Leotard Rankings: Week 8

When the college gymnastics season rolls around, some fans are excited for perfect 10s while others look forward to difficult skills and fun choreography. But we’re not going to lie. While those things are great, we love the leos most of all. And so, we’re back for another season of leotard rankings!

Each week we’re analyzing new designs to find our weekly faves. As always, leos can earn up to three points for design, up to one point each for fabric, sparkle, school spirit, and uniqueness, and up to three points for overall appearance. This week Claire B, Emily L, Mariah, and Peri are joining editor-in-chief Elizabeth for judging. And, reminder that each season we save all the NCGA and USAG new team leos to judge together at the end of each division’s respective postseason, so be on the lookout for our thoughts on those then!

Don’t agree with our ranking? Make your opinion heard by voting in the fan poll at the end of the article each week or by voicing your thoughts on social media!

Michigan State University: 8.600

View video of leotard here and pictures of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 9.300

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3

LOVE. Michigan State rarely misses! I love how school spirit is incorporated into the sides and back straps, and I am obsessed with the simple-yet-athletic throwback look. Plus, matte fabric!

Claire B: 8.800

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

This is a fantastic modern take on what is, frankly, a dated design. The matte fabric is the correct choice, and the sparkles make it feel fun and fresh. I wish the back were a little simpler, but overall, this is a great leo. 

Emily L: 8.600

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

I like it! This was a great way to incorporate a throwback design while also keeping it modern with the strappy back. The only thing I don’t love is the design up the sides and the arms , but I do understand that it’s part of the throwback look. 

Mariah: 7.100

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

I love a good throwback look and you can never go wrong with matte white and green. I like the way the pattern looks on the back straps, but I don’t love it on the sides/arms. However, it’s obviously part of the original design, so it couldn’t just be left out. 

Peri: 9.200

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Whoever designed this needs to work with every major league to design their reverse retro uniforms. It’s a genius adaptation of the leotard it alludes to, and is done beautifully by making the pattern the focal point instead of using flashy fabrics. 

Penn State: 8.600

View video of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 8.500

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

More throwback looks, please! I will always love it! This design looks really great in motion and is flattering and athletic. I also like how the rhinestones are incorporated. The 60 on the sleeve is a nice touch too.

Claire B: 8.800

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

I love a good throwback leo, and this is a good throwback leo! The different colored rhinestones are the perfect modern update, infusing a little glamor into this athletic look. 

Emily L: 8.400

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

I love how this has a throwback look with some modern sparkle and a more modern-looking back. The sparkle doesn’t go over the top. Overall I really like this one! 

Mariah: 8.200

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I’m a big fan of this! I love the matte fabric and how athletic it looks. The 60 on the sleeve is a nice touch for a throwback design. I wish the back straps were different, but that’s really the only thing I don’t love. Everything else is excellent!

Peri: 9.100

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

Another gorgeous throwback in the Big Ten this week! Penn State put on a masterclass on using stones to accentuate the design instead of accenting for accenting’s sake. 

Iowa: 8.320

View pictures of the leotard here and a fun bonus video here.

Elizabeth: 8.300

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

Finally yellow!!! And shout out to the teaser video Iowa released, too. Such a fun way to promote it. I love this overall. The solid black bottom and the way it transitions into the top isn’t my favorite—I wish the top continued into a black ombré instead—but otherwise this is a good design for Iowa’s finally very yellow leo.

Claire B: 9.100

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Iowa in black and gold makes me so happy! As I’ve said before, I typically don’t like deep Vs, but this actually kind of works… Maybe because of the contrast between the rhinestones and fabric? The back is phenomenal. This is bold and glam and wholly unforgettable.  

Emily L: 8.600

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

Oh my gosh it’s yellow! I think the design on the front combined with the use of sparkle is really pretty, and I also like the unique back. Iowa, we’ve been waiting for the yellow, and you did not disappoint! 

Mariah: 7.700

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! This is by far my favorite Iowa leo of all time. The yellow ombre on the bodice is stunning and looks great with the black rhinestone design. The sleeve and bodice colors don’t exactly match, but that’s a small detail I’m willing to overlook. I hope this is a start of a new trend for the Hawkeyes!

