It’s NCAA gymnastics season, and the leotards are as sparkly as ever. With new designs come your favorite series: Leotard Rankings! Each week we’re analyzing leotard debuts to find our weekly faves. There will be up to three points for design, up to one point each for fabric and sparkle, school spirit and uniqueness, and up to three points for overall appearance. This week Talitha, Tara and Tavia are joining editor in chief Elizabeth to help judge. Don’t agree with our ranking? Let us know your thoughts on this week’s leos in the comments or on social media!
And don’t forget to vote in the poll at the end of the article each week. We’ll be tabulating all the votes to find the overall fan favorite design at the conclusion of the 2022 season!
Denver: 8.100
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 8.100
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I LOVE this. And I really like Denver incorporating gold again like it used to back in the day. Black and white is always a good combo, especially when it’s matte white, and there’s just enough gold to add a bit of flair to this design. What a great leo for Denver!
Talitha: 7.900
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
My brain will forever associate this leotard with Lynnzee Brown’s latest injury, and it’s a shame because I quite like it. The matte white upper half and the use of crystals are very pretty, though the back is a bit underwhelming. I would have perhaps liked it better if the bottom half had been brown, rather than black.
Tara: 8.400
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
It’s so hard to do gold right in a leo, but this one does it. I’ve always wanted schools to lean into the gold sparkles more than the fabric—this one does just that and does it beautifully and elegantly. Plus, the gold piping paired with the mostly black and white body is just enough without being overwhelmingly gold. Bonus points because it looked great on TV!
Tavia: 8.000
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I love this! I appreciate that Denver stepped away from its usual designs to give us some more gold accents. I like the jewel design and the shape of the back.
UCLA: 8.375
View an image of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.800
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I love a thin strap! The back here is to die for. The front is also very good, but it looks just a touch strange with the faux sternum opening and the somewhat small neck hole, which looks kind of restricting and weird.
Talitha: 8.800
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
The narrow V-neck gives this leotard a bit of a claustrophobic feel, but other than that, I really like this design. The different shades of blue work very well together and the use of mesh gives it an elegant and timeless look. Additional points for the lovely back!
Tara: 8.200
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
I love the geometric nature of this and the varying shades of blue used. I also enjoy the amount of sparkle and the patterns created by them. Plus, the strappy back is to die for.
Tavia: 8.700
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
I cannot give a logical reason as to why I love this leo. I just do. The different shades of blue in the front design are flattering, and the strappy back just puts it over the top. Everytime I see this leo, I like it more and more.
Auburn: 7.750
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.400
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I think I love the concept of this design more than the actual design. The way the shoulders have drooping sparkles like toilet paper hanging off the tree at Toomer’s Corner is so clever, plus of course the tiger stripes add even more school spirit.
Talitha: 8.000
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I like the concept better than the design. Explosion-style leotards are not really my thing, though I was surprised at how good it looked in motion. The open back could have been a bit bolder.
Tara: 8.000
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
OK, I love the connection between this leo and Toomer’s Corner. There’s lots of subtle school spirit here, and I’m LIVING for it. The concept is better than the design, though, but it’s still a good leo.
Tavia: 7.600
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
There is nothing more Auburn than this leotard. I mainly docked points because I have an aversion to Ozone fabric, and the design got a bit busy for me. I love that the jewels on the sleeves paid homage to Toomer’s Corner. It’s especially fitting that the Tigers took down Alabama while wearing this leo.
Arizona State: 7.700
View a video of this leotard here and more images here.
Elizabeth: 7.700
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I like to think of this as the sunset leo from the dark side. And I love it a lot. Maybe not quotes as much as the original, but the black twist is great, especially the thin black piping on the arms, which are often a neglected part of a leo design-wise.
Talitha: 7.000
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I don’t dislike this leotard, and the ombre part is beautiful, but isn’t it similar to many we’ve seen before?
Tara: 8.200
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
The sunset leo was a great one, and this one is just as good. I love how the black pairs with the ombre, the V design and the amount of sparkle.
Tavia: 7.900
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
There’s nothing not to like about this leo! The ombre, the neckline and sleeve detailing are giving what they are supposed to give. This leo is classy and screams “sunset in Tempe.”
Florida: 7.550
View more images of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.300
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
Typical feelings about Florida getting yet another pink leo aside, this is one of the best ones it’s ever had. I love the shade of pink paired with the black, and the design is nice, too. I just wish it appeared to fit the gymnasts a little better.
Talitha: 8.000
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
Of all the unnecessary pink leotards that Florida has produced over the years, this is definitely one of the better ones. I love the ombre body, and the colors work so nicely together. It’s just a shame the pink of the mesh doesn’t match the pink of the body.
