leotards

Leotard Rankings: Week Two

Leotards
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Teams are really bringing their leo game in 2018, and we definitely aren’t complaining. We had a tough time deciding which leo was the best of the week but finally came to a conclusion. But do you agree? Let us know in the comments or on social media! The criteria is the same as always: up to three points for design; two points for fabric, sparkle, etc.; and two points for school spirit; three points for overall appearance. This week’s guest judge is Emily M, our Big 10 editor!

Pittsburgh: 9.075

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd6eJT0HInt

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.5/3 1.6/2 2.0/2 2.7/3 8.8/10
Christina 2.6/3 1.7/2 2.0/2 2.6/3 8.9/10
Elizabeth 2.7/3 1.8/2 2.0/2 2.7/3 9.2/10
Emily M 2.6/3 2.0/2 2.0/2 2.8/3 9.4/10

Caroline: OK, Pitt! I see you! The contrast between the yellow and gold on the bodice is so striking, and the ombre sleeves are lovely. The sparkle waterfall under the script Pitt is also a favorite of mine.

Christina: This is gorgeous! The yellow ombre on the sleeves is beautiful, the golden rounded neckline works here, and I am obsessed with the sparkle rain on the front with the script Pitt. A great look!

Elizabeth: LOVE! I never thought I’d adore a navy to yellow ombre so much, but this is fantastic. I also love the script Pitt on the front, and the sparkle design is just right. The back is also simple yet not boring. Bravo, Panthers.

Emily M: Ombre sleeves! My fave leo trend! And these colors surprisingly work well together. I also LOVE the dripping rhinestones behind the Pitt on the front, especially against the golden neckline. Really nice all around.

California: 8.775

Posted by Cal Women's Gymnastics on Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Note: Due to brand guidelines set thanks to Cal’s new deal with Under Armour, the Bears will be incorporating the “C Bear” and the “Sather Stripe” into all its leos—some in more creative ways than others since, let’s be honest, stripes aren’t exactly the most flattering all the time.

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.4/3 1.8/2 1.6/2 2.6/3 8.4/10
Christina 2.6/3 1.7/2 1.7/2 2.6/3 8.6/10
Elizabeth 2.8/3 1.8/2 1.7/2 2.8/3 9.1/10
Emily M 2.8/3 1.8/2 1.5/2 2.9/3 9.0/10

Caroline: The rainbow sparkles are giving me life! And the ombre sleeves are a lovely touch, too. I really appreciate that Cal is finally putting logos on their leos, it makes me appreciate them that much more.

Christina: Gorgeous. I am obsessed with the back with the shiny criss-cross band across the back. It’s hard to tell exactly what’s on the front, but it looks elegant and shiny, and the ombre sleeves are beautiful.

Elizabeth: Love, love, love! I think this one is even better than last week for Cal! I think the Sather Stripe is incorporated super creatively, and I love the ombre sleeves.

Emily M: I love the ombre sleeve trend, and Cal does it right! The criss-cross back is a great detail, and the subtle incorporation of the “C Bear” on the lower back is awesome.

Alabama: 8.725

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.6/3 1.8/2 1.7/2 2.7/3 8.8/10
Christina 2.7/3 1.7/2 1.8/2 2.7/3 8.9/10
Elizabeth 2.5/3 1.7/2 1.7/2 2.6/3 8.5/10
Emily M 2.6/3 1.6/2 1.8/2 2.7/3 8.7/10

Caroline: This is one of the most elegant leos I think in all of college gym. The ombre, the illusion corset and the gorgeous swirl of sparkles are just gorgeous.

Christina:  This is one of my favorite Alabama leos. The ombre is gorgeous, and I love the neckline. The bustier pattern of the sparkles make it all look like a princess’ dress. The swirls on the sleeves are a lovely addition, and the sparkly ‘A’ in the back in the perfect, subtle touch of school spirit.

Elizabeth: I think this is my favorite Alabama leo. The ombre is gorgeous, the faint swirly design elegant and the mini v neckline flattering. I wish the back had a little more to it as it seems a bit dull with such an elaborate front.