Peri: 7.900

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

Yellow!!! The color alone hits two marks for me: working towards big numbers in school spirit and uniqueness. I also appreciate the stoning being in black on the torso, and how it adds contrast to the lighter stones on black fabric.

Nebraska: 8.200

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.400

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

I like the feature (or, dare I say corn husk?) design, but I wish it was symmetrical. That aside, the ombre in the petals/leaves is really nice. And, of course, the hidden corn is a nice touch.

Claire B: 8.900

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

Ooh, this is fantastic. It doesn’t actually evoke “corn” for me, but it does scream, “Nebraska!” They’ve done a lovely job of letting the dramatic elements shine. I even like the red mystique on the bottom. 

Emily L: 8.500

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

I like it! I always like a red leo, and I feel like the design is unique and something we haven’t seen before. I could do without the maybe corn details on the side, but I understand why they did it and it’s not enough to make me dislike the leo. 

Mariah: 8.600

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I love this! The colors are so vibrant and bold. My only gripe is that I wish the waistline on the front wasn’t asymmetrical, but other than that, this is pretty perfect in my eyes. 

Peri: 7.600

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

I think this is my favorite of the Nebraska leotards since the pandemic. The subtle inclusion of the corn (?) down the arms to match the torso is brilliant, and the ombre keeps it legible in motion.

Rutgers: 7.880

View pictures of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.700

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

I like this! It actually reminds me a lot of Nebraska’s Leo style. I normally don’t like the off-the-shoulder look, but it works here. I really like the small back holes and the sparkle design on the front, too.

Claire B: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

Very cool look from Rutgers! The chain of keyholes reminds me of designs from the early ‘90s (which isn’t a bad thing), and the rhinestone design is a nice complement. The fabric choices are also solid. All in all, they’ve done a good job of toeing the line between “complex” and “too busy.”  

Emily L: 8.300

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I like this one! The design in the middle is so unique and I like the mesh holes in the front. I don’t love the mesh on top, but the middle makes up for it. 

Mariah: 7.200

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

This is really nice! I like the off-the-shoulder look and I think the design overall is very classy. I could live without the mesh holes on the front and the sleeves, ultimately they don’t bother me too much and I appreciate that it’s a design element that is carried throughout the leotard.

Peri: 8.200

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

It’d be a total yes from me if the red were somehow continued on the top of the design, but I’m still calling it a hit for Rutgers! I appreciate the continuity between the front and back, and the purposeful contrast of matte and mystique fabrics.

UC Davis: 7.500

View video of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.800

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

Ooo! OK, UC Davis! This is so different than what Davis normally wears, but I appreciate the effort to incorporate more gold into its leo’s this year. The top half of the front is almost flawless. I don’t love the belly design—I wish it was just a plain blue—but the back makes up for it.

Claire B: 6.400

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

I really like the front—particularly the throwback logo and purposeful use of the sparkles—but the neck and straps in the back are a little too chunky for me. However, the colors are beautiful! Hope to see more deep blue and gold in future UC-Davis leos. 

Emily L: 8.600

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I really like this one! I like the design in both the front and the back, and I especially love the high gold neck matched with gold that’s on the rest of the leo. I just wish there was a bit more sparkle on the sleeves.

Mariah: 7.000

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

When I first saw this, I didn’t like it, but I have changed my mind. I’m still not crazy about the back–I wish the straps were navy, a bit thinner, or both. But ultimately they carry over from the front design and help with the cohesion of the look, so I see why it was designed that way. The front is lovely, and despite the simplicity, I really love the vertical rhinestone design on the front and the shoulder details.

Peri: 7.700

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

UC Davis pivoted hard with this design, and now I can’t wait to see more gold in their future leos. The thicker bands of gold help it stand out from the rest of the nation’s blue and gold teams, especially those also in California.

Auburn: 7.480

View video of leotard here and pictures of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.400

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

From afar, this reminds me of George Washington’s newest pink leo. The shade is blinding, but I don’t hate it. I like the back nude element and how it’s elevated with the sparkly tiger, but I am concerned that in anything other than still images it would get lost and just look like a sparkly blob.

