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 Rebecca S, Julianna, Aaron, Claire B, Emily L, Lela, Izzi, and Savanna are joining editor-in-chief Elizabeth for judging.
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!
Note: Yale pulled out of competing at USAG nationals mid-season. We kept its new leotard in this ranking with other USAG teams.
Lindenwood: 9.244
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 9.500
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
LOVE. Honestly the only thing I dislike about this leo is the fact that Lindenwood won’t get to wear it that much because the program is being cut…It’s also a little armpitty with the way the back straps are, but I can get over it because the rest is just so gorgeous.
Rebecca S: 9.400
Design 2.9/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
I figured this one would win our USAG leotard rankings as soon as I laid eyes on it. There’s not a lot to deduct about it; it’s really beautiful. The different shades of gold coordinate so beautifully. I don’t love the neck and don’t think the design transitioned very well toward the top of the leotard, but that’s really all I can find to complain about. Quatro makes great leotards, and I’d like to see more of its work in NCAA.
Julianna: 9.800
Design 2.9/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0/9/1, Overall Appearance 3/3
This is SO beautiful and really fits Lindenwood’s theme this year of leaving a legacy. The front of the leo was modeled after the stained glass of the campus library, and that is such a unique idea for one of the team’s final leotards. Everything about this is really flattering; I love that they didn’t use too much gold or make a solely gold leotard, and I really like the cut of the “double” open back. It really is so sad that this won’t get proper use for years to come, but it’s definitely leaving a mark as a part of the program.
Aaron: 9.700
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
This is one of the prettiest leotards I have ever seen. Everything about this leotard just works – the colors, the sparkle, the straps on the back – it’s super well-designed.
Claire B: 9.500
Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
Wow, what a high note to go out on! Every detail—from the stained glass bodice to the gold piping to the subtle ombre sleeves—is spot on.
Emily L: 9.500
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This one is gorgeous. I love the geometric design paired with the beautiful gold, and I like how that design carries over into the straps in the back. Way to go out on a high note leo-wise, Lindenwood!
Lela: 8.600
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is gorgeous. I think I might have made the sleeves something other than white, but the gold color is lovely throughout, I love the dramatic stained-glass design on the front, and the strappy back is fun. I’m sad Lindenwood won’t get the chance to wear this every year going forward.
Izzi: 8.600
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
This leo is excellent. The stained glass pattern is unique, subtle, and elegant. Unfortunately, there’s a small detail that I find extremely distracting: the armpits. The open back cuts so far forward that every time the gymnast raises their arms, you see open armpit. When I first saw this leo, I was so drawn to it on the stream, and I kept thinking the leo had ripped a seam or something.
Savanna: 8.600
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
If you’re going to be cut by your university, might as well use what budget you have left on a killer farewell leotard. The stained-glass front is such a fun nod to the school, and the gold throughout is just gorgeous. My only complaint is the back; I personally would have preferred a fully open back, but everything else is A+.
Brown: 8.044
View video of 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
This is a new take on some of Brown’s older designs. I like the unique back, and a black body is always such a classic look. I wish the logo on the front and the colored rhinestones used in the design popped a bit more, but overall it’s a solid addition for Brown.
Rebecca S: 8.100
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
This is a rework of an old logo leotard, and it’s always worth keeping a logo design in your wardrobe. The back is unique, and I can’t quite decide whether I love it or not; it deserves credit for doing something different. The front is pretty and conveys the design effectively. My only complaint is that the old logo leotard had ivy leaves on it and I miss those!
Julianna: 8.500
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
Both of Brown’s new additions this season are two of my favorites for the team! Again, I love a black leo. I also love the block B on the chest and how the sparkles come out in almost a flower spiral. I like how this is carried over to the back, too, with the unique cutouts on the back. Brown really did so well this year with new leotards; I LOVE this one!
Aaron: 8.600
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
This leotard is a fairly basic design, but it is well executed. I love the pronounced B in the front, surrounded by gems and sparkles. The opening in the back is very unique and it looks flattering.
Claire B: 9.200
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
Gorgeous! There is nothing I don’t like about this leo: It’s dramatic, it’s surprising, and it’s unequivocally Brown!
Emily L: 7.200
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
It’s fine, but it’s not my favorite. I can appreciate the classic logo being featured at the front, and I do like the sparkle surrounding it. I wish the straps on the back went all the way around the open back and not just around the bottom, though.
