leotard rankings

Leotard Rankings: Conference Championships

The criteria is a little different this season as we tweak some of our point totals to better analyze the designs. There will be up to three points for design, up to one point each for fabric and sparkle, school spirit and uniqueness and up to three points for overall appearance. This week Izzi, Mary Emma and Christina are joining Elizabeth to help judge.

California: 8.925

https://twitter.com/CalWGym/status/1373352748163289089

Elizabeth: 9.200

Design 2.9/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3

I think this is my favorite leo of the weekend, and it slides into my top five of the entire season as well. I LOVE the white with blue look, and the back is to die for. I also really enjoy the front design, and I don’t even mind the side cutouts; they give a slimming look to the gymnasts wearing the design. Plus, I have to appreciate the Cal gymnasts defending the use of no bra because there was one built in. If the gymnasts wearing the leo are fine with how it fits, no one else is allowed to care—just my two cents.

Christina: 9.500

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3

Stunning. I have nothing else to say. The only thing that slightly bothered me at first was the side mesh, but in motion everything just looked gorgeous and flattering. And the back, please, I could die. I also love how the sather stripe is subtly incorporated on the sleeves. This whole look is *chef’s kiss.* Can somebody make this into a dress please?

Mary Emma: 8.200

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I’m not in love with this like my fellow editors, but it’s still a very nice leo. I LOVE the back, and the design on the front is really cool. My only complaint is I feel like the sparkly bands make the front a bit too busy, but that’s basically it. 

Izzi: 8.800

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

This is absolutely gorgeous. Any leo with this sort of high waisted design is already automatically on my good side, and the colors/design here make it even better. This back is an excellent example of what an open back should be—it’s not just a bunch of sparkly straps that look like a spider web, it’s an actual shaped cutout that goes with the style of the leo as a whole.

Illinois: 7.950

Elizabeth: 9.100

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Nadalie Walsh really knows how to design an Illinois leo because this is fantastic. The white works, and I love the use of navy mesh in the wrap/sash design. The orange Illinois on the sleeve also pops enough to be a perfect touch of color to wrap the whole design together. Plus, colored rhinestones!

Christina: 7.100

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This leo is gorgeous in pictures, but I’m feeling ‘meh’ when I see it on video. The asymmetrical sleeves work well here, and that’s probably my favorite part of the leo. I am a bit split on the mesh band going diagonally across the bodice. I wish the orange sparkles popped a bit more, but kudos for even having colored rhinestones. Overall, it’s a well-done, clean white look.

Mary Emma: 7.100

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

First, let’s start with the positives. I love the ombre sleeve, and the sparkles are really nice. What I don’t like is the asymmetrical mesh band. I feel like it’s out of place in the overall design.

Izzi: 8.500

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I have to agree with Christina—I love it in photos, but it didn’t look quite as good in motion. I love the asymmetry in the design and how the blue sash wraps around the whole leo, including the arms. A+ for the use of orange sparkles to bring in the other school color as well!

Michigan: 7.875

Elizabeth: 7.500

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I really like this. It combines a lot of elements I tend to enjoy, including a sweetheart neckline, the use of both school colors and a creative back. The back in particular with the ruching, it so creative, and I think there’s just enough yellow.

Christina: 7.500

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

The ruched back is so stunning. The front unfortunately is a bit underwhelming. The sparkly, yellow faux neckline stopping just short of the underarms bothers me. I wish it continued ever so slightly, or maybe down to form the ‘M’ that we’ve seen so well incorporated in other looks. But overall, a lovely, elegant leo. 

Mary Emma: 8.400

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

This is gorgeous! I love the ruched back and the sparkle pattern along the chest. Plus, the M on the sleeves is a good way to incorporate the logo without it being too much.

Izzi: 8.100

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

The back of this is so gorgeous that it overshadows the front. The sparkles on the front are fantastic, but the pattern is a little boring to me. I’m really bored by sweetheart necklines. Overall, though, it’s gorgeous and there’s nothing actually wrong with it.

Alabama: 7.825

Elizabeth: 7.400

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

Like Christina said, this design is unlike anything else Alabama has. I think it’s just a touch busy for mel with such a loud body, I think the arms and back needed to be pretty simple. I do love the arms though, so maybe make the body simpler instead? As for the back, like I said for Kent State, I don’t want the straps coming down past the fabric. Stop them at the top of the hole.

Christina: 8.300

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

This is so different from anything else Alabama has, and I really appreciated that. Much like with OU’s leo, this one really grew on me, and I thought everybody looked great in it. The ‘A’ on the front is a bit too big for my taste, but it’s been trendy lately. Overall a lovely look, and points for sticking to your team’s theme “Women on Fire,” down to the leo.