Claire B: 7.700

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

There are a lot of elements that I really like: the use of mesh, the multicolored rhinestones, and the sparkly logo and tiger. That said, there is a lot going on here, and it’s a little overwhelming. 

Emily L: 8.600

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I like it! I like the white part underneath the Auburn logo in the front, and I think the pink tiger on the back is super cool. 

Mariah: 6.700

Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

There’s a bit too much happening here for me. The shade of pink is sooo bright, there’s too many sparkles, and there’s a giant tiger head on the back. I’m still undecided, but I’m leaning towards not liking the tiger on the back, but it may be the kind of design element that I grow to like over time. That being said, it’s certainly unique.

Peri: 7.000

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

The back is stunning, and I wish either the front were solid pink or the sleeves were also nylon to keep the tiger as the focal point. All in all it’s a smart take on the pink leo, and a clever way to highlight the open back. 

Utah State: 7.450

View video and pictures of leotard here. 

Elizabeth: 7.800

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

The front is very New Hampshire, simple, and straight-forward; so the back is the real star here. I, of course, love the mountain design, and the way the hole is incorporated works with the overall theme.

Claire B: 8.100

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

I’m a sucker for athletic leos with mountains, so this ticks a lot of boxes for me. The colors are gorgeous, though I’d prefer something matte on the body to let the sparkles really stand out. 

Emily L: 6.100

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

This one is too boring for me. I know the back is the star of the show, but in my mind it doesn’t make up for the front. I also just don’t feel like the front and back match, which I’m not a fan of. 

Mariah: 7.000

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

Utah State has been quietly killing the simple leotard game the last couple of seasons and this design is no exception. While the front is very simple, the back makes a statement and incorporates school spirit in a creative way. No matter how many teams jump on the landscape/skyline bandwagon, I think I will always love it.

Peri: 8.200

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

A definite step in the right direction for Utah State, who tends to gravitate towards simpler leos. The mountains on the back remind me of Alaska’s new leotard from this year, and I think every team with an iconic landscape should be following suit. 

Clemson: 7.420

View video of leotard here and view pictures of leotard here. 

Elizabeth: 6.900

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

This actually isn’t bad at all. I like the way the back hole and design mimics the ribbon, and the front sweetheart neckline is flattering. However, the front hole ruins the whole thing. I really don’t like it at all. From far away it looks like a tie, and from up close it reminds me of something else.

Claire B: 8.500

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

It’s hard to have a fresh take on a Pink Meet leo, but Clemson pulled it off. Incorporating the breast cancer awareness ribbon is a really unique and meaningful choice. I could do without the high collar and chest hole, but the detailing on the sleeves and wrists is perfect!

Emily L: 7.500

Design 2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

I like it! The shade of pink is really pretty, and I just noticed how the back looks like the breast cancer ribbon and I love that! I’m usually not a fan of the chest holes, but this time I feel like it made a simpler-looking leo more unique. 

Mariah: 6.8

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I actually really like this shade of pink! The way the back mimics the pink ribbon design is really creative. I don’t, however, appreciate the chest hole. It’s very odd and unnecessary, but also far from the most egregious chest cut out I’ve seen in NCAA.

Peri: 7.400

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

Nastia Cup 2025 potential leotard? There’s a lot going on, but it all looks like it has a purpose – especially the keyhole creating a pink ribbon motif, and it all being connected to the front’s pink chevron.

William & Mary: 7.180

View video of leotard here.

Update: The black on the back is a sports bra. The leo itself is an open-back design.

Elizabeth: 7.500

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

A really good one from William & Mary! It’s a simple design, but it does a great job with what it’s working with. The green to black ombre is fantastic, but the back is a little weird with the extra black fabric. Maybe it’s for modesty? Or is it just a design choice?

Claire B: 7.600

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

The ombre body and sleeves are fabulous, perfectly complemented by the pearls! I’m not a fan of deep Vs, and the black fabric fill on the front and in the open back look out of place.   

Emily L: 7.500

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

The front is simple, but I like it. The shade of dark green is really pretty and I like the design on the front as well. I don’t love the black piece in the back, it just looks a little too small and makes the back look tight instead of open. 

Mariah: 6.500

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

This is a simpler design, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. This shade of green is so pretty and the ombre is really well done. I have no issues with the front design, but I wish the back was different. Maybe some thinner straps or something a bit more open? It just feels a bit off to me.