Lela: 7.500
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
The front of this initially gave me octopus vibes, but that also did not make me dislike it. There’s even eight straps on the back providing continuity! The design stands out on the black, and the Brown spirit is subtle but there. Well done.
Izzi: 8.200
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
I’m a sucker for a sparkle logo burst. It just hits every time! I like that this one is squiggly and asymmetrical; that makes it feel more modern to me. I’m not crazy about the back, but it doesn’t actively bother me —the font is simple enough that the strappy back is fine.
Savanna: 7.700
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
Brown killing it yet again! The sparkles on the front are giving firework vibes and I am obsessed. The block “B” definitely makes a statement and the combination of the open and strappy back are probably my favorite combo I’ve seen this year.
Brown: 8.022
View an image of the front of this leotard here and of the back here.
Elizabeth: 6.700
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
My brain refuses to remember that red is a color Brown uses because a color is already in the school name. And trust me, I try so hard, but every time I have to think twice and remind myself that this is not, in fact, Cornell. Anyway, I do like this leo. The crosshatch rhinestone design on the front is flattering, and I like the ombre sleeves. Plus, the high neck works in this instance—something I normally don’t like about a leo.
Rebecca S: 8.800
Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is great. The front is ornate without being overwhelming, and the ombre sleeves are lovely. Overall, it’s a tasteful and elegant design with good execution.
Julianna: 8.200
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I really love this! It looks like such a high-class leo to me, and I love the use of the sparkles to make it even more flattering. I like how the back is kept mostly black and not smushed with the red to take over Brown in rhinestones, and I really like the design of the sparkles down the front. Aside from the black Sylvia P leo Brown also debuted this year, this might be my favorite in its closet so far!
Aaron: 8.900
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.9/3
I am a big fan of this leotard! Once again, I’m loving the red and black combination and the sparkle design in the front looks great. The ombre mesh sleeves are also very flattering.
Claire B: 7.000
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
See, THIS is what I want the front of that Cornell leo to look like! I know red and black are technically Brown colors, but utilizing just those two without either of its signature browns or a logo make this read as Cornell, Georgia, Illinois State, or any other program known for using red and black.
Emily L: 9.400
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
I love everything about this one! The sparkle design, the high neck, the ombre sleeves, it all comes together perfectly and it’s just gorgeous!
Lela: 7.300
Design 2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I really love the Harlequin sparkle design on the front and the super-flattering back with the keyhole. My only fault with this is that I would never peg this right away as a Brown design.
Izzi: 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
There’s something about this I love, but I’m not quite sure why. I like the athletic feel, particularly the way the red fabric continues around the shoulders on the back. The ombre on the sleeves is also excellent.
Savanna: 8.300
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
OK, Brown. I see you!! I normally am not a fan of two different-colored fronts because in most cases, it just looks like a diaper. However, because of how the sparkles are done on the front in a V-pattern, it looks so much better here. The ombre in the sleeves is mostly cohesive, but I do wish it would’ve faded a little more from red to black.
Bridgeport: 7.733
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 6.200
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
It’s funny because this looks like GK’s stock design, but it’s not a GK leo. I love the shade of purple used and how it’s paired with the mesh. I’m not a huge fan of the belly mesh, but it’s not actively offending me either. Bridgeport is a quietly good leo team, and this one adds to that legacy.
Rebecca S: 8.300
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is definitely a winner. It’s a simple design, but it has lots of nice details. I like the sparkle placement, which is restrained and deliberate, and the sparkle knight design over the hip. Overall it’s really flattering. It also nails that classic Bridgeport purple. You could never mistake this for any other team.
Julianna: 9.000
Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I LOVE this; being a former Bridgeport gymnast, I wish I had the opportunity to wear it while I was competing! I think this is really flattering, and I love how different this looks from anything else Bridgeport has. I like the butterfly cut of the purple on the front and the name in rhinestones across the back. I also love the high but not too high high neck and the sparkly purple knight on the hip. Debating a sixth year just to wear this for one more beam routine…
Aaron: 9.000
Design 2.8/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
The mesh on this leotard looks great and the mesh above the belt line almost gives the appearance of a butterfly. This leotard could use a bit more sparkle, but the colors mesh together well.
