Leotard Rankings: Conference Championships

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 Izzi, Tara and Mary Emma 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!

Michigan State: 9.100

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 9.400

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Every time I see this back, I love it a bit more—and I loved it a lot to begin with. The MSU signature pattern on the triangular part of the back is so clever, and I love the shade of green. Plus of course white is always a winner for me. One of my faves of the weekend.

Izzi: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

The green leos this weekend really delivered! There’s so much to love about this leo: the shades of green and white, the structured mesh back, the low waistline! The only thing I’m not obsessed with is the sparkle pattern on the front—it feels a bit stringy for some reason. Absolutely stunning overall!

Tara: 9.000

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3

I LOVE THIS. The white mesh combined with the green is lovely, the sparkles are great and the back is to die for. Plus, the subtle incorporation of MSU’s pattern is amazing. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the weekend. 

Mary Emma: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

This is great! I love a good green leo. I love the top part, as well as the back and the shade of green used. I really don’t have any complaints.

North Carolina: 8.850

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 9.600

Design 3.0/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3

This is hands down my favorite UNC leo. It’s FABULOUS. The cross-hatching front design, the white to blue ombre, the shiny blue body, the shade of blue… *chef’s kiss*

Izzi: 8.200

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

UNC has the best colors to work with, and they rarely disappoint. This is super simple but so pretty and elegant. 

Tara: 8.000

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I love the crossy design on the front combined with the blue and white ombre. It reminds me of a UNC rendition of Pitt’s new leo from last year, and that one was another good one. 

Mary Emma: 9.600

Design 3.0/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 3.0/3

This is hands down my favorite leotard of the season. The ombre blue is great, and the sparkle pattern is just *chef’s kiss.* I caught a glimpse of it from across the arena and could already tell is was going to be a new favorite.

BYU: 8.325

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 8.800

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I really really like this! From a far and in action, the design reminded me a bit of mountains, which is pretty fitting. I love the mix of colors, too, and the mesh works well in the places it’s included.

Izzi: 7.700

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I like this leo enough, but I feel like the ombre parts kind of mess up the sharp lines that the design requires. I think I just kind of want it to be this UCLA leo? I do love the V-neck, but what is going on with that strap across the front? 

Tara: 8.600

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is nice! I’m usually a fan of geometric designs, and this is no different. Elizabeth is right that it looks like mountains from afar, which is a great touch considering BYU’s location. The ombre and sleeves are nice, too, and the strap along the neckline actually works. 

Mary Emma: 8.200

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

Love this! I love a good pattern on the leo, and ombre is always a win for me. My only question is what’s up with the random strap across the chest.

Illinois: 8.450

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 9.000

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Illinois always kills it! I LOVE this design. It’s one of the few with a belt/side cutouts that looks good? Everything about this leo is perfect, from the ombre to the blue mesh sleeves to the school spirited strappy back.

Izzi: 7.800

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

The front of this leo is excellent. The shape of the belt and neckline are beautiful. Color-wise, I almost think this leo would be better if the whole body were a light orange, or if the orange to white ombre went the other direction. The light orange and blue work so well together that it makes the white bottom of the leo feel a bit unfinished. As usual, I hate the unnecessarily strappy back, but what else is new?

Tara: 8.700

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Illinois is killing the leo game! The Illini are great at incorporating orange without making it overwhelming; this leo is no exception. Pairing the blue to white ombre sleeves with the orange to white ombre on the chest is great, as is the triangle belt. I also love how the sparkle pattern is subtle but elegant. I’m in love!

Mary Emma: 8.300

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

Love this! Orange ombre is one of my favorites, and I like that Illinois uses it in its leos. My only complaint is the side cutouts—I wish it was just an orange belt or something—but overall a great design.

Rutgers: 8.400

View a video of this leotard here and images here.

Elizabeth: 8.000

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I like this a lot! It’s simpler than a lot of Rutgers’ recent designs, but I like it because of that. The white sweetheart neckline with descending rhinestones is great, and the very subtle pattern on the white fabric almost makes it look like the material is textured from afar.

