Living in Spandex: Why I’m Still Obsessed With Shiny 80s Leggings (and Why You Should Be Too)

There’s something magical about sliding into a pair of shiny spandex leggings. The way the light hits them, the way they hug your body like a second skin, and the unapologetic confidence they radiate—no other piece of clothing comes close. I’ve been obsessed with spandex leggings (the nylon-lycra blend, the glossier the better) for as long as I can remember. And no, I don’t mean those basic matte black yoga pants everyone wears—I mean the bold, high-shine, high-waisted, high-drama leggings that ruled the world in the 1980s.

You know the ones: electric blue, hot pink, metallic silver. The kind worn by aerobics instructors, dancers, and pop stars. The kind that scream movement, freedom, rebellion—and maybe a little bit of glitter and glam rock attitude. These leggings, or jazz pants if you’re in a more dancey mood, are so much more than workout gear. They’re a statement. A lifestyle. Honestly? They’re home.

Let me take you into my world.

A Second Skin With a Soul

Every time I pull on my favorite pair of shiny black spandex leggings, it feels like I’m becoming more... me. It’s not just about comfort, although trust me, they are insanely comfortable. It’s about expression. It’s about sliding into a version of yourself that’s sleek, sensual, confident, and a little untouchable.

Spandex leggings, especially the vintage kind from the 80s or those made today with the same thick, glossy nylon-lycra fabric, don’t try to hide your body—they celebrate it. They contour every line, curve, and angle without suffocating you. They stretch with you, breathe with you, move with you.

When I’m in them, I feel like I could do anything—dance for hours, go for a midnight walk, lounge on the couch with tea and a good book, or strut into a club with nothing but lip gloss and attitude. They’re sensual but not sleazy. Comfortable but never sloppy.

I’ve worn them on dates, to dance classes, on long-haul flights, while working from home, and—yes—even to bed. Why not? They’re cozier than most pajamas, and let’s be honest, they make getting out of bed feel a little more fabulous.

How to Style Spandex Leggings (Without Looking Like an Extra in Flashdance—Unless You Want To)

People often ask me, “But how do you wear those shiny leggings without looking like you’re in costume?”

To which I say: maybe I want to look like I’m in costume. Dressing up is fun. But if you want to balance it out, here are some of my go-to combos:

1. The Oversized Sweater Combo

A chunky knit sweater falling just below your hips, paired with high-waisted shiny leggings = perfection. Think comfy meets edgy. Throw on some retro sneakers or ankle boots and you’re golden.

2. The Crop Top Vibe

A fitted or loose crop top over your high-waisted spandex leggings can give you that effortless dancer look. Add a denim jacket or oversized flannel if you’re feeling layered.

3. The Blazer Twist

This is one of my secret weapons. Take a shiny black or deep jewel-toned pair and combine it with a structured blazer and heels. Suddenly, you're walking Wall Street in Studio 54.

4. All-In Dance Mode

Channel your inner jazz dancer with a tucked-in leotard or tank top, leg warmers, and a high ponytail. This is the full 80s fantasy. Sometimes I’ll even wear this just to clean my apartment—it turns vacuuming into a Broadway number.

5. Sleep Chic

Seriously, try it. Shiny spandex leggings + an oversized cotton tee = the most fabulous pajama combo ever. Soft, breathable, slightly cooling on your skin… and you wake up looking like you’re about to star in a music video.

Why the 80s Got It Right

There’s a reason the 80s fashion scene was obsessed with spandex leggings and jazz pants. That decade was wild, rebellious, playful, and creative—and it showed in the clothes. People weren’t afraid to wear color, to shine, to take risks. They embraced form-fitting silhouettes, unapologetic femininity, and comfort at the same time.

In many ways, I think we lost something when leggings became purely functional or athletic. The current wave of leggings is mostly designed for workouts or errands. Which is fine—but where’s the glam? Where’s the energy? Where’s the fun?

The 80s got it right because they weren’t trying to tone anything down. And neither should you.