Emily M: I agree that this is one of Alabama’s best leos. You know my feelings on ombre sleeves, and the rhinestone swirls echoed in the swirls on the sleeves is lovely. I agree that back seems almost shockingly simple when the gymnasts turn around; maybe a continuation of some of the swirls would help?

Iowa State: 8.450

https://twitter.com/CycloneGYM/status/952318338998390784

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.1/3 1.8/2 1.5/2 2.4/3 7.8/10
Christina 2.6/3 1.7/2 1.6/2 2.5/3 8.4/10
Elizabeth 2.6/3 1.9/2 1.6/2 2.7/3 8.8/10
Emily M 2.7/3 1.9/2 1.4/2 2.8/3 8.8/10

Caroline: The sleeves change color in different lighting, that’s so cool! I’m not a fan of the scallop neckline, but I love the rest of the bodice and all the sparkle.

Christina: These are beautiful! The V-ish neckline is unique but gorgeous, and I like that the fabric of the upper bodice and sleeves have golden shades.

Elizabeth: I am into this!!! I am drooling over the red/gold shiny sleeves, and think they go well with the solid red body. The semi-scalloped neckline is also nice and pairs well with the rhinestone design as well. A major win for the Cyclones on this one.

Emily M: Ooooo, OK Iowa State! I love love the shiny maroon and gold against each other and the scalloped and then straight V pattern of the sparkles. This is how you pull off gold in a leo.

LSU: 8.225

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.5/3 1.7/2 1.3/2 2.7/3 8.2/10
Christina 2.6/3 1.4/2 1.6/2 2.5/3 8.1/10
Elizabeth 2.6/3 1.7/2 1.5/2 2.6/3 8.4/10
Emily M 2.7/3 1.5/2 1.3/2 2.7/3 8.2/10

Caroline: This was so beautiful in person—up close and from a distance. The neckline is so elegant, but the off-white mesh allows for the look and functionality to both be preserved. The smatterings of sparkles is spot on, too.

Christina: I love LOVE this shade of purple. The design and neckline are very elegant, and the sparkles in continuation of it are great. The only thing that bothers me is the solid, nude mesh that ruins the overall look for me. I wish it were more transparent, a different shade, or incorporated better into the leo.

Elizabeth: I also love this purple! It’s so lovely and looks awesome on all the girls. I also love that the white isn’t WHITE and that the neckline is extended out by the way the white extends onto the shoulders some. The only thing missing is maybe a sparkly LSU on the arm or something.

Emily M: In my opinion, LSU uses white better than any other team, and this leo is no exception. Like Elizabeth, the off-white mesh is a win for me, and it looked great against the purple.

Denver: 8.200

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.2/3 1.8/2 1.2/2 2.1/3 7.3/10
Christina 2.6/3 1.8/2 1.3/2 2.6/3 8.3/10
Elizabeth 2.7/3 1.8/2 1.5/2 2.8/3 8.8/10
Emily M 2.6/3 1.9/2 1.3/2 2.6/3 8.4/10

Caroline: I love the color and the sparkle of this, but the design on the bodice isn’t my favorite? I think it’s where the lines come up to connect to the collar; it doesn’t quite come to a point so it makes it seem like the body line is slightly stunted. The back is really unique, though, which I really like.

Christina: Gorgeous! I love the front and it makes it almost look like an armor. The lines the sparkles create are very flattering, and the crimson shade is beautiful. Love the round, shiny neckline as well.

Elizabeth: LOVE. The sparkles on this really shine and add another dimension to the leo, and I really am in love with this crimson color. Plus the way the mesh doesn’t stop right at the shoulders is really flattering on the girls, too. I just can’t get enough!!

Emily M: Hello sparkles! This is how you make a monochromatic leo work. I love the V mesh on the front and the mesh insets in the back, and the rhinestone pattern is so flattering. Nice work, Denver!

Auburn: 7.875

https://twitter.com/AuburnGym/status/952221821495140353

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.2/3 1.5/2 1.9/2 2.1/3 7.7/10
Christina 2.4/3 1.6/2 1.8/2 2.3/3 8.1/10
Elizabeth 2.1/3 1.5/2 1.8/2 2.2/3 7.6/10
Emily M 2.3/3 1.6/2 1.8/2 2.4/3 8.1/10

Caroline: This is a different look from Auburn, which is why I like it so much! The little details give it bonus points for sure—the War Eagle feather, the tiger streaks on the sleeve in addition to the side, and the sparkles along the neckline are all nice additions.

