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 Arkansas with SEC Senior Editor Katherine and Special Correspondent Christina joining Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
No. 1: This is one of my favorite leotards from any team, let alone Arkansas. It’s so retro and classic yet still modern. I love the black and white look, the sleeves especially and the subtle red rhinestone accents. This leo is just perfect.
No. 2: Another great leo. I’m a sucker for an open or strappy back, and this is both. I also love how the A is incorporated on the sleeves and how the red body pairs well with the mesh sleeves.
No. 3: The back of this leo is an old favorite of mine. I love how it’s mesh and faux-strappy. I also like how the mesh continues onto the front in the neckline. Plus, this is one of the less bold hog designs on the front, so it’s an overall win.
No. 4: I like this leo almost exclusively for the back. Open back with thick strap and school spirit? Check. The front is nice too and the hog isn’t too obvious. Plus, the black mesh with solid red pairs well together.
No. 5: While I normally turn my nose up as designs that other teams have (Central Michigan has a variation of this one), I like this design enough to not care in the slightest. The mini-V neckline mirrored with the V cutouts down the sides are great, and I love the simple white mesh sleeves with the solid red body.
No. 6: I like this one mainly for the thick neckline and amount of sparkle/shininess. Plus, it just looks good on all the gymnasts despite the design not really being anything special. I also appreciate the recent trend of having a small hog on the sleeve vs. an egregious large one on the women’s chests.
No. 7: Black is so rare with Arkansas these days because of its brand rules that I appreciate it anytime I see it. I like how red is used more as an accent here, and the combo V/sweetheart neckline with a halter strap twist. The back is nice and unique, too.
No. 8: I had no idea Arkansas had a leo just like the Georgia one that the Gymdogs brought back a couple seasons ago. WHO HAD IT FIRST?? Anyway, I love the velvet, geometric look, and inordinate amount of sparkles used. So great.
No. 9: Are you surprised to see another black leo with white sleeves and red accents? You shouldn’t be. I like the swirls on this one and especially how they kind of create the sweetheart-esque neckline.
No. 10: I wrestle with this leo because in motion, it’s great, but here as a picture, it’s almost too busy for me. I do like the silver accents a lot, and appreciate the idea behind the design.
Katherine
No. 1: I love any red leo, but this is the kind of look that would really turn heads on the competition floor simply because of how bright it is. So pretty! It’s simple but effective.
No. 2: Arkansas usually combines red and white really well, and this has to be my favorite example. I love the minimalist sparkles, and the cluster at the neck is just the right of glam. The hog in the back is also a nice touch.
No. 3: This is a risk that paid off. The design on the chest reminds me of a coat of armour. I also love the unique take on the color red; the different shades remind me of a Nebraska leo, but Arkansas wears it well!
No. 4: Another nice take on red and white. The font of the “A” here is interesting; it reminds me of the New York Times. It’s not my favorite. But I’m willing to forgive the medievalness for the relatively well-executed design. Bonus points for the subtle use of the hog.
No. 5: I absolutely love the sparkles on this one! It would have been a bit higher if not for the awkwardness of the V going into the chest. It could have been a little cleaner, but it’s really pretty.
No. 6: Definitely a unique look for Arkansas (we almost never see black), but I’m here for those dramatic sleeves. They don’t quite work with the body, but the lace itself is enough to make it look cool.
No. 7: I really like the stripey accents and how they come into play on the chest and sleeves. I’d have liked some more sparkle on the sleeves, but the bedazzled hog (what a phrase) more than makes up for that.
No. 8: I like the use of vines here, but my favorite element is the subtle difference of the white on the chest and the white on the sleeves.
No. 9: Here’s another nice, all red leo. It’s lower than my top pick because I don’t see a lot of distinction between the elements; it looks a bit muddled amidst the backdrop. But I still love how bright this is.
No. 10: The last of the red and white combos on my list, this one is lowest because of the cutouts on the side. However, it’s still an overall nice look, and beading around the neck is super pretty.
Christina
No. 1: I love a nice, open and interesting back design, so this leo is already in my heart. The front is also lovely, and I quite like the neckline with the sparkly necklace. The red mesh sleeves with the ‘A’ in sparkles on the cuffs is a perfect addition.
No. 2:I quite like lace on leos when it’s well done, and this one works really well in my opinion. I love the use of black and red, and the black lace for the top of the bodice is lovely. I love the simple sweetheart neckline and the open back.
No. 3:I wouldn’t necessarily like this design, but it’s done so well here with the color scheme, the shades and the ombre on the shoulders, plus the belt going across. All the sparkles on the front work so well, and the back is lovely.
No. 4: Another leo, another open back that I’m obsessed with. For me this one really is more about the back than the front. That said, the front itself is quite interesting, with the half sweetheart, half V-neck, and all the sparkles work well.
No. 5: Another solid use of red and black. I particularly like the back (do I sound like a broken record already?), as it’s quite unique with the keyhole near the top and the vertical band of black and sparkles going down. The red sparkles around the neckline on the front work really well, too.
No. 6:How could I not have a velvet leo in there? I love this one; it’s so retro. The colors are perfect, and I love the combination of red velvet and what looks like sparkly grey and black. It reminds of that one Georgia leo that I’m also obsessed with, so this one is a win for me.
No. 7:Another solid use of lace for me, this time for an all-red look. I usually don’t like the inverted V neck, but it doesn’t bother me at all here as it blends in very nicely into the whole look. I usually am not a fan of a giant hog head on a leo, but this sparkly hog across the chest pleases me greatly.
No. 8:This is a fairly simple look, but it works for me. I love the white and red, and I find this particular neckline really flattering. I could do without the white going down the sides, but overall I just like the elegance of this leo.
No. 9:Another all-red look that I quite like, especially with the deep V in the front. Just like Katherine, I do wish for a little more contrast between the mesh and the solid red, but I do really love the design of this one.
No. 10:I hesitated a while for my last one, but this leo made the cut because again: cool back. I love the band going across with “Arkansas” on it. This is also another nice black and red combo, and just like with one of the leos above, the sparkly hog on the chest is a nice addition.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Katherine Weaver and Christina Marmet
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