Having ranked our top 10 leos for all the big four conference teams, as well as some other popular schools (let us know if we haven’t ranked a team you want to see!), it’s time to look at each individual editor’s top 15 leotards of all time—limited to one leo per school. First up is our MPSF editor Claire!
Have opinions about your favorite leotards of all time? We want to see your top 15! Submit your rankings to us via email at [email protected] and include your name, ranking, links to images and a description for each. Your list just might be featured on the site! Remember, limit one leo per team.
No. 2: Temple: I rarely love pink leos, but this one is an exception. It’s pink without being too over the top.
No. 2: Utah Such a bold, unique design! The skyline and mountains against a sparkly mesh sky are pretty special all on their own, but the red accents amplify the drama and make it truly unforgettable.
No. 3: Georgia I don’t usually go for super-elaborate leos, but I can’t resist this one. It’s bold, it’s different and it screams Georgia. We don’t see that criss-cross pattern very often, and I don’t know why; it’s gorgeous and looks great in motion!
No. 4: Arizona White leos are tricky to pull off, but boy, did this one pull it off! The white mesh sleeves and red piping are great touches that add visual interest but let that huge crystal A stand out. Also, the scalloped deep V back is so, so good.
No. 5: California That yellow piping is so, so good and the straps coming off the opening in back are a fun and unexpected element; both add a lot of punch for being relatively simple elements. The icing on the cake? The crystals provide just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering those subtle elements.
No. 6: Alabama I’m not sure this actually qualifies as a throwback leo, but it’s a fun variation on a classic theme. The contrasting fabrics—especially the all-crystal side panels— really amp up an otherwise simple design into something pretty spectacular.
No. 7: Florida Those ombre mesh sleeves and open back are obviously great, but the blue, orange, and white crystal sunburst elevate this from a good leo to a showstopper. It’s nice to see the Gators in something a little different from their usual.
No. 8: Missouri The team calls this leo “the Glitter Bomb,” which is pretty accurate. I know the huge, offset crystal tiger isn’t for everyone, but I love it! Black mesh is almost always a good choice (especially with so much sparkle), and the tiger stripes on the wrists are such a fun twist.
No. 9: Felicia Hano (UCLA) Admittedly, this is an unusual pick since it was only worn by Hano once during Operation Peacock, but I had to include it. I love, love, love how those neon flowers pop against the black, and especially that they carry through to the forearms.
No. 10: Lindenwood This is gorgeous! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a leo with mesh overlay on the entire bodice before (I’m sure CGN’s Editor-in-chief and resident leo encyclopedia Elizabeth can name others!). I especially like how the fabric dips down in back, giving the illusion of an open back. The random, multi-colored sparkles are the perfect finishing touch.
No. 11: Southern Connecticut It’s hard to go wrong with black and white, and I love how the sleeves and body are one continuous ombre. The open back with criss-cross straps is fabulous, the perfect back for such a dramatic design. The “crystal rain” is the perfect finishing touch, providing movement and added depth.
No. 12: Seattle Pacific When done well, like this, I love the combination of grey and maroon. The feather on the side is such an unexpected and fun touch of school spirit. The black mesh and white accents finish off the look perfectly.
No. 13: North Carolina It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for clean, athletic designs with flawless piping, so of course this one makes my list. I love the colors, I love the simplicity and I especially love the sparkly Tar Heels logo!
No. 14: Michigan Michigan has a lot of great leos to choose from, but this Adidas-inspired one ticks all of my boxes. Sporty design? Check. Cool piping? Check. Interesting back? Check. Effective use of sparkles? Check.
No. 15: Rutgers I know this is a fairly basic stock design, but I don’t care! It’s that good. Those gun metal sleeves and side panels are stellar, especially set against the red. The black piping and crystals add the perfect subtle outline.
READ THIS NEXT: Throwback Leotard Rankings: Rutgers
Article by Claire Billman
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