Christina: Not a new one from Auburn, but I like it. The ombre is lovely, and the faux tiger stripes on the sides add a nice touch of school spirit. It also nicely and subtly incorporates orange, which is not easy to do.

Elizabeth: I like this because it doesn’t look like every other Auburn leo. The Tiger stripes are a nice touch, but I don’t really get the side feather. For War Eagles maybe? Overall a nice one, though.

Emily M: I like this leo much more than some of Auburn’s others. The Tiger stripe side with the ombre really works, and I like that the Tiger stripes are incorporated on the sleeves, too. Only negative for me is the mesh cutout on one side.

Michigan: 7.775

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.0/3 1.4/2 2.0/2 2.1/3 7.5/10
Christina 2.2/3 1.6/2 2.0/2 2.3/3 8.1/10
Elizabeth 2.0/3 1.5/2 2.0/2 2.4/3 7.9/10
Emily M 2.1/3 1.4/2 2.0/2 2.1/3 7.6/10

Caroline: I’m not a super fan of this double M design, though it is better on the gymnasts rather than just sitting on display. I do like this darker blue color, though, and I love the yellow sparkle icicle on the sleeves.

Christina: A+ for school spirit, although it might be a bit much with the two ‘M’ on the front and the ‘Wolverines’ across the back. I do like the pageant sash on the back as it’s quite unique. A nice look overall for Michigan.

Elizabeth: This is a leo that looks SO much better on the gymnasts and in motion than off. I agree that the two Ms is a bit much, but I do like how the big one was incorporated. I also love the open back, and the sparkle design.

Emily M: I agree that this looks much better on the gymnasts, but it’s still not my favorite Michigan leo. The maize up the sleeves is my favorite part, but I find the double M a little overwhelming. The cut on the back is gorgeous, though, so big design points there.

Temple: 7.75

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 1.9/3 1.3/2 1.9/2 2.0/3 7.1/10
Christina 2.3/3 1.3/2 1.9/2 2.3/3 7.8/10
Elizabeth 2.4/3 1.4/2 1.9/2 2.3/3 8.0/10
Emily M 2.5/3 1.3/2 2.0/2 2.3/3 8.1/10

Caroline: While I appreciate the originality with this design, I’m not really a fan of it. Extending the diamond letters onto the sleeve is a fun idea in theory, but in practice, it isn’t practical since the gymnasts arms normally aren’t directly next to their bodies. A fun, unique idea, but not my favorite.

Christina: This is fun, although it reminds me a lot of the OU “home leo” that it wore 500 times. The diamond letters are nice though, and it’s cool that the “Temple” extends to the sleeves.

Elizabeth: I love how this one is designed to spell out Temple when the arms are down. It’s also kind of retro with the diamond letters and everything. Overall, this is a really nice one from the Owls and definitely unique!

Emily M: This is a very cool and original leo. I love that the TEMPLE letters extend to the sleeves, and the OWLS on the back. Really fun overall.

Rutgers: 7.5

https://twitter.com/RUGymnastics/status/952246306055041024

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 1.7/3 1.2/2 2.0/2 1.6/3 6.5/10
Christina 2.0/3 1.2/2 2.0/2 2.3/3 7.5/10
Elizabeth 2.3/3 1.4/2 2.0/2 2.0/3 7.7/10
Emily M 2.4/3 1.4/2 2.0/2 2.5/3 8.3/10

Caroline: This has way too much going on. I’m not a big fan of the giant mascot head, but I’m even less keen on the odd bands on the back. The fishnet sleeves are… OK, I guess? I think I’d like them better if they were the focus instead of just another element to this crazy design.

Christina: Definitely a unique look, but I’m torn. Lots of things happening there. I LOVE the black and red straps on the back, and the shiny knight logo on the front actually works really well here despite its size. I really do not like the fishnet-like pattern on the upper body and sleeves, and the grey and red ombre is odd.