Mary Emma: 7.000

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

To echo everyone else, I like that this is a very different design from the typical Alabama leo, but I think it’s just a bit too busy for my taste. There’s just a bit too much going on. My favorite parts of this leo are the script A on the hip and the strappy back.

Izzi: 8.600

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I really should hate this leo, but for some reason I kind of love it. It’s obviously way too busy, but I do feel like all the elements at least part of the same theme, even if there are too many. I also love the giant script A on the hip. It’s bigger than normal and fits into the design rather than just being a logo. I’ve always loved the A in general, and I really wish they used it more. Overall, the leo is gorgeous as a whole and looks great in motion.

LIU: 7.800

Elizabeth: 7.700

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

LIU continues to kill it. If you told me that the team would debut three ombre leos, I’d probably wonder if it would get monotonous, but the Sharks have managed to make them different enough where it’s not just the same thing three slightly different times. I love the white mesh sleeves on this one; they go so well with that light blue ombre.

Christina: 7.900

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

*Heart eyes* just for the shade of blue and the ombre. I’ve loved every single LIU leotard this season, and this one is no exception. The design in itself is fairly simple, but the entire look is gorgeous.

Mary Emma: 8.600

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

LIU is showing that you don’t have to go all out to have a stunning leo. Just add together ombre, a cool back and a few sparkles and you got it! Aside from the obvious ombre, I love the white sleeves and the strappy back

Izzi: 7.000

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

This is a really pretty leo, as the other LIU ones are. I disagree with Elizabeth—they all feel really similar to me, but I won’t hold that against this leo individually. The colors are great, and the back is a fun touch.

Florida: 7.725

https://twitter.com/GatorsGym/status/1373429519978205184?s=20

Elizabeth: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I remember seeing a very small sneak peek of this leo over the summer when there was an Instagram Story video from the team’s leo closet. I liked it then, and I like it even more now. This is what I’ve been asking for, Florida. I love the blue and white, the ombre sleeves, the open back and the orange and blue rhinestones. My only complaint is I wish the deep V was sharper at the edges rather than having that slightly rounded look at the top.

Christina: 7.900

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

Look, sleeves! Honestly, I really liked this one, and I am so glad not to have to deal with another dark blue and black look. The deep V neckline and the ombré sleeves are gorgeous, and the sparkly orange cuffs are a great finishing touch. Of course I love the open back as well. One of my favorite Florida leos this season.

Mary Emma: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

This is definitely one of my favorites of Florida’s leos. The sleeves are gorgeous, and I love that you can actually see that the sparkles are orange for once. Not too crazy about the deep V design, but other than that I don’t really have any complaints.

Izzi: 7.000

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

Look, I’m just glad they’re wearing sleeves. I’m really over the deep V (which I never liked much anyways), and this feels like so many other Florida leos and even leos from other schools. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I don’t think it adds anything new or exciting to the Florida leo game.

Auburn: 7.625

Elizabeth: 6.400

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I feel like Auburn is trolling us with the one sleeve design at this point. But in all seriousness, this is a pretty good leo, but there are a couple things holding it back. The orange stripes on the chest are sort of unnecessary, and the pattern of the orange is meh. Is it trying to be tiger stripes? I do love the back though, as well as the overall look.

Christina: 7.600

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

This is a good one for Auburn. Not one of my favorites, but I really loved the back and the overall design. The orange is subtly and well incorporated in it as well. I do wish the sleeves were symmetrical as I really love the orange twirling around the gymnasts’ arms. 

Mary Emma: 7.300

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

Overall I like this design. The swirly pattern is cool, and I love the back. The front is maybe just a bit too busy for my liking.

Izzi: 9.200

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I love this one. The deep blue is a beautiful color. I am obsessed with the asymmetry. I also love the criss cross pattern on the back. This feels like it was designed with a real vision as a whole garment rather than just filling in colors on a stock design. I will agree with Elizabeth on one thing, though—the orange swirly is a weird pattern. It would have been really fun if it were actual tiger stripes. Also, I love that they named it after the location of the meet.

Kent State: 7.125

Elizabeth: 6.400

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

A new Kent State leo and we get real pics of it! A great day. I love how the design incorporates the lightning bolts—such a clever way of showing school spirit. I don’t mind the Golden and Flashes on the arms, but they could be a little less in your face. My only complaint is the back straps. I don’t really care for how they extend down on the fabric so much.

Christina: 5.900

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

This is alright. I really like the back with the lightning bolt, and as usual I am a sucker for ombré sleeves. I am not convinced by the weird shoulder flaps with more bolts on them. Maybe a simple, sweetheart neckline would have worked better in continuity with the fabric of the sleeves.

Mary Emma: 8.700

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

LOVE THIS! The ombre sleeves are beautiful, and I love how they incorporated the lightning bolt into the design. I don’t particularly love the yellow cutout on the front, but that’s really my only complaint.

