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 Georgia with SEC senior editor Katherine and special correspondent Christina joining Editor in Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
I want to start by saying this was incredibly difficult for me. I grew up with all of these leotards and have a memory attached to a lot of them. So excuse my more-than-a-handful of honorable mentions at the end because I just couldn’t narrow it down to 10. I mean, we had nearly 60 options to choose from; give me a break.
No. 1: A fair few teams have this design, but I love the red body with the contrasting red mesh and the mega-sparkly black mesh sleeves. The Gymdogs didn’t wear this all too often, but I always liked it when they did.
No. 2: It’s ombre. Of course I like it. I like the shiny nature of the fabric, as well as the use of three colors in the gradient. Plus, the rhinestone cuffs and Super G bring it all together.
No. 3: Georgia in the aughts was all about silver, and this is my favorite design that uses it. I like the flames, the all-silver body, the sweetheart neckline and the way the red design continues from the arm onto the body.
No. 4: I like this leo for a couple reasons with the first being the back; the V/thick strap/mesh deal going on is unique and fun. I also appreciate the use of a cursive G rather than being Super G all the time. Plus, a mostly red look is always a win for me.
No. 5: I normally don’t like leos that only use one color, but this one just looks so great on and in action. Plus, the big open back really accentuates the gymnast’s strong muscles, and the subtle yet sparkly rhinestones elevate it from being a plain, boring red leo to something more.
No. 6: The design of this leo per se isn’t what I like about it, but rather the fabric and how delicate it feels. I say feels because I actually have this leo at home, and I love how it looks, the white/silver fabric used, and doesn’t have that “heavy” look that some of the Georgia leos can have.
No. 7: Blah blah nude blah blah, but I like it. It’s very plain, but it’s from the aughts, which was less about blinding sparkle. The nude is actually what I love about this leo, plus the simple red rhinestones spelling out Georgia and the way the silver faux straps continue onto the body with sparkle. I actually also have this leo at home too; I cut off the sleeves and wore it as a practice leo for workouts.
No. 8: What I love most about this design is the all-black design that’s accented by a burst of red on the V neckline. It’s just so classy.
No. 9: What I like most about this leo is the unusual sleeve color. I like the sort of gunmetal grey shade paired with the sweetheart neckline and subtle red piping around the edges.
No. 10: If you’re a longtime reader of this series, you know by now that I love a good throwback. This is just that and actually even better executed than the original design. I love how the band goes all the way around the design and actually turns into a sort of strap in the back, plus the sparkly Georgia on the front.
Honorable mentions: I warned you there would be a lot, but these leos needed some recognition so bear with me. I like this first leo for the classic red and black of it. Plus, it’s an example of a side cut-out done well. The next one is on here because of two things: velvet and throwback. The third echoes my love for the shiny silver of the aughts paired with the wavy pattern, and finally, I just wanted this last one to get some exposure because I’m pretty sure Georgia only wore it once ever.
Katherine
No. 1: This just has everything I love: ombré, so many different patterns of sparkles and a gorgeous body that combines colors. The sleeves are also great, but can I specifically direct your attention to those wrists?
No. 2: So elegant and classy. I love solid red leos, and the sparkles sprinkled over the chest are the perfect touch. Team USA should look to this for its next design.
No. 3: I don’t know if it’s just the lighting, but the sparkles on this give off a very outer space vibe. That accent against the unique backdrop (tie-dye meets watercolor?) make this one a dark horse favorite of mine.
No. 4: I like this one in a way that’s similar to why I like No. 3; the design is unique and incorporates the school colors in an unusual way. The super G, however, almost feels like an afterthought; it could have been better incorporated. Otherwise, this would have been even higher.
No. 5: This is simple but cute. I really like the “new” bulldog logo! I also love the shade of red on the sleeves. I’m not a fan of the strappy back in relation to the simplicity of the front, but I like the design as a whole.
No. 6: I really like the criss cross pattern on this and how it’s incorporated in both obvious (the waistband) and subtle (the shoulder sparkle pattern) ways. Speaking of the shoulders, I would love to see how those catch the light in motion.
No. 7: Nice firework pattern around the super G! I also like that it’s positioned more to the side, not directly in the center. The sleeves are also really pretty.
No. 8: I like this take on tiger stripes; the beading is a nice touch. I don’t love black and white for Georgia, but you can definitely tell it’s a Georgia leo with the super G on the sleeve.
No. 9: I like the side incorporation of the super G; it’s a cool way to incorporate the school logo that a lot of schools don’t use. That feature blends pretty well with the rest of it. Another design that’s relatively simple but cool.
No. 10: Not sure if the sleeves are supposed to be animal print or just a random design, but I like them a lot! But why did the fun stop there? The rest of the body is just boring in comparison. But the sleeves are enough to make the top 10.
Christina
No. 1: I love this simple yet elegant look. The all-red is so well done, with the sparkles incorporated nicely on the deep V neckline. The big keyhole in the back is also a great addition, and overall this look is just A+++.
No. 2: I am a sucker for a good velvet leo, and this one was so well done. It’s retro yet with a modern twist with all the rhinestones and the sparkly white collar. It’s hard to have a flattering velvet leo, but I thought this one looked fantastic on all the athletes.
No. 3: Another throwback leo that I thought was so well done, although I could have picked the original design as well. I am a big fan of the gigantic band across the chest but mostly how it fits perfectly onto the design in the back.
No. 4: To the surprise of nobody, I love ombré, and this one is so original. It blends in all the school colors well, and I like that it’s a diagonal ombré instead of the classic horizontal one.
No. 5: This is another one of those simple yet elegant looks but with a fun back. The front with the sweetheart neckline and the swirls are just perfectly done along with the black mesh.
No. 6: Another nice ombré look, and I like the originality of the neckline that continues onto the back. The sparkles are perfect, and the big ‘G’ on the back blends in nicely with the whole look.
No. 7: I am all about the Georgia in cursive across the bodice! Again, it is not something we see a lot, so I appreciate the originality.
No. 8: All the points for incorporating the school spirit and the ‘G’ in such a classy and elegant manner AND with the school colors. The back is also fun, with the vertical lines of sparkles across the upper back, but I really do love the front of this one.
No. 9: This one had to be amongst my favorites because of how lovely it is. The simple black and white look, the sweetheart neckline and the ‘G’ on the side.
No. 10: This is a bit of the same idea as the last one, with only a two-color scheme, but it’s again done so well. I love the shape of the neckline, the sparkles, the big ‘G’ across the chest and the deep V in the back.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Katherine Weaver and Christina Marmet
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