Tara: 7.900
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
This is definitely one of the best Florida pink leos. I’ll always love a good ombre body, and this is up there with Michigan State’s pink leo. The V stops at just the right place, and I love how it continues to the back and is outlined with sparkles.
Tavia: 7.000
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I have some mixed emotions on this one. This is easily my favorite Florida Link to Pink leotard, but something about the V design carrying onto the sleeves wasn’t the most flattering. Also, does the fabric look very thin or is that just me? I loved the ombre and the sparkles. Here’s to hoping this leo will get to stay in the pink meet rotation.
Nebraska: 7.025
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.400
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This is one of the better stock designs, and it really works well with the mostly black design with pops of hot pink. I love the ombre and how it fades into a moody look on the belt and sleeves. Plus, the arrows and stripes work well. Much improved on the pink leo front for Nebraska.
Talitha: 6.700
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
This is a stock design, which is always a tad disappointing. But it’s one of the good ones, so I’m happy to see it used. Overall, I have nothing against the result, the color combination works well, and the mesh part is beautiful. However, it just keeps reminding me of a Nastia Liukin Cup leotard, and I’m not sure I like it.
Tara: 6.900
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
This is definitely leaps and bounds better than Nebraska’s old pink leo. It is a stock design and not the most unique, but the pink and black pair nicely together. I think my favorite part is the way the pink looks on the belt along with the belt’s arrows. Definitely an overall pink leo win for Nebraska.
Tavia: 7.100
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
There’s a reason this design has been selling like hot cakes—it’s cute! I liked the choice to turn this stock design into a pink meet leo. It’s a classic that will never get old. I’m a huge fan of the belt, the open back and the ombre sleeves.
Rutgers: 6.925
View more images of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.200
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This is very busy, but it works. I love Rutgers lean into red and white. I think my favorite part of this leo is the sleeves. The dark red rhinestones on the mesh white looks great. I also like how the back straps are places specifically to be a continuation of the design.
Talitha: 7.000
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I always appreciate the originality of Rutgers’ designs. I’m not a huge fan of the pattern here, but the school spirit is certainly there. I’m not quite sure what to make of the rhinestone pattern around the neck, though.
Tara: 7.400
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
The more I look at this, the more I think it might be a touch busy. I do like the concept overall and how the arrows are arranged in a V. The sparkles are solid, too. And, of course, the strappy back is great.
Tavia: 6.100
Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
I think this might be an unpopular opinion, but I am not fond of this one. The jewel design on top of the screen-printed arrows were a bit too much. I do like the sleeves and the strappy back, but that’s about it.
Washington: 6.600
View a video of this leotard here and here.
Elizabeth: 6.300
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
While this leo might be considered a little boring, the amount of sparkle is actually great. There’s SO. MUCH. I also always love when a design is created in the absence of rhinestones when there are a whole bunch surrounding it.
Talitha: 6.900
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
I quite like this leotard. Its design is quite basic, but I like the cascade effect that crystals create. I’m not a fan of the shiny fabric, but it works well here.
Tara: 6.500
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
This is fine. It’s not the most unique or flashy, but it’s definitely a solid leo. The sparkles are wisely placed and look great, especially in motion. I also enjoy the shade of purple.
Tavia: 6.700
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I love the shade of purple chosen. I just wish some more design elements went into making this leo come to life. I like the amount of sparkle used and the “W” on the back. I’m sure it shines under the arena lights.
Alaska: 5.225
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 5.500
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
I know I’ve said this before, but shiny white leos just don’t do it for me. They always make the gymnasts look a bit bloated. I think I would have preferred for this design to have had a green body with no belt. The back is nice, though. Minimal yellow is always good.
Talitha: 5.700
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
I really like the back of this leotard. The black mesh part that subtly emerges amidst the yellow straps is really pretty. I’m on board with the concept of a green belt, too. The shiny white body is a big no for me, though.
Tara: 4.600
Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.2/3
I don’t love this. The shiny white is too much, and I don’t love the neckline either. It’s just not meshing with me. I would like it more if the green and white on the body were switched. The addition of the gold straps with the open back is nice, though.
Tavia: 5.100
Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
I like the idea, but the execution fell a bit flat for me. I wish the body was green instead of white and that the band at the waist was better placed. I do like the open, strappy back though!
Fan Poll
Congrats to Oregon State for winning the week three fan poll! Vote in this week’s poll here.
READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Week 3
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Talitha Ilacqua, Tara Graeve and Tavia Smith
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