Izzi: 7.500

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

This one is really fun! I absolutely love the lightning bolt design, and I feel like it goes really well in combination with the words on the sleeves. It all feels very comic book art-like. The semi-sweetheart feels kind of forced, which takes away from the overall appeal of the design for me.

Oklahoma: 6.775

Elizabeth: 6.500

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

Oklahoma always creates leos that are almost great but have one element holding them back. On this one it’s the black strip of mini OUs. Take that away, and this is great. I like the use of white—more of that, always—as well as the rhinestone design on the arms and open back.

Christina: 7.800

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This leotard looked gorgeous in motion. So sparkly and athletic. Overall I like everything about it, but the black OU bands. We truly didn’t need so many mini ‘OU,’ but good for school spirit I guess. The white bodice and mesh sleeves are stunning. This whole leo ultimately grew on me.

Mary Emma: 7.000

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This leo would be great except for the black band of “OU.” I’m sure this looks way better in action, since the logos wouldn’t be as noticeable, but in the still picture it takes away from the rest of the leo. That being said, I love the sparkle pattern on the front. 

Izzi: 5.800

Design 0.9/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 0.9/3

I just have one question: Why? There are so many things I love about this leo, but as usual, Oklahoma is just trying to do too much. Pick one thing and do it well, please! I actually think the OU repetition could be cool if it were a smaller band in a less obvious place, but this is on the entire back of the sleeves?! I also hate the obsession Oklahoma seems to have with front cutouts. Again, just do less!

Arkansas: 6.400

Elizabeth: 5.800

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3

I don’t like printed designs, and I don’t like lace so…this leo isn’t great. The back is cool, but overall I’m just not feeling it. I think more contrast between red and white would have helped some.

Christina: 7.700

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

The printed on designs have become so trendy, and they can be a hit or miss. It worked for me here. I really loved the faux-lace look all over the sleeves, upper body and on the back. That open back was actually stunning as well, and the sparkly Razorbacks is a nice touch. I do wish the front of the bodice popped a bit more, had a different neckline or maybe had something else other than random sparkly swirls.

Mary Emma: 7.000

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this to be honest. I love the red, and the pattern on the sleeves is cool, but I just don’t feel like all the pieces work together.

Izzi: 5.100

Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.2/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

I have liked pretty much every new Arkansas leo in the past couple of years, but this one is kind of weird to me. It takes an excellent leo for me to enjoy a printed-on design, and this was not it. In pictures, the sparkles are a weird kind of squigly design, though that all blends together in motion, which makes it look nicer. The pretty back helps it a bit, but overall it’s a miss, especially compared to the Razorbacks’ other leos.

Nebraska: 6.275

Elizabeth: 7.500

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

The back is fantastic. That shade of red is so great, and the way it sort of ombre fades into black almost makes it pop even more. The front is also good, but I wish the red was over the whole top with the sparkle dagger on top rather than the red design being only on the two sides.

Christina: 3.600

Design 0.7/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 0.6/3

What’s with spider web-like designs this week? I just don’t really get this design. It’s certainly unique and matches with Nebraska’s fashion choices. But the sparkly tie on the front? The red and black background that looks straight out of a villain’s office? The simple sleeves save this leo for me, but that’s really it.

Mary Emma: 7.400

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I rather like this one. The pattern is fun, and I like the use of sparkles. I don’t love the high neckline, but overall it’s a solid leo.

Izzi: 6.600

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

I feel like this one had so much potential and then it just…flopped. The geometric design is great, but there’s so little of it! And why is there just one vertical line of sparkles instead of having them distributed to complement the pattern? I long for what could have been.

UCLA: 6.175

Note: This leo was originally worn by Kyla Ross at the team’s Meet the Bruins. We judged it then, but we’re doing so again this week since it’s the first time it’s been worn by the whole team.

Elizabeth: 5.900

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

THANK YOU for finally using this shade of blue with gold. However, that’s where the positives stop for me. There’s just something about the design as a whole I don’t like. The sparkle fence on the chest looks weird, and it doesn’t match the sweetheart neckline. I also dislike how the gold bands on the back stop at the sounders. Also, why is “UCLA” always so BIG on the team’s leos.

Christina: 6.600

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I love this shade of blue, and I really wish UCLA would use it more often. Now, I’m not too sold on this leo. The back reminds me too much of KT tape. I also wish the sparkles on the front didn’t go down, and some golden cuffs around the wrists would have been a great finishing touch.

Mary Emma: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I judged this back when we judged the leos from Meet the Bruins last season, so I went back to see what my thoughts were and if they changed. I pretty much feel the same as I did then: I don’t like the criss cross design, but I love the rest.

