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 Iowa with Managing Editor Emily M and MAC and MIC Editor Kalley joining Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
No. 1: I LOVE this leo. It’s so delicate and elegant. Sometimes Iowa’s leos can look “heavy,” but this design is way more regal and stunning some way. I love the simplicity of it yet the sparkles still pack a punch.
No. 2: When I found this leo while looking through Iowa’s photo galleries, I nearly screamed. It’s so retro, and I can’t get enough. I love the matte black paired with the bright yellow piping. Amazing.
No. 3: I actually got to shoot this leo when Iowa visited Georgia for this meet. I like the majority black and white leo with gold detailing. It’s a style Iowa should do more of with its new leos.
No. 4: Another black and white with gold detailing. Are you sensing a trend?
No. 5: I liked 2019’s trend of using black with the silvery-white accents. This leo was a tad unusual with holes all around the neckline, especially with those on the back, but overall it’s a good look.
No. 6: This design is almost exactly like an Oregon State design but with a hawkeye in the center rather than a beaver. However, it’s a solid design with the sweetheart neckline and rhinestone details that I can’t fault the lack of originality too much.
No. 7: I realize I’m in the minority with my peers, but I appreciate Iowa’s use of nude over yellow. I think it’s a creative take on the school colors and think it works well with this design with the sweetheart neckline and swirl detailing.
No. 8: This is another design many other teams had, but I like the amount of sparkle incorporated on it and the big gold bands.
No. 9: Black plus white plus mini-V neckline equals good leo in my book.
No. 10: To be honest, I don’t love this leo, mainly because a ton of other teams have it (see a trend with your designs, Iowa?), but I liked it more than the other options remaining so here we are.
Emily M
No. 1: I was lucky enough to be at Toledo Elevate this year when Iowa debuted this beauty. I’m not usually into nude mesh, but against the all black and with the crystal detailing…mmm I love it. It downright glowed in the arena, and everyone looked amazing in it. I stood up in the press box, gasped and immediately messaged the rest of the CGN team via Slack and begged Emily HF (who was on the floor photographing) for a close up. One of my all-time favorites from any team, I think.
No. 2: When I think “Iowa gymnastics” (which let’s be real happens weekly at least), I think of this leotard. It’s such a signature look. I love the way the crystals define the sweetheart neckline. I love the black. I love the crystals on the sleeves.
No. 3: This is another one that screams “Iowa” in my brain. If you have a look that works, roll with it! I’m also so here for Iowa wearing this look for pink meets, just adding the pink glam makeup and ribbons. Queens keep it classy.
No. 4: Proof that the Hawkeyes have been rocking this signature look for years (decades?). An old-school take on the current classic, and I love it just as much.
No. 5: You know you had a leo (or competed against a team with one) that had sleeves in this gunmetal mystique. Takes me back! The sweetheart and over-the-top sleeves look works for me.
No. 6: Rolling with some yellow! Here for it.
No. 7: This design was for sure a thing for several teams a while back, but it fits Iowa’s classic look so well that I forgive it for giving into the “leo of the moment” pressure.
No. 8: I like this a lot. The white netting on top throws me off a bit, though.
No. 9: It’s simple, but it works. All black everything.
No. 10: This is so similar to another design but adds the white. I like how the white accents the back!
Kalley
No. 1: I love the metallic silver sleeves combined with the black body of the leo. As with all of Iowa’s leos, the crystal usage isn’t over the top and simply looks elegant. This one is my favorite for sure.
No. 2: I love the sweetheart and black mesh neckline, I love the hawkeye design made out of crystals and I love the simplicity of the crystals adorning the sleeves. This leo is simple but elegant, and it is a yes for me.
No. 3:I love the use of gold here! This one really stands out to me because of it. I also love the black mesh sleeves.
No. 4: I like this one for the mere fact that it’s so different from the rest—high collars aren’t typically something I like, but it works for me here. I also love the crystal pattern on the body of the leo. So many sparkles!
No. 5: I love the detailing on the back—the use of black crystals and the fact that they added the hawkeye there instead of on the front. I also like the black swirls on the arms.
No. 6: I’m a big fan of the deep V on the front of this one – it’s something a little different from the rest of the leos. I also like the IOWA down the sleeve.
No. 7: I like the white swirl pattern combined with the nude mesh. The crystals are very subtle. This is truly simple, but sometimes I’m a fan of understated leos. Not everything needs to be bedazzled.
No. 8: Again, I like the use of gold and white here. The pattern is almost too much for me, but I do like the change from solid black.
No. 9: I enjoy the white and black pattern here along with the gold swirl accents. It’s also kind of fun to have one black sleeve and one white sleeve.
No. 10: I’ve included this leo simply because I love the use of yellow! I wish more of the Iowa leos included it. Also, this is such a fabulous retro leo, and I would not be upset if made an appearance this season.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Emily Minehart and Kalley Leer
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