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 Oregon State with senior editors Rebecca and Mary Emma joining Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth for the rundown.
Elizabeth
No. 1: I was kind of surprised when I decided that this leo is my favorite of Oregon State’s, but it’s just so elegant. I love the classiness of the black, the perfect amount of rhinestones and especially the strappy back.
No. 2: I love nearly all of Oregon State’s black and white leos, and this is my favorite of the bunch. The little triangles are great, and the amount of orange is just enough.
No. 3: A number of other teams have had this design, and I don’t care because it looks great in all colors.
No. 4: Until OSU got better at its leo game recently, this was my favorite Beaver leo. I love the blacka nd white of course but also the white side design and how it has a slimming effect. I also love the sparkly Benny on the sleeve.
No. 5: Another good one, and I like the increased use of orange with this design. Add on ombre sleeves, and you’ve hooked me.
No. 6: This leo is so retro, and I love it. The stripes are insane and the orange piping provides just enough pop. bring this back in 2020, OSU!
No. 7: This is not a design I’d typically go for, but it works here because the Benny logo is just so cute and really pops on the all-black background. I love the subtle orange around the neckline, too.
No. 8: This leo is very un-OSU, but it’s still really nice. I just wish the Beavers wore it more often!
No. 9: I wish we has a better picture of this leo because I really need to see what the heck is going on with that giant, slightly scary beaver logo. But it has a throwback look that I love.
No. 10: This leo is classic Oregon State. I like how the ribbons sort of stem from the neck and make it look elegant on the gymnasts.
Rebecca
No. 1: This is not just my favorite Oregon State leotard, it’s one of my favorite NCAA leotards period. I’m a Christian Moreau stan and I’m not afraid to admit it. It’s so intricate and designed with such a light hand, which is really refreshing in NCAA. Love forever.
No. 2: I love when OSU sticks mostly to black and white. This is probably my favorite that remains in regular circulation. Still a little confused about the baby triangles on the front, but I’ll live.
No. 3: Speaking of white, here’s a leotard with none at all! Large swirlies might be out of fashion these days but I’m still into them.
No. 4: OK, let’s go back to white. I feel like we saw this leo all of about once, but maybe it was just at OSU’s annual really random road meet with a fuzzy stream that I didn’t watch.
No. 5: Gotta go a little retro with this one. I’m not usually not a big fan of large lettering on leotards, as everyone has heard me say a billion times by now, but combined with the relatively plain body it looks super athletic and super cool.
No. 6: Yeah, I know, everyone had this leotard for a while. To this day, Southern Utah still competes in this leotard twice a year. But it’s pretty and not too overwhelming, so I’m sold.
No. 7: Another one I like because the design is simple and elegant. Having orange as an accent color to a main body that’s white or black is the best way to play it, I think.
No. 8: Another one that wins on not having the world’s boldest pattern. I like to think that the black and white really makes Benny pop, you know?
No. 9: An absolute classic. This is what I think of when I think Oregon State gymnastics. Don’t overthink the sternum oval. It’s cool. Other schools have had this leotard—it was a shelf model for a while—but no one rocked it like the Beavers.
No. 10: Definitely feel like I’ve already picked two others that are almost identical to this, but I just love the swirlies! The flame effect on this one is really nice.
Mary Emma
No. 1: I loved this leo as soon as I saw its debut at nationals. The ombre sleeves are obviously my favorite part, and I love the ribbon design.
No. 2: I don’t usually like leos with deep Vs, but I think it looks great here. The rhinestones along the chest and the swirls on the back are a nice touch.
No. 3: Oregon State has a lot of designs similar to this, but this one’s my favorite. I love the orange ribbons coming off the neck.
No. 4: I like this one because of the rhinestone pattern on the chest. It looks like a typical Oregon State leo, but the rhinestone design makes it stand out.
No. 5: This might be an unpopular opinion, but I love leos that have school logos (as long as it’s not too crazy). It adds an extra amount of school spirit.
No. 6: This one is classic and elegant without being too over the top. I don’t love the front cutout, but I love everything else.
No. 7: I wish we had a better picture of this one, but I really like the fire-like design that the orange ribbons create.
No. 8: This is so different than any other Oregon State leo that I had to include it. It doesn’t scream school spirit, but I love the feathery design.
No. 9: This is very classic Oregon State, and I love the design that the white and orange ribbons create.
No. 10: While I don’t like the design on the shoulder, the ombre sleeves are the reason this leo makes my top 10.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Rebecca Scally and Mary Emma Burton
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