Why Spandex is Still the Best Fabric Ever Invented

Let’s get nerdy for a sec. Spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra) was invented in the late 1950s and revolutionized fashion. The nylon-lycra blend used in high-quality leggings has these gorgeous properties:

• Incredible stretch and recovery – it snaps back into place without sagging.

• Smooth and shiny texture – looks like liquid on your skin.

• Breathability – unlike PVC or latex, it’s comfy and breathable.

• Durability – if you treat them right, spandex leggings can last years.

• Moisture-wicking – perfect for dance, workouts, or hot days.

I’ve owned some of my favorite pairs for over a decade. They’ve been through dance rehearsals, road trips, nights out, lazy Sundays, and spontaneous rainstorms—and they still look amazing.

The Colors. The Shine. The Confidence.

There’s a psychological element too. There’s just something about wearing shiny clothing that makes you feel empowered. When light bounces off your legs as you walk down the street, you feel like you exist in the world in a real, tangible way. Like you’re not shrinking or hiding.

Some of my favorite colors?

• Electric blue (makes your legs look like waves)

• Candy apple red (dangerous but cute)

• Silver (space-age vibes)

• Black (classic, sleek, sexy)

• Hot pink (Barbie energy, always)

And guess what? No matter your size or shape, these leggings work. Spandex doesn’t judge. It stretches, hugs, and lifts. It makes you feel seen.

Yes, You Can Wear Them Everywhere

People often associate spandex leggings with workouts, dance classes, or the bedroom. But I promise you—they are way more versatile than that.

Here’s where I’ve worn mine (and gotten compliments every time):

• Grocery shopping

• Airport travel (no buttons, no zippers = ultimate comfort)

• Clubbing

• Fancy brunches (with the right top and accessories)

• Hiking (they dry fast!)

• Movie nights

• Road trips

• As part of Halloween costumes

• Dates

• Art galleries

• Parties

• Sleepovers

Honestly, once you start wearing them, you’ll never want to go back. Jeans? Ugh. Hard pants? No, thank you. Spandex leggings are the clothing equivalent of being hugged just right all day long.

Jazz Pants Deserve a Comeback

Let’s not forget their more dramatic cousin: jazz pants. Usually black, slightly flared at the bottom, and made from the same shiny or matte spandex, jazz pants were the go-to for dancers. They’re comfortable, flattering, and they move with incredible flow.

I still wear my jazz pants when I want to feel a little extra elegant. They pair beautifully with a tucked-in blouse or crop top, and they give you that subtle dancer’s vibe—even if you have two left feet. Trust me: just walk down the hallway in them and try not to strike a pose.

Where to Find Them Today

If you’re wondering where to get real, shiny, high-quality spandex leggings—not the thin, semi-see-through ones—they are out there. You just have to look a little deeper.

Here are a few tips:

• Search for “80s style shiny leggings,” “nylon lycra leggings,” or “liquid leggings.”

• Dancewear stores are a goldmine—brands like Balera, Capezio, or Bloch still make amazing jazzwear.

• Some fetish or cosplay shops sell ultra high-shine spandex gear (don’t be shy, it’s just fabric and confidence).

• Etsy has amazing handmade options.

• Thrift stores sometimes carry vintage gold. Don’t skip the dance or costume sections.

Pro tip: always check the fabric composition. You want a high percentage of nylon and at least 10–20% spandex/lycra for that perfect glossy stretch.

Final Words (From One Spandex Soul to Another)

I don’t care if it’s 2025 or 1985—shiny spandex leggings are never out of style for me. They’re wearable joy. They’re empowerment with a shimmer. They’re freedom in fabric form.

And here’s the truth: wearing spandex leggings isn’t just about fashion. It’s about how you feel in your own skin. It’s about walking through the world like you mean it. It’s about reclaiming glamour, movement, and comfort all at once.

So go ahead. Pull them on. Feel the stretch. Feel the shine. And feel yourself again.

Whether you’re dancing in the kitchen, running errands, or falling asleep in them—they’ll be there, hugging you with every step.

Because once you go spandex... you never go back.