Peri: 6.800

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

The subtle gray between the green and black in the ombre stops it from feeling muddy, and that attention to detail is not lost on me! I love the front, and wish the back either matched it more or contrasted it further.

Alabama: 6.520

View an image of the front of this leo here and a video here.

Elizabeth: 6.600

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is OK. The amount of pink on the body is a lot, but I do appreciate the incorporation of more school spirit with the houndstooth. The A is also gigantic, but that’s sort of par for the course for Alabama. I might have liked this more if the main color was black with more pink accents?

Claire B: 7.200

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

If you asked AI to generate an “Alabama Pink Meet leotard,” this is exactly what you’d get. 

Emily L: 5.900

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

I usually really like pink leos but I don’t love this one. I know it’s kind of Alabama’s thing, but I don’t like the houndstooth design. I also think the mesh-looking sleeves are a bit mismatched with the rest of the leo. 

Mariah: 6.600

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

I’m not a huge fan of this, but it’s definitely not lacking in theme or school spirit, so it gets points for that. I find the sleeves and the solid pink portion on the back to be a bit disjointed, but I can appreciate that it’s pretty unique for a pink leo.

Peri: 5.800

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3

Props to Alabama for making sure that their school spirit isn’t lost with the pink theme. That being said, there’s a ton going on in this design – each accent could have its own time to shine if it were less busy.

West Virginia: 6.200

View picture and video of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 5.900

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

The design is very simple, especially on the front, so there’s not a ton to shout about. However, sometimes that’s a good thing. My favorite part is the back.

Claire B: 6.900

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

This is a very simple yet stylish design, but nothing about it says “Mountaineers.” It’s very nice, if not particularly memorable. 

Emily L: 6.400

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

It’s nice, it’s just not very unique. But I do always like a nice dark blue leo with good sparkle. Plus I appreciate that the back of this one is crossed, which makes it more unique. 

Mariah: 6.500

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is a really pretty design, it just doesn’t scream West Virginia to me. I’m used to the Mountaineers using more gold accents, and I would’ve liked a bit more obvious branding. Other than that, I think this is the kind of look that can please everyone.

Peri: 5.600

Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

While there’s no clear category to give this points in, I respect the hustle finding mystique fabric that matches West Virginia’s official blue that closely.That being said, if I weren’t a color nerd I don’t think I’d be able to clock this as a Mountaineer leotard.

LIU: 5.700

View pictures of leotard here.

Elizabeth: 4.600

Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

So boring. It’s a fine design, but there’s really not much else going for it. Also, where’s the school spirit? LIU started out its program closet so strong, but this season has been mostly a dud. With three new Leo’s, why not just do one really good one rather than three mediocre and simple ones?

Claire B: 5.00

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

There’s nothing offensive about this design, but there’s nothing distinctive either. I like the deep blue bodice, but the mesh is weirdly flat and opaque. Even with “SHARKS” on the back, it’s not immediately obvious that this is an LIU leo.   

Emily L: 8.900

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Ok, maybe this is an unpopular opinion but I like this one. Yes, it reminds me of the recent Michigan velvet leo, but I like that leo! I like how LIU stepped away from the light blue and ventured over to dark blue, and I think it turned out well. I do feel like the shark on the hip doesn’t match perfectly with the dark blue, but I don’t hate that. 

Mariah: 5.000

Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

This is just so not LIU. I really like their pretty ombre leos, and I can even appreciate the shark camo for its uniqueness. This is just so forgettable in comparison. I also wish the back was strappy and open instead of being fake straps on nude mesh. It’s not bad, it’s just nothing.

Peri: 5.000

Design 1.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3

If the shark were swapped out with a block M, I’m not sure anyone would notice the difference. The matte torso has potential, but won’t reach it in my opinion unless it can incorporate school spirit to the same level that the shark camo patterning did. There’s so many avenues it could go – knowing LIU’s past designs, this looks unfinished.

Fan Poll

Congrats to LIU for winning last week’s fan poll! Vote for your favorite design from this week here.

READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Week 7

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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Claire Billman, Emily Lockard, Mariah Dawson, and Peri Goodman