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 Alabama with senior SEC editor Katherine and administrative assistant Jenna joining editor in chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
No. 1: I went through all the leo options, narrowed it down to my top 10 then finally reordered them all but still found myself asking, “Is this really my top Alabama leotard of all time?” I think the answer is yes, actually. I like that the V neckline also incorporates the rest of the design on the body. I also like the shade of crimson used, the mesh sleeves and the bold, shimmery white/silver bands. Plus, there’s just the right amount of school spirit.
No. 2: If you think about it. This design is relatively similar to my top leo. I like how it’s executed with rhinestones versus varying pieces of fabric. I also appreciate the use of negative, plain leotard space. It’s busy, but it’s not overwhelming, and it looks great on all the gymnasts.
No. 3: This would be my No. 1 leo if the ombre sleeves weren’t quite so pink in some of the gradient shades. I love the mini V neckline, the ombre and the intricate rhinestone design though, so this is a big winner for me.
No. 4: This leo is very simple, but it works so well and looks great on. I love the plain crimson body and the mesh sleeves in the same color and shade—giving it just enough contrast without straying from the simplistic, monotone design. To finish it off, there’s just enough sparkle and school spirit.
No. 5: I remember really enjoying this one when I first saw the Tide wear it at SECs. Sure, the design on the front may not make a lot of sense, but it looks good on the solid crimson body. Plus, the large keyhole back really shows off just how athletic and muscular the gymnasts are.
No. 6: You know I love a good shiny silver leo, and this is no exception. I not only love the pairing of that silver with the white sleeves and crimson accents but also just how different it is from every other one of Alabama’s leos over the years.
No. 7: My favorite part of this leo is the sleeves. I love the almost plum color used with the shimmery fabric as it goes really well with the crimson body—not something I’d normally say. Paired with the sweetheart neckline and additional rhinestones makes puts it in my top 10.
No. 8: At this point, you all also know I love the use of white as an accent color in leos, and this leo does just that with the mini V neckline and solid white lining in the back that makes the “BAMA” pop. Plus, there’s so many sparkles—but not too many; an important distinction.
No. 9: This leo is very similar to the one-of-a-kind Oklahoma leo that I fawned over in last week’s leo rankings, so I knew I had to include it on my list. I love how all the rhinestones on the side act almost as a unique type of fabric rather than just accents to complement the design. That plus the white sleeves checks off all the boxes for me.
No. 10: This leo as a whole isn’t my favorite, but there are a number of elements that place it on my list, including the deep shade of red used and the incorporation of the separate yet matching shiny, white, intricate sports bra. It’s such a clever idea to have a sports bra that isn’t specifically a part of the leotard’s design yet purposefully shows to adds another layer of design.
Katherine
No. 1: Just gorgeous! I love that the sparkle pattern is creative without being too excessive. But I think my favorite element is the sleeves; it’s the shade that makes them stand out. They look vaguely purple in this light, which goes great with the crimson.
No. 2: Sometimes, a little goes a long way. I’m honestly surprised I like something this simple, but it comes across as majestic and beautiful without a lot of excess. The A in the middle is a decisive accent.
No. 3: This is one of the few recent Alabama leos I’ve really liked. I like that it goes for unique looks, but it often comes across as excessive and not cohesive. This one avoids that trap. I love the pattern on the chest and the way it’s replicated on the sleeves.
No. 4: There’s a lot of different colors, but this works pretty well for me. I would have liked to see a different design other than the vine pattern, since I’ve never been a huge fan of that. But the color scheme keeps it in my top five.
No. 5: Another one that looks regal and dynamic without being too extra. And how about those sleeves with the two different materials? My one complaint is the top of the A gets a little lost in the neckline, but still a really nice design.
No. 6: Love the use of houndstooth here; it’s an element that’s kind of been lost with recent leos. I’d like to see it brought back in creative ways like this.
No. 7: See above about houndstooth. This is ranked lower because it’s just a touch too busy for me, but points for originality. I also love the departure from the typical crimson and white color scheme.
No. 8: Another simple one that I surprisingly like a lot. It’s not as well-executed as my No. 2 pick, but it’s mostly here for the shade. The darker take on crimson is gorgeous.
No. 9: I would love to see this brought back as a throwback. It’s not really that old, but it seems like such a departure from the current style. I wish there was a little more going on other than “Bama,” but that still looks cool and statement-worthy here.
No. 10: Love the metallic neckline! I would have loved to see it in person; I can see it looking great under the lights. I just wish the stripes didn’t look so much like animal print.
Jenna
No. 1: I’m a sucker for a leo with a strong white accent, and this leo lands in my top 10 because of it. What pushes it up to No. 1 is the in-your-face rhinestone “BAMA” down the sleeve. If I didn’t want school spirit, I would watch an elite meet.
No. 2: I may as well be honest: I have an obsession with gunmetal, and the sparkles on the upper portion of this leo complement the color nicely. The rhinestone design on the chest is simple and beautiful, but let’s be real—this leo is my No. 2 because of the gunmetal.
No. 3: I love a well-executed silver leo, and this is one of the best ones I’ve ever seen. The white accents and sleeves really pop as well. My only complaint is that the crimson accents don’t pop as much as I’d like them to, but it’s still a great design.
No. 4: I love interesting rhinestone patterns, and a criss-cross design always sucks me in. I also love the back with the large Alabama A framed by thick rhinestone bands.
No. 5: The white-to-crimson ombre is beautiful and not what we’ve come to expect from Alabama leos. And of course I’m a big fan of the huge A!
No. 6: Black is a fantastic leo color, and I love the incorporation of houndstooth as an homage to Bear Bryant. Plus, it’s a tornado relief leo. Need I say more?
No. 7: While I’m not a fan of all the mesh, I absolutely love the white accent that wraps around and forms an Alabama A on the back.
No. 8: This leo is just plain pretty. My favorite part is the purplish-grayish color of the sleeves, followed by the sweetheart design of the rhinestones.
No. 9: This is one of those classic designs that becomes boring after a while to some, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I still love it!
No. 10: I love the more muted shades of crimson used in this leo, tied together perfectly with a subtle yet pretty rhinestone design that extends onto the lower sleeves.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Katherine Weaver and Jenna King
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