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 MIC and WIAC assistant editor Tavia!
Making a list of my top 15 leotards of all time forced me to make 15 of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Historically, I’m very picky when it comes to leotards, but I’m a sucker for ombre, lots of bling and strappy backs (within reason). I firmly believe that any bad day can be fixed with a little sparkle! Don’t judge me for the amount of high neck leotards that made it into my top 15. I know they’re uncomfortable, but they’re just so pretty! It can’t be helped.
No. 1: Utah: This leo is truly iconic! The elegance of the ruched high neckline combined with red-to-white ombre and jewel detailing create the perfect leotard to unveil on the biggest stage. The criss-crossed mesh overlay on the back just adds to the elegance of the overall look. I’m so glad that over 808,000 gymnastics fans got to witness this masterpiece in motion.
No. 2: SEMO: The first time I saw this leo I was speechless. Coming from a person who always has an opinion, that says a lot. I just love the look of the jewel design with the little touches of red to add extra dimension. I liked that the back featured a simpler, single-strap design to add some school spirit without outshining the elegance of the front. The best word I have to describe this leotard is “timeless.”
No. 3: LSU: This white-to-purple ombre is everything I didn’t know I needed. The jewel neckline separating the body from the mesh sleeves is done perfectly, and the key hole back really completes the look.
No. 4: Centenary: I will never get over the back of this leotard. The combination of straps and the careful placement of the jewel design creates a leo that is both beautiful and flattering. The use of the fleur de lis adds some school spirit without being in your face.
No. 5: Michigan: Michigan always manages to flawlessly weave some throwback elements into a modern design. This velvet leotard is no exception. The fact that Michigan was able to incorporate three different fabrics so effortlessly is truly amazing. I also loved the use of jewels and overlay on the top to help incorporate some gold and sparkle on an otherwise very navy look. It doesn’t hurt that this is Michigan’s lucky leo either!
No. 6: Florida: Florida’s deviation from its normal, basic blue did not disappoint. I love the combination of the sleek black body, the high neckline and the ombre sleeves. There is just enough bling, and the back is to die for. I appreciate that the jewels accented the black with Gator orange and blue.
No. 7: Auburn: Sometimes Auburn’s leotard design choices leave me with a lot of questions, but you can never go wrong with ombre! This leo is a refreshing combination of orange and blue that isn’t too much. There are just enough jewels in just the right places to ease the gap between the two different ombre transitions. Of course the high neck and keyhole back always help too!
No. 8: Arkansas: Under Jordyn Wieber, Arkansas has brought some diversity to its leotard repertoire, and I am here for it! It was hard to pick which one was my favorite, but ultimately I settled on this one because of its beading and ombre patterned mesh. This leotard gives a stronger, edgier look in comparison to my other more elegant picks. I think this look incorporates both the strength and the grace of artistic gymnastics in a way that no one has done before.
No. 9: UCLA: The Bruins are used to making statements, and this Black Lives Matter leo is no exception. I’m not usually a paisley lover because it’s so busy, but something about this design just feels right. There were so many stylistic choices that came together to make this design work. The pattern, simple back, jewels and gold accent piping all work together to create a leotard that is both beautiful and a conversation starter.
No. 10: Kentucky: This leo is a monochromatic dream! I love how the use of different fabrics creates contrast within the design that would normally be created by different colors. There’s just enough sparkle, and I love the back.
No. 11: California: The perfect ombre doesn’t exist…enter California. Cal’s 2018 leos were really ahead of their time! They combined all the best things: stunning navy-to-white ombre, jewels and mesh cut outs done in the classiest way possible. There’s no way a leotard can look that pretty and still be made of comfortable material, but Cal managed to pull it off with ease.
No. 12: Alabama: I had to pick this one for the sleeves alone! I love that Alabama has been experimenting with patterned sleeves that fade into white. It’s a unique way to add in some pattern without overdoing it. I also liked that technique on its new houndstooth leotards. The swirl design is so elegant, and I like that the design on the sleeves connects to the jewels on the body. This is another leo that looks even better in motion than it does in a photo.
No. 13: UW-Lacrosse: This leo was love at first sight! I just can’t get over how all the elements flow from one to another. The colors, the design and the jewels all work together so seamlessly.This leo looks good in pictures and even better in motion.
No. 14: TWU: You guessed it! More sparkles, high necks and open backs with straps! This leotard really shines, especially when TWU takes on its largest Division-I foes.
No. 15: Temple: I appreciate Temple for designing a pink meet leotard that is neither boring nor a generic stock design. The leotard manages to stick to the theme while also paying homage to school spirit. I love the softness of the pink feather design. There’s just enough jewels to sparkle under the lights, and the unique back was the perfect touch.
READ THIS NEXT: Clemson Leotard Design Contest
Article by Tavia Smith
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