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 Christina, Rebecca and Tara 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!
Washington: 9.325
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 10.000
Design 3.0/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 3.0/3
This may have just made its way into my top five leotards of all time. Really. I love everything about it, from the shade of purple to the subtle ombre to the stunning back and the use of sparkles. Washington really outdid itself here. After years of bad to mildly bad leos, I’m shedding tears of joy that we got this stunner.
Christina: 10.000
Design 3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 3/3
This is stunning. This is probably my favorite leotard ever? I have nothing bad to say. I love it all.
Rebecca: 8.000
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
As the Washington alum in residence, I’m a little surprised that I like this a less than everyone else. It’s pretty enough, but the colors are dull and don’t really say Washington to me. I find the front pattern a little boring. Nice leo, but a distant second-best to the spectacular gold criss-cross leotard in my personal UW standings.
Tara: 9.300
Design 2.9/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
Hello, Washington! This is stunning. Between the ombre, the open back with “Washington” across the strap and the geometric sparkle design, I’m in love. After years of not great leos, Washington has upped its game the past couple of years. This one’s no different.
Arizona: 8.975
View a video of this leotard here and here.
Elizabeth: 9.400
Design 2.9/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
This is AMAZING. The belt may be my favorite part, which is so strange to say because I normally can take or leave belts, but I think the colored rhinestones really make it stand out here. I also like the continuation of those colored rhinestones on the sleeves, as well as the subtle blue on the chest and the ruching. Plus, the back is of course great.
Christina: 8.700
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
I really like this! This is unlike anything Arizona usually wears, and I really thought it was another team at first. The front is beautiful, and I love the belt and the use of colored rhinestones. I do like the back as well, but I wish it was better executed; maybe with the straps starting a bit further down, closer to where the bra strap is? Otherwise, a great leo!
Rebecca: 9.200
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
This is pretty much everything I’ve ever wanted. I love the back straps, I love the belt and the colors are so elegant. The bra situation isn’t ideal, but I think that’s more an issue of the team not being supplied bras that have an appropriate structure for the leotard versus anything about the leotard itself. I’d also prefer if the solid lining extended right up to the neckline in the front, but it’s a minor qualm.
Tara: 8.600
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
This is nice! It’s very un-Arizona compared to what it usually does, and I’m here for it. I especially love the rhinestone belt, crossy back and ruching. I also enjoy how “ARIZONA” is incorporated on the back.
Penn State: 8.425
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 9.300
Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
I love a modern take on a throwback, so when I heard Penn State was doing just that, I got very excited. The design lives up to my expectations. I’m obsessed with the classy yet athletic look, and I’m obsessed with the back. My favorite part might be the sleeve stripes? The only thing I wish wasn’t there was the chest hole, but I don’t actually mind it—I just prefer it to be solid instead.
Christina: 8.800
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
This is a fantastic leotard, although the color scheme reminds me of Cal’s. That said, I love the idea of a modern throwback. It’s a very athletic look, and the back is beautiful. I could have done without the chest hole, but it doesn’t bother me too much here.
Rebecca: 7.000
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
Everything about this looked so promising until the chest hole. I will never, ever, ever stand for a chest hole.
Tara: 8.600
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is a great mix of elegant and athletic! I love the all-white with blue stripes look, and the open back with blue straps is lovely too. The icing on the cake is the cascading rhinestones below the last blue stripe. My only real complaint is the weird chest hole.
Auburn: 8.200
Elizabeth: 8.000
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
I loooove this. My only real critique is I wish the orange didn’t just look like a blotch that accidentally spilled on the leo before the competition began. Good use of orange rhinestones, though.
Christina: 9.200
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
This is beautiful. I love the subtle hints of orange both on the front and back, and the use of orange sparkles on the sleeves as well. The sweetheart neckline is gorgeous, and this leo overall looks fantastic on everybody. Auburn has had some good ones recently, and this one is definitely near the top for me.
Rebecca: 7.700
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I kind of can’t believe we haven’t rated this before. It’s very much in the line of what Auburn has produced lately, but it’s very nice. I especially appreciate the sleeves being incorporated into the body pattern.
Tara: 7.900
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I love this overall! My only big complaint is I wish the orange extended more in the ombre. I love the use of the sweetheart neckline and the stripy pattern of the rhinestones, though.
Alabama: 7.750
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 6.900
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
I like this way better than some of Alabama’s past pink leo designs—especially the shade used. The design on the body is also pretty flattering. The only thing really throwing me off is the thick hot pink dog collar. Make it thin, turn it black or take it away completely, and you’re golden.
Christina: 9.000
Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is definitely one of my favorite pink leos. So lovely and elegant on everyone. I LOVE this ombré, the butterfly-ish design on the front, and the sweetheart neckline. I wasn’t too sure about the pink collar at first, but it ended up fine on TV. I do wish it was maybe a bit thinner, but a stunning look overall.
Rebecca: 7.700
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I’d be OK with the pink collar if it was actually the same color as the rest of the pink. As it is, the rest of the leotard is nice enough to mostly balance it out.
Tara: 7.400
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
For a pink leo, it’s a good one. The ombre combined with the sparkles and sweetheart neckline is lovely, and I like the little triangle sides, too. The only thing that throws me off is the pink collar, though it grew on me in motion.