Izzi: 9.100

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This one is absolutely gorgeous. I love the printed pattern on the white; I especially love that it continues through to the sheer back. I don’t even usually love sweetheart necklines, but I love the simple, clean lines here.

Tara: 7.900

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I’m in love! Between the sweetheart neckline, the sparkles and pairing the white top with a red bottom, it’s gorgeous! The pattern on the white fabric is subtle, but it’s a nice touch. Definitely a win for Rutgers!

Mary Emma: 8.600

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I love this! The shade of red is really pretty, and I love the sparkle pattern.

Temple: 7.975

Elizabeth: 7.600

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

Without the weird white side triangles, this would be close to a 10. Why are those there?! They ruin it. I love the back though, and the body apart from those cutouts is great.

Izzi: 8.100

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I’m with Elizabeth—what the heck is up with those side triangles? It’s gorgeous otherwise. Excellent use of ombre, and I actually don’t mind the way the straps look on the back. I love the geometric sparkle pattern as well. 

Tara: 7.700

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

Temple’s done it again! My only complaint is the side triangles seem awkward and out of place. The rest of it is gorgeous—from the ombre and sparkles to the crossy back. 

Mary Emma: 8.500

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

This would be a 10/10 for me if it weren’t for the side cutouts. Why?? It’s not enough to completely ruin it, but it definitely knocks things down a bit.

Central Michigan: 7.900

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 5.800

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I looove the yellow and red ombre, ruched front, but the back has way too much fabric for me. It almost looks like it’s overwhelming the gymnast. The front, again, is great, though.

Izzi: 9.100

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

This is gorgeous. It’s hard to make me really love this color combination, but this is exactly the way to do it. This stock design is getting a little old, but it rarely misses so I don’t mind. 

Tara: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

This loses uniqueness points for using that one stock design, but I LOVE it otherwise. The sleeve ombre, the sparkle, the crossy back—everything is lovely. 

Mary Emma: 8.700

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

I love this! This has to be one of my favorite stock designs, and I love seeing more teams using it.

Eastern Michigan: 7.825

View an image of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 9.500

Design 2.9/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3

I’ve been waiting for EMU to wear this leo since we spotted it on a recruit a few months ago. I LOVE it. The shade of green is great. The white with mesh sleeves and ombre is great. The back is fantastic. This is definitely one of my favorite leos of the weekend.

Izzi: 8.900

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

This leotard is absolutely excellent. The shades of green and white are both stunning, the use of mesh is tasteful and the straps on the back are not too overwhelming. It doesn’t even need the ombre sleeves to complete it, but they are definitely the cherry on top.

Tara: 6.900

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

I don’t love this as much as some of my fellow editors, but I do still like it. It’s hard to go wrong with green and white, and the crossy back is lovely. 

Mary Emma: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is lovely! I love pretty much everything about it, especially the sleeves and the strappy back.

Alabama: 7.700

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 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 great! From the shade of crimson to the sparkle design on the front to the black mesh sleeves, it all works well. The only thing I don’t like as much are the sparkle stars on the sleeves. I’m assuming there’s some significance? If not, they’re super random.

Izzi: 7.200

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I feel like I should love this leo, but for some reason I just can’t get into it. I think the V-neck combined with the maroon under the mesh gives me camisole-under-T-shirt vibes that I just can’t unsee. I’m also confused by the sharp square back, which deviates from the pattern on the front. 

Tara: 7.900

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

The front is STUNNING, and the back is solid. I’m a sucker for a good V design, and this one does it. The stars on the sleeves are slightly weird, but I’m willing to accept them. 

Mary Emma: 7.100

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

Like with the George Washington leo, I wish the sparkles weren’t just all in one place. That being said, I love the shade of red used.

Nebraska: 7.650

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.200

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I like this a lot! The thin black piping gives a flattering look, and I like the use of bold colors in a blocky design. My only gripe is I spent half the meet wondering if Nebraska has a leo like this already even though I knew it didn’t, so uniqueness goes down a bit because of that.

