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 Pittsburgh with EAGL Senior Editor Mary Emma and Administrative Assistant Jenna joining Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
No. 1: This is one of my favorite leos of all time, not just for Pitt. The sleeves are to-die-for and the yellow shade reminds me of lemonade on a hot summer’s day—which I’m experiencing a lot of lately because Texas. I also love the thicker neckline, use of actual gold and script Pitt. It’s just perfect.
No. 2: Again, the sleeves. I love them. The sweetheart neckline with the yellow ribbons coming from the V is also nice, and the incorporation of ombre on the body and the script Pitt on the back ties it all together.
No. 3: I’m excited to see this new leo debuted in 2020. It’s very throwback with the thin yellow stripes on the cuffs. I also like the script Panthers on the sleeve and script Pitt on the chest.
No. 4: I’m not normally a fan of lace on leos, but this one is done pretty well. The amount of sparkles complement that well as well.
No. 5: Oh the years where this design was very common among all levels of gymnastics, from elite to college. I like the white and navy paired with the darker gold. Sometimes different sleeve colors can look awkward or too busy, but it works here.
No. 6: There are things I love about this leo—the ombre sleeves, the back—but also things I would change—the rounded neckline, the weird undermesh fabric at the neck. I guess that’s why it sits in the middle of my top 10.
No. 7: This is on my list almost exclusively for the use of gold. I was going to say I wanted Pitt to do more of that in the future, but with its new branding, I doubt it’s a possibility.
No. 8: This is a pretty good one. I like how the yellow and blue really pop on the black background, and I also think the ribbon design works well.
No. 9: This design is very plain, but I was starting to run out of options because—sorry, Pitt—some of the old leos are not exactly cute. Anyway, I like this one for its simplicity and the use of sequins to create the design.
No. 10: I mean, there’s Panther paw prints on it. Do I need to go on?
Mary Emma
No. 1: This is not only my favorite Pitt leo, but it’s also one of my favorite leos ever. Everything works together beautifully, from the ombre sleeves to the script Pitt with the waterfall of rhinestones.
No. 4: Pittsburgh: I know a lot of people are on the fence about Pitt’s new colors, but I love them. I love the contrast between the blue and the gold, as well as the ombre design used here.
No. 3: This is a very simple design, but it’s lovely. The lace sleeves are gorgeous, and it has just the right amount of sparkle on the front. Also, the script Pitt on the hip is a nice touch.
No. 4: I don’t normally love black leos, but I do when they have a hint of color like this one does. I love the yellow ribbon look around the sleeves, as well as the blue on the shoulders. I can’t wait to see its debut in 2020!
No. 5: This is another leo that will make its debut in 2020, with Pitt’s rebranded colors featured prominently. Again, I love this shade of blue, and the gold accents throughout are really pretty.
No. 6: This is a simple design, but it’s stunning. I love the gold sparkles on the neckline and the sleeves.
No. 7: I had never seen this one before, but I really like it! I love the white and gold swirly pattern paired with the navy. It goes together nicely.
No. 8: My favorite part of this leo is of course the yellow ombre sleeves. Pitt has incorporated it a lot in its most recent leos, and I’m not complaining. The script Pitt surrounded by sparkle is also a nice touch.
No. 9: This is a fairly common design that a lot of other teams have, but it’s a good design. The rhinestones along the front is probably my favorite part.
No. 10: I had to include this one because I love a good throwback design. It’s simple but has a lot of school spirit at the same time.
Jenna
No. 1: This leo has it all: an interesting neckline, not one but two separate ombres and an athletic back with lots of school spirit. I can’t ask for anything more.
No. 2: This leo is drop dead gorgeous, with the thick collar design and the beautiful gold piping on the front and back of the torso. This would probably be my No. 1 if it weren’t for the sleeves—I’m not a fan of fully mesh sleeves—but overall this is glorious.
No. 3: I love an all-black leo with bold accents and this is no exception. Add in the scripted “Panthers” on the back and I’m a huge fan.
No. 4: Lace is hit or miss with me, but in this leo I really enjoy the combination of the lace sleeves with the elegant sparkle design on the chest.
No. 5: The back is what makes this leo for me—simple yet interesting and matching the accents on the front.
No. 6: This leo screams throwback without being cheesy. The white sleeves are a great contrast with the blue body, and the gold accents are perfect.
No. 7: This leo makes my list purely because of the bronze sleeve. It’s not a color we see often, but I think it’s brilliant on this leo.
No. 8: This design is a little simpler than what I normally like, but the back is absolutely gorgeous!
No. 9: I don’t normally like leos that have different colored sleeves, but it somehow works in this design.
No. 10: Paw prints on a leo? OK, I’m sold.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Mary Emma Burton and Jenna King
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