashion icon of the 80s, and embodied the era’s love for bold, expressive, and active lifestyles. They were originally designed to help keep the muscles in dancers’ legs warm , in order to prevent injuries. But, as aerobics and the fitness culture of the 80s rose and popularity, so too did leg warmers. Eventually, with the help of movies like Flashdance, and celebrities like Jane Fonda, leg warmers became an icon of the 80s fashion industry.
Leg Warmers in 80s Fashion The 80s were known for their bold aesthetics and cultural shifts, and fashion reflected that spirit. Economically speaking, the decade saw a rise in consumerism due to disposable incomes, and a lot of that money was spent on fashion and entertainment. The era gave rise to power dressing in corporate settings and a booming fitness culture at home. It was impossible to turn on the television during the daytime without seeing some type of aerobic video on TV. This focus on fitness combined with a growing popularity of dance-inspired movies pushed athletic wear like leg warmers into the mainstream.
There is just something about the free-spirited vibe of the decade that helped to increase the popularity of leg warmers throughout the 80s. It was during this period of time that Jane Fonda released her workout videos, and were often seen wearing leg warmers throughout their workouts. And, people embraced them as part of their active lifestyles. Soon, just like other fashion trends of the 80s, leg warmers were seen both in and out of the gym.
How Leg Warmers Became Such a Popular 80s Fashion Trend In order to understand just how leg warmers became such a popular 80s fashion trend , we need to take a look at the cultural shift of the decade.
80s Fashion and the Aerobics and Dance Craze For starters, there was the aerobics boom of the early 80s. This craze was the most significant factor in popularizing leg warmers as casual wear. Aerobics classes began to pop up at Jim’s all across the nation, as people began partaking in these high-energy, dance-inspired routines. Leg warmers, which were originally designed by dancers to keep their muscles warm, quickly became an essential accessory and aerobics classes everywhere. Often featuring a cozy knit fabric, they help to prevent muscle stiffness through long and highly energetic workouts.
It was during this period of time that Jane Fonda’s aerobics videos influenced the way that people dressed during a workout routine. Fonda was well known for her infectious energy, and fashion-forward fitness thinking. She often wore bright spandex leotards, headbands, and leg warmers. Women all across the country followed suit and began wearing leg warmers in the gym, and even around town. Eventually, they became part of the 80s athleisurewear trend.
Bold Colors Were the Ultimate 80s Fashion Statement Of course, we can talk about the 80s without also talking about the bold colors of the decade. People of the 80s wanted eye-catching colors, and leg warmers were available in a large assortment of colors and patterns. You could find simple neon pinks and purples, to striped and textured varieties. Leg warmers were everywhere, and they were an easy way to add color to just about any outfit. They quickly became a statement piece and were often worn over skinny jeans or leggings. In the end, they made just about any casual attire look trendy. Women would often coordinate leg warmers with other accessories such as headbands and scrunchies to create the perfect 80s fashion look .
The Influence of Pop Culture on 80s Fashion But none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the influence of pop culture. Perhaps the biggest influence to give rise to leg warmers was the movie Flashdance. The movie itself showcased leg warmers as part of the dance and streetwear aesthetic. And, it inspired countless fans to adopt the style.
Then there was MTV, which rose to prominence during the early 80s. It featured nonstop music videos, where leg warmers were a commonality. They fit seamlessly into the energetic, dance-centered performances of the decade. And, this style quickly became synonymous with the free-spirited, vibrant attitudes of the 80s.
Leg Warmer Icons Naturally, the two biggest icons of the 80s who helped play a crucial role in the popularity of leg warmers were Jane Fonda and Jennifer Beals. Jane Fonda was well known for her highly energetic workout videos, that could be purchased on VHS through late-night television shows. Jennifer Beals, on the other hand, was known for her role in Flashdance, and the style which became synonymous with dance and streetwear.
Of course, you also had pop stars like Madonna, Joan Jett, and countless others who incorporated leg warmers into their own styles. This helped fans to embrace the trend as part of their everyday fashion. And, these pop icons made leg warmers acceptable and desirable to people of all ages and walks of life.
The Legacy of Leg Warmers Without question, the cultural impact of leg warmers during the 80s was profound. They symbolize the embrace of individuality, self-expression, and athleticism during the decade. Although they were a fashion accessory, leg warmers were unique in that they appealed to a wider demographic than other forms of accessories. They reflected a growing importance in the fitness culture and showcased how practical clothing could be fun and fashionable.
Today, it would be impossible to attend an 80s-themed party, without sliding on a pair of leg warmers. Throughout the years, contemporary designers have reimagined leg warmers for the modern audience, and have blended the retro aesthetics with updated material and style choices. Although they are still worn by dancers for warmth, today they are the ultimate 80s fashion statement.
Conclusion In the end, leg warmers are considered to be one of the most recognizable symbols of 80s fashion. They embody the entire decade’s love of bold styles, self-expression, and of course, the fashion culture. They were so much more than just another accessory. Born from the need to keep legs warm and limber through long dance routines, leg warmers took the nation by storm, and became one of the most versatile staples of the 80s fashion scene.