Izzi: 8.700

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is one of my favorites of the weekend (and I usually hate Nebraska leos)! The shade of red goes well with the white and black. I appreciate the use of clean lines on the top half to allow the more interesting middle section to stand out. I also love how the higher concentration of sparkles towards the middle looks in movement.

Tara: 6.900

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I really like this! The black lines on the red are lovely, and I love the amount of sparkle. I definitely thought Nebraska had a similar leo already and I’m shocked it didn’t!

Mary Emma: 7.800

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I really like this! The pattern on the front is cool, and I like the use of sparkles.

Arkansas: 7.400

View images of this leotard here and here, and a video here.

Elizabeth: 7.100

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

The cut of this design is really flattering, and as a whole the leo looks pretty good in action. It just doesn’t have anything I love, you know?

Izzi: 7.100

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

This leo is perfectly nice, but I think the pattern on the fabric makes it a bit too similar to this one to really stand out from the rest of the Arkansas leos. I love the sparkles, the clean shape and the simple cutout on the back. I agree with Elizabeth that there’s nothing that I really love here, though.

Tara: 7.200

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I’m usually not a fan of printed-on swirls on fabric, but it works here. What really gets me is the rhinestone pattern—it’s gorgeous. It looked good in motion, too!

Mary Emma: 8.200

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I really like this! Like Elizabeth said, there’s nothing I super love about it, but it looks really nice.

George Washington: 7.375

View a video of this leotard here and here.

Elizabeth: 7.000

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is very UCLA. I like the sparkle wave on the shoulder, and the otherwise plain body works with such a dramatic other element.

Izzi: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is the kind of leo that made me fall in love with UCLA 10 years ago. It’s funky but not super busy, and the overwhelming sparkle is awesome. 

Tara: 7.100

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

This is very different from what George Washington normally does and is very UCLA-esque. The swooping sparkles really make the leo. Without them, it would be pretty boring. 

Mary Emma: 6.400

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

It looks like George Washington took a simple leo and then decided to throw a million sparkles all in one spot. It just doesn’t flow the way I would want it to.

Ohio State: 7.350

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.800

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I love this, but I would have loved it even more with the Block O logo on the chest rather than the weed—er, buckeye—leaf. Literally everything else is fantastic though.

Izzi: 8.200

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I love Ohio State’s commitment to the buckeye leaf, despite what we all think it looks like. The black sparkles are very elegant and unique, which really makes this stand out to me. I don’t love the veiny pattern on the body and the back is a bit overdone for me.

Tara: 6.400

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

I’d like this infinitely more if the buckeye leaf was on the sleeve and not the chest. The ombre and back are both nice; I just can’t get over the large buckeye leaf on the chest. 

Mary Emma: 7.000

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

Love everything about this except for the buckeye leaf on the front. It seems really out of place, and all I can think of is a pot leaf.

Pittsburgh: 7.325

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 6.400

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I love the pattern on the chest and the highlighter yellow with the blue. I don’t like the black mixed in or the shiny blue bottom, but it’s a solid leo overall.

Izzi: 7.400

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I really like the shape and bright pattern on this one. This is the way you do a shield-style leo. The slight ombre on the sleeves is an excellent touch as well. However, I’m very confused by the back — why does the pattern just stop half way around?

Tara: 6.800

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This isn’t my favorite Pitt leo, but it’s another good one. Pitt definitely knows how to balance yellow and blue, and the design is solid. 

Mary Emma: 8.700

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

Pitt once again killing the leo game! I love a good pattern and the shade of blue used, as well as the subtle ombre on the chest.

Stanford: 7.225

View images of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.100

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

The back is great, the front is kind of boring, the tree works and the mystique fabric is not for me. I think that sums it up pretty well!

Izzi: 6.700

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is extremely boring except for the tree. They should make more use of that icon! Besides that, I’m bored, and the straps on the back are not my cup of tea.