Elizabeth: I’m normally against giant mascots, but I don’t hate this. I do, however, wish the Scarlet Knight was centered on the body of the leo because I think it’s off to the side right now.I LOVE the sleeves—ombre with kind of a quilted pattern—and the back is really nice too.

Emily M: This leo has a lot going on. I, surprisingly, don’t hate the giant Scarlet Knight, and I love all the sparkle around it. The faux fishnet on the sleeves is unique and I like it against the ombre. The only think I feel meh about is the strap on the back. Overall, though, I love this leo’s originality.

Kent State: 7.475

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.0/3 1.7/2 1.7/2 1.9/3 7.3/10
Christina 1.8/3 1.8/2 1.8/2 2.0/3 7.4/10
Elizabeth 1.9/3 1.8/2 1.7/2 2.3/3 7.7/10
Emily M 2.0/3 1.8/2 1.6/2 2.1/3 7.5/10

 

Caroline: This crushed velvet though! We always love when teams do throwbacks. I did deduct a little bit for lack of sparkle, but I love the keyhole back and the spirit-centered design.

Christina: I basically screamed when I saw this one, and I knew Elizabeth would die over it. Honestly, this is amazing because, crushed velvet. This shade of blue is actually nice, and the Kent State logo on the front is so old school I love it. We want more!

Elizabeth: CRUSHED VELVET!!!!!!!!!! I am SO HERE FOR THIS KENT STATE. I love the old school logo and the back especially. And the blue actually looks pretty good in crushed velvet. Now can all teams do this?

Emily M: YES. YES. YES. If you were a gymnast in the ‘90s, you had a version of this leo. The blue crushed velvet. The higher, rounded neckline. The keyhole back. It’s a classic. More throwback leos, please!

Arizona: 7.4

https://twitter.com/ArizonaGymCats/status/951971332865982465

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.4/3 1.6/2 1.0/2 2.5/3 7.5/10
Christina 2.3/3 1.5/2 1.2/2 2.4/3 7.4/10
Elizabeth 2.3/3 1.4/2 1.4/2 2.3/3 7.4/10
Emily M 2.2/3 1.8/2 1.2/2 2.1/3 7.3/10

Caroline: This leo photographs much better than it broadcasts—a lot of these details are really difficult to see in videos! I love the neckline and the way the lines of sparkle flatter the figure, and the all black is definitely a unique take. I would’ve liked to see more school spirit though!

Christina: This is nice and elegant, but just like last week, I’d have liked to see more than one color. A hint of red on there would be great, and would improve the school spirit score. But I love the neckline, and this leo has the right amount of sparkles.

Elizabeth: I like it! The black is flattering, and I like the exaggerated v neckline design. I also think there’s a great amount of sparkle, but, like Christina, think there needs to be a touch of red and/or blue. Maybe in some of the sparkles?

Emily M: This is a very pretty leo; the neckline is interesting and flattering, and the rhinestones on the mesh look great, but it could be a leo for any team. I agree with Christina and Elizabeth that a touch of school colors, or the Arizona “A”, somewhere would be nice.

Arkansas: 7.075

Highlights from Arkansas’ big night in Barnhill!

A post shared by Razorback Gymnastics (@razorbackgym) on

Note: Due to Arkansas athletics’ brand guidelines, team uniform and leo design can only include red, white and “Anthracite,” which is exclusive to Nike. However, since Nike does not design leotards, the Razorback leotards are limited to red and white, thus the mostly white leos we’ve seen from the Hogs so far this season.

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.1/3 1.3/2 1.4/2 2.0/3 6.8/10
Christina 2/3 1.3/2 1.6/2 2.2/3 7.1/10
Elizabeth 2.3/3 1.4/2 1.5/2 2.1/3 7.3/10
Emily M 2.4/3 1.1/2 1.6/2 2/3 7.1/10

Caroline: This is the second red-on-red leo in a row for Arkansas, and I much prefer last week’s. The deep V neckline is nice, but I’m not a fan of the high collar. It all starts to run together after you look at it for just a few minutes.

