Having ranked our top 10 leos for all the big four conference teams last offseason, 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. Next up is our SEC assistant editor Katie!
No. 1: Auburn: The trend in my rankings definitely consists of gorgeous ombre, and I absolutely loved this leotard Auburn debuted in 2021.The blue and orange components with the white bodice is stunning and comes together to make one gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing leo.
No. 2: Michigan: Can I use two if one is school color associated and the other isn’t? I am obsessed with the gorgeous deep purple on the Flip for Chip leotard.The design on the front is also one of the best I’ve seen. In terms of school color leotards, Michigan always comes up with such creative ways of incorporating an M in the design. This one incorporates it as a part of the neckline, and it happens to fit perfectly. As a whole, the leotard gives off a Disney vibe, and the ruching on the back just seals the deal for me here.
No. 3: Utah: When I started this project, I automatically figured Utah’s new leo from 2021 nationals would be an easy choice, but then I came across the black leotard with red jewels that I somehow forgot existed? I think the ombre red remains my favorite Utah leotard, though. I also love ruching when it’s done right.
No. 4: BYU: I absolutely love the royal blue color paired with navy/black, which is particularly why Florida’s leotards almost always appeal to me. But the jeweled criss-cross back makes this one stand out. I’m begging BYU to make more leotards like this.
No. 5: Florida: I’m in the minority apparently when it comes to loving pretty much every Florida leo (except for that short sleeve one). These two ombre leotards are my favorite of the pack though.
No. 6: Illinois: Simplicity is best, and Illinois executes simplicity in a flawless way with this one. From the neckline, color, ombre, sparkle and criss-cross back, you really can’t go wrong with this beauty.
No. 7: LSU: OK, I love purple leotards, and not many gymnastics teams besides Washington use purple that often. I would love to see LSU use more of the lighter shade and ombre styles like the one it debuted in 2021. For the purpose of this ranking, though, I’m going to stick with its simple dark purple leotard because it’s the only keyhole leotard that I love.
No. 8: Alabama: Alabama has some of the shiniest leotards in the country, and I’m always here for some bling. This one embodies bling, school spirit and intrinsic details that Alabama makes an effort to display on each design.
No. 9: Penn State: Penn State knows how to do a good ombre, has some of the best back designs and arguably has the best school colors. It’s tough to pick one here, but there is something about this one that I adore. It’s probably because they kept it one solid color with a bit of silver as an accent.
No. 10: Michigan State: Similar to William & Mary’s leo at No. 15, the color here speaks for itself. This one just has a gorgeous open back that puts it over the top.
No. 11: Pittsburgh: Pitt has so many gorgeous leotard options, but this one particularly stood out to me. I definitely did not give the leotard the hype it deserved this season. A gorgeous jeweled black leotard that makes a statement. You have to admire that.
No. 12: Oklahoma: Elegant, simple, classic and stunning.
No. 13: Southern Utah: You cannot go wrong with black and white. This ombre combination is effortlessly beautiful and makes for a timelessly classic leotard. Every team needs a simple ombre combination in its repertoire.
No. 14: Missouri: I often feel like Missouri gets left out of the leotard conversation because it has fewer options than other teams. However, I absolutely love the way it incorporates the tiger mascot in all of the designs and it executed the black and yellow color palette well.
No. 15: William and Mary: The color! Does anything else need to be said about this one?
READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Elizabeth’s Top 15 Leotards of All Time
Article by Katie Walsh
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