Tara: 7.700

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I’m LIVING for the tree on the front. It’s very Stanford and it actually works. I also enjoy the ombre sleeves, mystique fabric and the open back. 

Mary Emma: 7.400

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

Not the most unique leo, but it’s not bad. I really like the school spirit touch with the tree on the front, and the strappy back is nice.

Washington: 7.050

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.300

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

It’s a pretty simple leo, but the details are executed well. I like everything from the shade of purple, use of yellow rhinestones, neckline cut and open back. Washington having good leos is revolutionary, and I’m here for it.

Izzi: 7.200

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

This is very simple, but I appreciate it. Use of colored sparkles is always a win for me, and I love the open back that doesn’t add any ridiculous straps just for kicks. The line between the lined and unlined mesh at the shoulder seams is unnecessarily distracting; I wish they had lined the whole thing.

Tara: 6.500

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is solid. It’s nothing special, but it has all the elements of a good leo. The use of gold rhinestones is especially nice—it’s such a great way to incorporate gold without using gold fabric. 

Mary Emma: 7.200

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

It’s simple but very nice. I love the use of the shiny purple and the sparkle pattern. My only gripe is that I wish the sleeves were the same color as the shoulder area.

Oklahoma: 6.650

View images of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 3.900

Design 0.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 0.7/3

All I see is Santa. More specifically I see those outfits they wore in Mean Girls in the talent show scene. Normally I love OU leos, but this season’s designs aren’t for me.

Izzi: 8.100

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

The first second I saw this, I gasped because I loved it so much. Then all of you ruined it with the Santa comments! I’m choosing to go back in time to before I saw the santa costume and rejoice in the excellence. The chevron is fun and unique for OU, and the simple color block is a breath of fresh air for them. I stand by my original feelings about it.

Tara: 6.700

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

I was physically there and can confirm that it did look like Santa in-person. Once I get past the Santa similarity, I actually like it—the zig zag design and sparkles are nice. Plus, it photographed well. 

Mary Emma: 7.900

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I actually really like this. Yes, it looks like Santa, but Christmas is my favorite holiday so I don’t really care. Oklahoma knows how to create leos that get everyone talking, and this one is no exception.

California: 6.625

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.100

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

This is nice in isolation, but it’s kind of similar to another leo Cal has and overall pretty boring. I like the incorporation of school spirit, though, and you really can’t go wrong with a navy leo with white to navy ombre sleeves.

Izzi: 6.000

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I’m going to say something controversial: I hate Cal leos (let’s leave the pride one out of this for now). Every single one looks so similar to me, and though they’re never offensive because of their excellent color scheme and generally simple designs, I am just. so. bored.

Tara: 7.400

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This is another good Cal leo. It is similar to another older Cal leo, but I think I like this one more. The front rhinestone design really makes it for me, and the school spirit is definitely there with the “Cal” band across the back. 

Mary Emma: 6.000

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

If you hadn’t told me this was new, I definitely thought Cal had worn it before. Like Izzi said, there’s nothing offensive about it, but it’s just kind of boring.

Iowa: 6.525

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 5.900

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

I like the front a lot. I definitely see “Medusa.” I wish the back was completely open, but I also can appreciate the nude and use of two shades of it.

Izzi: 6.800

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

This one is so close to being a leo that I love, but there are so many little things I can’t ignore. What I love: the cut on the waist, the creamy white, sparkles at the waist. What I hate: those stringy squiglies, the nude back, Iowa’s refusal to acknowledge the color yellow. I think this would have looked lovely with the white mesh from the arms continuing through to the back. I also don’t love the thick dog collar neck, but it didn’t bother me watching the meet so I can look past it.

Tara: 6.200

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but I’m not in love with it either. The front is nice, and the Hawkeye logo on the back is a nice touch. Is it too much to ask Iowa to use more yellow? 