Pittsburgh: 7.400
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.200
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
Apparently “Cathy” is a nickname for Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning, so full marks for school spirit. As an overall look, I like the highlighter yellow, bright blue and white ombre, as well as the geometric design. For some reason I’m not into pairing black with it, but overall it’s a good leo.
Christina: 7.600
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
Solid. This is different from some of the other new Pitt leos, and I like it. I appreciate that it’s Pitt-themed with the “Cathy” reference. Love the colors used here, although I wish the ombré sleeves had some shade of blue instead of all black mesh.
Rebecca: 6.100
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
It’s solid, but I’m just not a fan of the highlighter vibes in of a lot of Pitt’s new leotards. It reminds me of one of those translucent coloring pages you can hang on your window, right down to the colors being chosen by a child.
Tara: 8.700
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
I love this design to begin with, but the connection to Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning makes it that much better! I’m a sucker for a good geometric design like this, and the balance of blue and black combined with the yellow to white is great.
Southern Utah: 6.975
View a video of this leotard here and here.
Elizabeth: 7.000
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I actually like this and didn’t think I would as much. It reminds me of a design a team like Hungary would wear in elite. The ombre is obviously great, and the rhinestone detailing is nice, too. Plus, the leo is a little extra special as it honors a team member’s late mother, who passed away from cancer.
Christina: 4.400
Design 1/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3
There is a little too much happening here. The front looks like a Christmas card with way too many swirls and patterns. I do love the color scheme and ombré though. I am not a fan of the back either with the straight black straps down the back. At this point, commit to the swirly swirls everywhere.
Rebecca: 9.400
Design 2.9/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This was my love at first sight leotard for the weekend. The ombre is lovely and the design is just the right amount of ornate for me. Simple sleeves and a plainer matte body balance the design and stop it from being too much. I would put a skirt over this and wear it to a party, no question.
Tara: 7.100
Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I love that it honors a team member’s mother who recently passed away from cancer. As for the actual design itself, the ombre is gorgeous, and I like the straps on the back. I don’t usually like a ton of swirls, but they look nice here.
Oregon State: 6.375
View images of this leotard here and a video here.
Elizabeth: 8.400
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I really like this, but for once in my life, I don’t care for the strappy back. Maybe if it were black instead or just open, I would give this leo full marks, but the solid bright orange doesn’t seem to work for some reason. I love the sleeve pattern and front design though!
Christina: 7.600
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I love a great, strappy back, but here it looks like the physio got a little crazy with the KT tape. The pattern on the front bodice is lovely, and overall I do appreciate the use of black and orange. This one definitely looks better in motion. The sparkled belt is stunning.
Rebecca: 2.400
Design 0/3, Fabric 0.1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 0.1/3
The worst thing I have ever seen. No. Absolutely not. Make it stop. I have a headache from looking at this. Am I allowed to use negative numbers? The two shades of orange don’t even match, which is so much worse than mismatching blues because it’s ORANGE.
Tara: 7.100
Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
This leo has grown on me since I first saw it. The pattern on top is a little too much for my liking, yet it somehow works? I do like the strappy back, but it seems a little out of place on this leo. My favorite part, though, is the rhinestone belt.
Central Michigan: 5.975
Elizabeth: 6.100
Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I like the sleeves and the solid fabric arrows on the mesh, but I wish the front was solid shiny material, sort of like that one Minnesota leo. The back is nice, although I can’t unsee the off-center back clasp—though I get why it has to be off center. The side mesh triangles are a no.
Christina: 6.000
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
This has potential, but both the side mesh and the off-center back clasp thing truly bug me. I love the shade of red used for the solid part, and the neckline with the sparkles is lovely.
Rebecca: 5.500
Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.1/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
I’m into the side triangles honestly, but the whole body being reflective is a little much for me. In 2022 I thought we were past the Everything Must Sparkle Or We Will Die genre of leotard design.
Tara: 6.300
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
This reminds me of that one Minnesota leo combined with the Arizona side triangles leo. It’s good enough—the sparkles on front paired with the open back is nice—but I just wish it had a secondary color so it wasn’t so maroon.
Florida: 5.300
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 4.900
Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
New design, same old design. Sigh. I like the back—thanks for actually using orange!—but I hate the front. The way the solid fabric connects to the mesh creates a weird shape, and I don’t like the curved neckline. I was optimistic when Florida brought Sylvia P on, but for some reason we get yet another leo that looks like all the others.
Christina: 6.000
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
The front is boring and so UCLA 2004, but I love the back and the use of orange for the straps. I am glad we are out of the dark blue/black color scheme as well.
Rebecca: 4.400
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3
I mean… It’s OK. The squareness of the white top bothers me, and beyond that there’s just not a lot of personality.
Tara: 5.900
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
This is fine but nothing special. I enjoy how orange is incorporated into the crossy back and the shade of blue, but that’s about it. The white connects to the mesh at such a weird and abrupt point, and the cutoff between blue and white isn’t my favorite either.
Fan Poll
Congrats to George Washington for winning the week five fan poll! Vote for your favorite from week six here.
READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Week 5
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Christina Marmet, Rebecca Scally and Tara Graeve
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