Izzi: 4.200

Design 0.9/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.2/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1/3

I miss the old Rebecca’s Mom UCLA leos. For the most part, the new ones are too loud for me, this one included. The shade of blue is nice (and closer to the actual school color), but it’s competing with the bright gold too much. The pattern of sparkles doesn’t fit in with the design at all and feels more like a random splash of tons of sparkle. Last but most certainly not least, the collar is a resounding no, as all collars are. Gymnasts are not dogs on walk.

Towson: 5.975

Elizabeth: 6.000

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is a solid black leo, and it works for Towson. To improve it though, I’d have switched the wrist design for yellow ombre, and added more yellow rhinestones to the body to give it a bit more school spirit.

Christina: 5.600

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I like these very straight, geometric shapes for once. This is quite an elegant look, although I do wish it had more hints of gold here and there that would make the whole design pop. 

Mary Emma: 6.100

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is fine. I love that Towson did something different from what it normally does. I’m not usually too crazy about black leos, and I wish there was a bit more to it. It’s a solid leo overall but just a bit boring to me. 

Izzi: 6.200

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.2/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I like the sharp lines and geometric pattern (which seems to be a pattern for this round of leos), but it still feels a little boring to me. I really like the sleeves and the back, but the pattern on the front is a bit blah. I think more sparkles would help too. Nothing is actually wrong here, though, just a very acceptable black leo.

Utah: 5.525

Elizabeth: 5.300

Design 1.0/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3

This is way too kitschy for me. The spider web design is just so cheesy, and I can’t help think they’re trying to look like knock-off Spider-Man impersonators. Literally take away the black lines, and this is a good leo, which makes it hard for me to judge.

Christina: 2.000

Design 0.2/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 0.2/3

I just have that trendy TikTok song in my head now that goes, “Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no no.” 

Mary Emma: 6.400

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

I actually don’t hate this, but I don’t love it either. Like the Alabama leo, the front is just a bit too busy. The sleeves are nice, and I love the shade of red used.

Izzi: 8.400

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I love it so much. It really grew on me throughout the meet. I love how the white looks like it’s breaking out from behind the red, I love how the white is matte (duh) and I love the black lines. Honestly, I don’t think it looks that much like a spider web, which is probably why I like it so much. I like the sharp lines, and the shades of white and red are perfect together.

LSU: 5.475

Elizabeth: 4.600

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3

Sigh. This leo looks thick. Does that make any sense at all? No? I don’t like when a leo looks like it’s a lot of fabric to wear. LSU is starting to go into the territory of most of your leos look the same: dark shiny purple, gold accents, some mesh in weird places. I just really don’t like this one at all… More of that light purple and ombre please.

Christina:  7.000

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This looks a lot like LSU’s other leos, with this shade of deep purple (which I do love) and gold accents here and there. I am really not a fan of the elbow mesh, and the random bits of mesh on the sides that lack continuity with the whole look. Other than that, it’s a very shiny leotard that looked good on TV.

Mary Emma: 5.500

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

There’s just a bit too much going on in this leo for my liking. I love the shade of purple, but I don’t particularly like the design on the front. And the weird mesh elbow cutouts are a no.

Izzi: 4.800

Design 0.8/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

I am embarrassed to admit it, but I usually love LSU leos. This one feels a little out of place in the rest of its newer collection. I like that it feels sporty, but there are so many different lines and angles going on. The main fabric design, the mesh cutouts and the sharp sparkle pattern just make this feel messy.

Iowa State: 5.475

https://twitter.com/cyclonegym/status/1373288486984425477?s=21

Elizabeth: 4.900

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

Bo-ring. The use of a single color makes it really hard to see this leo’s design. My guess is the team saved money by only using one fabric and one color, but I’d almost rather not have had a new leo and saved for a more elaborate one next year. This one’s just so boring. Flattering and fine, but boring.

Christina: 6.100

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

This is lovely—a bit simple—but a clean and elegant look. A bit bland for me to have any further opinions on it.

Mary Emma: 6.300

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

This is fine. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s just a bit boring. I do love the shade of red and the sparkles though.

Izzi: 4.600

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.2/1, Uniqueness 0.0/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is a stock design that I usually like, but doing it all in one color makes it so boring. The sparkles don’t stand out enough from the iridescent fabric, which makes it look like one shiny blob. There’s nothing offensive about it, but it’s pretty disappointing for a new leo.

READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Week 10


Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Izzi Baskin, Mary Emma Burton and Christina Marmet

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One comment

  1. I love this series! The commentary is everything. The only thing I wish was different is that they would check out the stock designs for Ozone and Sylvia P leos. A lot of the top leos this season have been stock designs from these companies. And while I think they’re gorgeous, I do think they don’t deserve as many uniqueness points if they’re stock designs.

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