Mary Emma: 7.200

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

Shout out to Iowa for having a leo that actually looks different from the others. I wish the back wasn’t just nude mesh—give me something strappy—but overall it’s one of Iowa’s better leos.

Minnesota: 6.450

View an image of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 5.100

Design 1.3/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3

The mesh down arrow on the front is weird and doesn’t look that flattering in my opinion, and the back is almost too open? Don’t get me wrong, I like the back, but it’s a lot of skin showing.

Izzi: 7.500

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I actually really like the waist design and the gold piping here. It doesn’t feel very Minnesota to me, though. I think a line of maroon piping next to the gold would do wonders in jazzing this up and making it feel a little more Gophers to me.

Tara: 6.300

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This reminds me of a jazzed-up version of Minnesota’s other black leo. The mesh V is off-putting, but I love the touch of gold incorporated in the piping. 

Mary Emma: 6.900

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

Meh. This looks almost identical to one of Minnesota’s other leos, just with a weird cutout on the stomach. Plus, the back is super boring—I wish it had straps or a gopher head or something.

Oregon State: 6.375

View a video of this leotard here and here.

Elizabeth: 6.100

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

Claire described the neckline as looking like when your underwear band starts to pull away from the rest of the fabric, and I can’t unsee it. I also dislike how bright and shiny the orange on the back is. The rest is OK, but overall it’s pretty meh.

Izzi: 5.000

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3

Unfortunately for this leo, Claire’s description is spot on. It feels very mid-2000s, but not in a way I really enjoy. Very meh for me. 

Tara: 7.000

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I enjoy this more than some of my fellow editors. The neckline isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t appall me as much as others. I like the amount of sparkle, ombre and the crossy back. 

Mary Emma: 7.400

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I really like this design other than the neckline. Like, why? The back and the ombre sleeves are gorgeous though.

Boise State: 6.325

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 6.600

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit  0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I think this could have been improved with orange rhinestones. However, I do appreciate that Boise State didn’t ruin a good leo with random orange. Overall it’s a nice design but nothing revolutionary.

Izzi: 5.300

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is very boring to me—almost like an old Florida leo with plain blue and sparkles. I don’t particularly like the design on either side, but there’s nothing offensive about it.

Tara: 7.300

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This is solid overall! It’s relatively simple, but the sparkle pattern is nice. The mesh triangle on the back also works. A bonus is that it’s better than a lot of Boise State’s older leos, which is definitely welcome. 

Mary Emma: 6.100

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is fine. It doesn’t scream Boise State to me, and it’s a bit boring for my taste.

Auburn: 6.100

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 6.400

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I love the idea of an outer space design, but it reminds me too much of camo, which is turning me off a bit. I like the white, though, and the orange rhinestones.

Izzi: 4.100

Design 0.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1/3

All I see here is camo, which really makes me hate it. I can see myself really enjoying this leo if it looked more galaxy themed, but that’s not what comes through here. The cut of the top really reminds me of a soccer mom wrap shirt, which isn’t doing anyone any favors. 

Tara: 6.600

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I can’t decide how I feel about this. On one hand, it’s unique and looks solid, but on the other hand, it reminds me of camo. I’m going to choose to think the blue and white are supposed to be the sky and play into Auburn’s “War Eagle” saying. 

Mary Emma: 7.300

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is very different from anything Auburn has done, and I rather like it. I don’t really like the faux V neck, but the pattern is cool. It’s great to see something different.

Utah: 5.850

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 6.100

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is OK, but the fact that the body is, I think, velvet raises it a lot in my rating. I also love the back, how the criss-cross straps start over fabric and have just a touch over the open back.

Izzi: 4.300

Design 0.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.2/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.2/3

What is with all the stringy sparkles this week? I’m as thrilled as everyone else to see the velvet body, but there’s not much else to like here. The back straps feel kind of silly with the rest of the fabric covering it, and the iridescent fabric is overwhelming. Even the scallops can’t save this one for me.

Tara: 6.600

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

The base design on the front of the body reminds me of an Iowa State leo with the scallopy mesh. The strappy back is my favorite part, but I also love the sparkle design and how red-colored rhinestones are incorporated. 

