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 out your all-time fave from the team? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
This week, we’re taking on Nebraska with Emily M, our managing editor, and Kalley, our MAC and MIC editor, joining Editor in Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
No. 1: This leotard is not only my favorite Nebraska leotard but one of my favorite leotards ever. Yes, really. The white to black ombre is s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g. And I love the subtle yet prominent sparkles across the design. I just can’t get enough of this leo and wouldn’t be mad if Nebraska wore it for every single meet until the end of time.
No. 2: My favorite part of this leo is the back. It’s super unique, and I’m all about open or strappy designs. I also love the solid red paired with the black mesh sleeves, and the V in the front and light rhinestone detailing just seals the deal.
No. 3: This leo is kind of a mystery because I couldn’t find any pics of it apart from the ones we screenshot from Nebraska’s Snapchat for leo rankings about three years ago. Nevertheless, I love the low back, the gunmetal silver sleeves and the red with the flamey V.
No. 4: I know some people don’t care for this one as much because of how wide the V is, but I really love the overall look, from the red and black ombre to the open back. It’s great!
No. 5: We didn’t get many good views of this leo as it was only worn at nationals by Nebraska’s two individuals, but that didn’t stop me from putting it on my top 10. I love the red and black ombre, the bust design and the unique mesh detailing on the body.
No. 6: The shade of red used here is really fantastic and looked great in motion. I love it paired with the sweetheart neckline and the solid black.
No. 7: This might be an unusual choice, but I really love white on a leo. Despite the design being more geometric and chunky, I think it works, and I love the use of bold red rhinestones to add to the look.
No. 8: I kind of love this one? And I think it’s because of the large amount of white (who’s surprised?). But I think my favorite part is 1) the fact that there’s a ZIPPER and 2) how the rhinestones are placed around that to really highlight it.
No. 9: This aluminum foil metallic silver is a thing with Nebraska that I absolutely love. It’s SO shiny, and I can’t get enough of it. I also love the strappy back on this, as well as the all-red body.
No. 10: Like my No. 7 pick, this leo is very geometric and has a good use of white. I love the weird mesh stripe thing that is incorporated as well. It’s an older one, but I still enjoy it.
Emily M
No. 1: This is and will always be one of my favorite leos. The neutral ombre is absolutely perfect.
No. 2: If you’re going to do a deep V, do it in a way that the mesh is continuous down the sleeves like this. This leo creates such a good line! And I’m a sucker for a cool back.
No. 3: I love those tiny holes. It’s such a unique way to make an interesting back (that allows for a bra!), and the simplicity of the front is appealing to me.
No. 4: I’m so into these sleeves! They’re probably not the most comfortable, but so different. And the athletic look with the V’s goes well with the cut. Wear these for a throwback meet please?!
No. 5:This is weird but I love it. I enjoy a leo that uses a good matte white, and that in combination with the black, mesh and design really works for me.
No. 6: We can always count on Nebraska for a good sweetheart neckline. This reminds me of the Georgia “G” leos, in a good way.
No. 7:I like that swoopy V! And the open back is great. Why don’t we see this one more often?
No. 8:It’s the matte white. I’m a sucker for it.
No. 9:This leo is so intricate, which is a real departure for Nebraska, but it works! And those ombre sleeves!
No. 10:I had to throw in one of the punch-you-in-the-face silver looks, because it’s such a Nebraska trademark. Respect to the commitment.
Kalley
No. 1: I LOVE this leo. The red and black ombre is PERFECTION. If I had to pick one leo for Nebraska to wear for every meet from now until the end of time, it would be this one.
No. 2: I really love the design of this one. The red and black ombre sleeves are lovely, and the sparkles bring pizazz without being overdone. All in all this is just a really classic and beautiful leo, and I am a fan.
No. 3: This leo is so different from most of the others Nebraska has. I love the ombre, and really love the use of white. Almost all of the other leos are some combination of red and black, so I really liked the uniqueness of this.
No. 4: I am such a sucker for black leos. I also really like the pop of red—it’s subtle but really makes it look beautiful. The sparkles aren’t overdone, either, which all in all makes this one of my favorites.
No. 5: I really like the deep V of the red paired with the black mesh, and the sparkle details around the sleeves. This one is simple but really classy looking.
No. 6: I couldn’t decide how I felt about this one for the longest time because the neckline detail isn’t my favorite. But the more I looked at it, the more I liked it. The red mesh really pops, and I really like the embedded sparkles.
No. 7: This one is admittedly pretty basic, but sometimes simplicity is best. The slightly squared neckline is different and flattering on every gymnast in this photo. I also like the shorter sleeves, which seems to be common in Nebraska leos.
No. 8: I like the use of red in this one, especially the unique pattern on the front which is accented nicely by the black design on the sleeves. Normally I’m not a big fan of geometric patterns, but for whatever reason it works for me here.
No. 9: This one is just fun. I love the lace—it provides a nice change of pace from all the mesh that is normally used.
No. 10: I didn’t think I would like this one. Metallic colors aren’t usually my thing, but the gunmetal sleeves really work for me here. Like I mentioned with the white leo, it’s a nice change from all of the black and red combos. I also really like the back and the black accent on the neckline.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Emily Minehart and Kalley Leer
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