This summer we’re trying a little something new when it comes to our throwback leotard rankings. Rather than looking at single meets, we’ve decided to take a trip down memory lane for specific teams, taking into account a wide range of leos from different eras and finding our all-time favorites from a single program, as well as illustrating how designs have changed over the years.
Here’s how it’ll work: Our judges for the week will choose their top 10 and rank them based on their personal preferences. Plus, you’ll get a chance to tell us your thoughts! Did we leave our your all-time fave from the team? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
This week, we’re taking on UCLA with Rebecca, our USAG senior editor, and Brandis, our Pac-12 senior editor, joining Editor in Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
-
No. 1: This is arguably UCLA’s best leo ever, but I’m not about to argue about it. The ombre is stunning, the low back is gorgeous and the white sleeves really top it all off. Incredible.
-
No. 2: This leo makes me wish UCLA utilized grey more. It’s such a unique color for a leo but it looks great on everyone. I also love the thick back straps on this design and the subtle front as well.
-
No. 3: I like the use of the lighter blue here, plus the interesting back—as you all know I’m all about a cool back. I also kind of like the ruching on the sleeves, which is semi-surprising to me.
-
No. 4: This design is my OG fave. I loved it forever but then the ombres and greys of the world came along. But it will always hold a place in my heart.
-
No. 5: UCLA more often wears this design with pink accents rather than silver but I’m partial to this one. I like the two shades of blue paired together with the subtle sparkles. Plus, I love the big open back that shows off their back muscles.
-
No. 6: This leo is probably a bit controversial because I remember a lot of people, myself included, not liking the fish net when it was first debuted. But I love the color of the fishnet and am actually into it now.
-
No. 7: I like how the straps on this are sort of unorthodox with them being horizontal and how they go low on the back. It’s a flattering design.
-
No. 8: This leo sits in my top 10 because of the ombre, which is gorgeous. I don’t like the weird straps at all, but the body is too good to pass up.
-
No. 9: Again, I’m choosing this one for the back. The front is pretty similar to a bunch of other designs but I love how the back scoops down and is surrounded by the semi-scalloped holes. I also like the type of fabric. It’s shinier than the matte the team normally wears.
-
No. 10: OK I KNOW this one is controversial, but, hey, I like it. I like how the design continues all over the design, the amount of sparkles and how the solid parts around the neckline make a scoop and V neck in one go.
Rebecca
-
No. 1: Yes, I know this one is pretty basic, and yes, a billion other teams have this design, but it’s still my all-time favorite UCLA leotard and among the best of the color variants. The plain navy body offsets the business of the lace perfectly.
-
No. 2: The 2018 championship leotard was a little controversial, but I love it. Silver is a perfect accent color in any situation, and the boldness of the crisscross straps stands out against the fairly muted blue body. (Noticing a theme?)
-
No. 3: This ombre is underutilized and underappreciated. I love UCLA finding ways to use lighter blues while still looking sophisticated.
-
No. 4: Using white as an accent color seems like it’s fallen out of fashion the last few years, and it really shouldn’t have. This one is simple and so great.
-
No. 5: Is it blue or is it grey? Who cares, it’s awesome. The color choice on this one is so unique and pretty, and the top is interesting without being too much.
-
No. 6: This is another classic catalog model from the late ‘00s that did a good few years of NCAA duty. It’s simple but really pretty.
-
No. 7: Obsessed with the tie front on this one. The color combination probably wouldn’t fly in 2019, but the concept is so great.
-
No. 8: I don’t remember this one being very popular in its heyday, but I love it. The front reminds me of stained glass, and I love the use of black mesh.
-
No. 9: If you’re going to do velvet, you need to lean all the way in and do a solid body with a high neck. It’s mandatory.
-
No. 10: UCLA has a handful of these zigzaggy sparkle pattern leotards. None of them are life-changing, but they’re all nice. This one is my favorite of the bunch.
Brandis
-
No. 1: Can it be a requirement that UCLA has to include white in all its leos? It just looks so stunning paired with the various shades of blue it likes to use. This one in particular gets my vote for best Bruins leo ever thanks to the elegant sunburst rhinestone design down the torso and sleeves.
-
No. 2: The triangular and sharp collar in dark blue contrasts so well with the soft blue ombre throughout that looks so clean and regal.
-
No. 3: Clearly I have a “thing” for the sunburst design. Also, I love the original collar and how it mirrors the cutouts on the back.
-
No. 4: So simple yet a stunner. The ombre just proves that white not only works with one shade of blue but the whole color spectrum!
-
No. 5: This tone of blue is so vibrant and pairs perfectly with the black mesh. Another unique collar design also makes this leo a memorable one.
-
No. 6: Usually I’m not a fan of a ton of rhinestones, but this works for me. The concentrated area of sparkle to form the swoosh-esque design is lovely and the little touches of rhinestone on the sleeves accent it well.
-
No. 7: I’m a big fan of the way the rhinestones are aligned to make this a vertical design, even on the sleeves. The black is also nice to see, as is the UCLA right on the hip.
-
No. 8: Easily my favorite of the old-style Bruins leos. Although it may be “basic,” it screams UCLA. The collar is the perfect touch of yellow that I wish we got to see in today’s leos.
-
No. 9: A more modern version of the top leo on my list. It’s white paired with blue, so is anyone surprised I included it? I also love the small dark blue collar to give the edge of the leo a sharper look.
-
No. 10: My favorite part of this one is the back. I like how the straps are actually layered as they cross. It adds nice depth and texture to the leo that makes it stand out.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Brandis Heffner and Rebecca Scally
Like what you see? Consider donating to support our efforts throughout the year! [wpedon id=”13158″]