Mary Emma: 6.400

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

This is fine. I’m not particularly a fan of the sparkle pattern on the front, but the strappy back is nice.

LSU: 5.725

View a video of this leotard here and images here.

Elizabeth: 5.300

Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3

I think liking the combo of purple and matte white is making me like this more than I should. The back is good, but the front design is a no. Nothing super special about the design in general.

Izzi: 4.400

Design 0.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1/3

All I see on the front is one of those bandana tops that are in right now. Just because you can wear a bandana as a top doesn’t mean you should, LSU. The back also feels like it has nothing to do with the front. The purple and white combo is doing some heavy lifting to save this from disaster, but there’s really not much else to like about it.

Tara: 6.900

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I LOVE the back. The front has grown on me, though it’s not super unique. It’s solid overall, but it’s not revolutionary. 

Mary Emma: 6.300

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I definitely thought this was a leo that LSU already had when I first saw it, so it loses points in the uniqueness. I do like the shade of purple.

Maryland: 5.025

View a video of this leotard here and more detailed images here.

Elizabeth: 4.500

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3

I hate this design and I hate the pattern on the fabric. It’s just not my cup of tea. Give me a turtle shell print of something!

Izzi: 6.800

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

I really love the design on the fabric and the sparkle pattern at the waist, but I really wish it didn’t have the deep V cutout and the neck outline. It makes the front look too busy and distracting and detracts from the elegant vibe of the red pattern. 

Tara: 4.500

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.2/3

This design isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve never liked patterns like this on leos, and this one isn’t an exception. 

Mary Emma: 4.300

Design 1.0/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.0/3

Meh. The design is just too busy for me, and I really dislike the neckline.

Georgia: 4.325

View an image of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 3.500

Design 0.8/3, Fabric 0.2/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.0/3

I swear Georgia’s had this leotard for at least two years and is only just now wearing it. And it’s not even like it was a highly anticipated debut, for me. I don’t like lace, and the fact that it’s all black makes the design get lost a bit.

Izzi: 3.000

Design 0.8/3, Fabric 0.2/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 0.8/3

I am shocked Georgia hasn’t worn this leo yet! I could have sworn I saw it in the early 2010s. It feels like a relic of that time to me—it felt like everyone was doing lace for a while. I can’t get behind it because all I can see is underwear. Lace is not for leos.

Tara: 4.700

Design 1.3/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

Lace is hit or miss for me—I usually don’t like it, but sometimes I do. This is a case of the former.

Mary Emma: 6.100

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

This is fine. I typically find most black leos super boring, and this is one of them. I do like the lace sleeves (which is apparently an unpopular opinion here).

UCLA: 3.675

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 3.700

Design 0.5/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 0.3/3

All I see if the boob towel. The back is actually pretty nice, but I can’t forgive the front. It’s awful. My attention shouldn’t be drawn to the gymnasts’ chests first time.

Izzi: 4.000

Design 0.4/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 0.4/3

Oh dear. This looks like the TikTok trend where people are wearing their bikinis upside down. I can give them points for the colors in the ombre and the gold sparkles, but that’s where it ends. There is so much bizarre mesh that is just unflattering and almost makes the leo look unfinished. One of UCLA’s worst, which is saying something.

Tara: 2.900

Design 0.3/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 0.3/3

I can’t with this. Elizabeth describes it as the boob towel leo, and I can’t unsee it. It’s horrendous. Its one redeeming quality is the colors, but that’s about it. 

Mary Emma: 4.100

Design 0.6/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 0.4/3

I had almost forgotten that this leo existed, and then I was reminded of the monstrosity. I really like the back, but that’s about the only nice thing I can say about it.

Fan Poll

Congrats to Minnesota for winning the week 10 fan poll! Vote for your favorite from the conference championships here.

READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Week 10

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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Izzi Baskin, Tara Graeve and Mary Emma Burton

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