Christina: I’m torn on this one. I like the deep V on the front, but I dislike how the solid fabric comes up to the neck; it disrupts the whole look. This all-red leo is very reminiscent of last week: nice shade but I wish it had something more to make it pop.

Elizabeth: I like the design very much, but it’s hard to see it unless you’re looking at a still photograph. I do with another color was incorporated into the design, but I guess due to the brand guidelines that’s not possible. Maybe white mesh sleeves would have broken it up some?

Emily M: This leo looks so simple in motion. The deep V and mesh top look great close up, but on video it just looks like a plain red leo, which is a shame! I’d love to see Arkansas go all out on rhinestones to jazz this up while staying in its color guidelines. The shade of red, though, is lovely.

Kentucky: 6.85

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2.4/3 1.6/2 1.3/2 2.3/3 7.6/10
Christina 2.2/3 0.7/2 1.1/2 1.8/3 5.8/10
Elizabeth 2.2/3 1.4/2 1.5/2 2.2/3 7.3/10
Emily M 1.9/3 1.5/2 1/2 2.3/3 6.7/10

Caroline: I actually really like this? The silvery-black on blue contrast is so cool, and I love all the bling. It does feel a bit busy around the neckline, but overall I really like this.

Christina: Definitely not amongst my favorites from Kentucky. This look is way too dark for my liking. I do like the neckline and the faux straps on the back, but that shiny, dark grey covering 85% of the leo is too much for me.

Elizabeth: I like this a lot. The steel body looks really great with the royal blue, and the design is classy and not too much (despite it being the same as maybe 50 other teams).

Emily M: I love the shade of royal blue against the shiny black of the body, but if I never see this leo design again, I’ll be happy. It’s everywhere, even in J.O.

Seattle Pacific: 6.675

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd3JlNYAlzd/

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 1.9/3 1.5/2 1.5/2 2.0/3 6.9/10
Christina 1.6/3 1/2 1.5/2 1.6/3 5.7/10
Elizabeth 2.1/3 1.6/2 1.7/2 2.1/3 7.5/10
Emily M 1.8/3 1.1/2 1.7/2 2/3 6.6/10

Caroline: I really like this silver, especially in contrast with the red peeking out from behind the neckline. I do like the feather, though I would love more red and more sparkle!

Christina: Nope. I just can’t with silver leos, and this one is no exception. The red neckline is nice though, and the feather on the side is great for school spirit, although the placement is quite odd.

Elizabeth: Love! I’m a big fan of this silver, and love the double neckline that incorporates the red into it. The feather is a little weird, but I don’t hate it, and it shows good school spirit.

Emily M: I’m so torn on this leo. I absolutely love the feather, though I agree that the placement is curious, and the red in the neckline. The gunmetal color is just not working for me, though. I wish it were a more vibrant, shiny silver? Like the color of the Kentucky leo from this week.

SEMO: 5.4

Design Fabric/

Sparkle

 School

Spirit

 Overall

Appearance

 Total
Caroline 2/3 1.2/2 1.2/2 1.9/3 6.3/10
Christina 1.4/3 1.0/2 1.0/2 1.3/3 4.7/10
Elizabeth 1.6/3 1.0/2 1.2/2 1.6/3 5.4/10
Emily M 1.7/3 1.1/2 1.0/2 1.4/3 5.2/10

Caroline: OK, so I normally don’t really like the random swirlies, but I don’t feel like these are so random! They’re finite and they remind me of designs on Greek pottery. I also really like the contrast between the fabric colors, but it could definitely use more sparkle, and don’t get me started on that neckline.

Christina: Oy. This is a no for me. This reminds me swirly mosaic patterns, but it doesn’t work here at all. The pattern and neckline aren’t flattering, and this leo looks almost unfinished. I’d have liked more sparkles and school spirit.

Elizabeth: I like this in theory, but it’s a bit too in your face for me. I also wish it wasn’t such an abrupt stop between the body swirls and the black arms. Maybe if it was mesh and the swirls were sparkle?

Emily M: I want to like this. I like the black and red together, but something about the way the neckline cuts off the swirls, and that the swirls cut off before the sleeves, is just not working.

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