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Where to get 80's climbing spandex?

Original Post
Cheyne Lempe · · Denver, CO · Joined Apr 2008 · Points: 150

Anyone know where I can get some of those colorfull, crazy patterned spandex like the old climbers used to wear? The sand colored pants just seem to get dull to me.
Thanks!

Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,665

runningfunky.com
If you are willing to take their clearance, leftover fabrics, it's affordable.

Evan1984 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 30

Don't know where to grab the spandex, but I just picked up a rad 80's chalkbag from the Rock n Jam lost and found gear sale benfitting the access fund. I don't know if I will be as cool as the original owner considering I might not have been alive when it was made.

Oh, and I have a rad 80's, neon colored, Black Diamond muscle tee I found at a thrift shop.

Cheers
Evan

Happiegrrrl · · Gunks · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 60

American Apparel has some spandex leggings in their women's section. Not as pattern-y as BITD stuff but...well, you certainly will stick out of the crowd in copper metallic spandex....

store.americanapparel.net/

Sam Lightner, Jr. · · Lander, WY · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 2,732

Dresser. second drawer down on the left.

Evan S · · Denver, Co · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 510

Oh yeah? I have a he-man masters of the universe chalk bag circa '87. I'm gonna use it until it disintegrates. On any give summer day you can find someone in retro spandex in eldo, maybe they have some extras for sale? Can't hurt to ask.

Kat A · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 510
Sam Lightner, Jr. wrote:Dresser. second drawer down on the left.
Awesome!
john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

Try Paul Niland at Sterling ropes (not sure if he is still there) He used to own WAGS- they did the lycra for David Lee Roth and Van Halen.

'87 chalk bag- HAH ! I got a strawberry mountain GIANT bag from '80 . It literally chalks to the elbow

Adam Stackhouse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 13,970
snowey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 41
Lin Pearson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 95

I get my spandex from American Apparel. A little on the expensive side, though still cheaper than Prana. These are really durable too, I've worn these on long climbs, in chimneys, and in OW's, and so far so good! Really comfortable, and I don't sweat in them. It's amazing! I even wear them to the climbing gym. Once you go spandex, you can't go back!

mountainproject.com/v/bowie…

Mike Dudley · · Vegas · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 155

I dont know where to get it, but I think going back to the colorful 80s colors is an awesome idea!

Opening scene of K2 anyone? Super colorful 80s climbing spandex for the win!

Nathan Stokes · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 440

I'll start an unsubstantiated rumor that the local Salvation army or thrift store is probably an excellent source. I've never looked for spandex, but I have run across plenty of butterfly collar polyester dress shirts in all sorts of garish colors for next to nothing. The thrift store is where I shop for summer hiking pants, you can get polyester or wool dress pants for 3 bucks a pair that work better than anything purpose made.

Sam Lightner, Jr. · · Lander, WY · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 2,732

This thread comes up about once every two months. I think its high time we just start wearing the shit again. It feels good, especially in Thailand where you don't wear undies.

DaveB · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 1,075
John Langston wrote:I agree, bring back the fancy pants
But what if you suck? -- Minimum grade prerequisite for wearing the psychodelic stretchies?
Chase Gee · · Wyoming/ Logan Utah · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 105
DaveB wrote: psychodelic stretchies?
Failed 60's band?
Bang Nhan · · Charlottesville, VA · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 35

bump

WDW4 Weatherford · · Houston · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 176

I decided to take it to the next (or just different?) level, and bought a pair of cycling bibs. Capris, no less. These.

For those wanting to go the same route, be sure to go up a size or two. My skinny legs barely fit in medium.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

I still have 4 pair of 80's lycra full length tights. Black, with purple stripes up the sides. No tears, large size. I'll sell them to anyone in need for 50 bucks shipped. Do you really want a pair that bad?

James Arnold · · Chattanooga · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 55
WDW4 wrote:I decided to take it to the next (or just different?) level, and bought a pair of cycling bibs. Capris, no less. These. For those wanting to go the same route, be sure to go up a size or two. My skinny legs barely fit in medium.
Take it to the last level!
ah, '91-'92...miss you!
Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Ahh, lycra or spandex bike shorts worked fine for me in mid 80's. Tommy Thayer with the '85 Chicago Bears had a batch made for the team. This is an extra pair that I managed to get back then...the other leg is all lime green with black highlights. We were rockin' back then..both football Bears and climbers!

climbing spandex shorts circa 1986'.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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