Claire B: 8.000
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is one of my least favorite stock designs, so I’ve got to give Bridgeport full marks for turning out such a great finished product. The shades of purple pair beautifully, and the minimalist sparkle accents pack a big punch.
Emily L: 8.100
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I mostly love this one. The shade of purple is great, and I like the minimal use of sparkle on the sleeves. I think it could’ve gone without the mesh triangle in the stomach area though.
Lela: 7.500
Design 2/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
This feels like what Clemson should have aimed for with that weird bondage-y leo. This one looks really flattering (belly mesh notwithstanding), and the sparkles are able to overcome both a collar and a belt—that’s when you know it’s good for me.
Izzi: 5.400
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I know this isn’t actually the GK stock design, but it basically is. I loved this one for a while, but it feels overdone now. There’s just no competing with Michigan’s version.
Savanna: 8.100
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
It’s good, but WHY is there mesh on the stomach area? In all seriousness, the butterfly cut on the front is definitely a unique element so bonus points for that. I’m also a fan of the color purple on a leotard in general, so way to go Bridgeport for having such a fun design!
Texas Woman’s: 7.700
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.900
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is solid! I love when Texas Woman’s does an all-red look because it always looks good and pops in the arena. I like the design here, especially the use of different sizes of rhinestones to make the V really pop. I also think the back is unique without being too extravagant. TWU rarely goes wrong, and this is another good one for its closet.
Rebecca S: 6.800
Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
This is a pretty leotard, but to me it blends into the rest of TWU’s collection to the point that I wouldn’t have noticed it was new without close scrutiny, Florida-style. There’s a lot that I like about it, but I think TWU could have made some bolder creative choices here.
Julianna: 8.000
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0/9/1, School Spirit 0/7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
This leo is just giving elegance. I LOVE the more shiny material at the top and how some of the bigger rhinestones look like pearls. I don’t think this is my absolute favorite leo from Texas Woman’s, but it’s definitely up there! This is going to be such a staple for years to come because of how timeless it is, and I think its the perfect addition for the great 2024 season the team is having.
Aaron: 8.000
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
This leotard has a lot of sparkles, and I love it. The V at the neck is not my favorite, but the design is still well done. The mesh overlapping mesh in the back is unique and looks good.
Claire B: 7.600
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
This is frustratingly close to being a great leo. I was immediately distracted by the competing mesh and satin fabrics. I wish they’d picked one and let the deep color and crystals do the heavy lifting.
Emily L: 8.000
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
Love this! The shade of dark red paired with the classic V design in the front is great. The only thing I don’t love is the combination of lighter and darker mesh in the back, I think they could’ve gotten away with just one shade. But overall I love this leo!
Lela: 8.000
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
The differently sized rhinestones are really eye-catching here, and I love the carryover of the design to the back. This is really elegant-looking, something you can’t say about every leotard, and hopefully will become a TWU staple.
Izzi: 6.400
Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I don’t like the combination of a collar with a faux-deep neckline. The way the back wraps around is kind of cool, but I just don’t like the premise of the design.
Savanna: 8.600
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
LOVE! Normally, differently sized rhinestones are not my favorite because they usually are not evenly spread out, but TWU did an amazing job making sure that was not the case here. The overall design is just classic, and every element is tied together and works really well.
Southern Connecticut: 7.666
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 8.200
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I love this! The velvet gives it a throwback look, but the design itself is very modern. I love how the sparkles pop, as well as the simple yet unique back. The school logo on the back is a nice finishing touch.
Rebecca S: 5.500
Design 1.4/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
The sparkles are too heavy handed for my taste, and I wish we saw the SCSU colors just a little. I do appreciate the retro look and the simplicity of the overall effect, though.
Julianna: 7.700
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is really beautiful! I was able to see this in person, and it is even more stunning! I love the velvet, and I like the placement of the sparkles across the back. I also like the Southern logo on the back; I think that’s a nice addition. I almost wish the back was just completely open, but I totally get the use for the cross in designing the leo. Overall, I really like this, and it looked so good in person.
Aaron: 8.600
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
The base of this leotard is fairly basic, but the rhinestones make it stand out! I love the different colored rhinestones and they really stand out with the black base. I am not the biggest fan of the opening on the back, but it still looks great overall.
Claire B: 7.300
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
This is another case of the concept being better than the finished product. I adore everything about the back, and black velvet is always the correct choice! That said, the rhinestones on the front—especially the faux necklace collar—are just a little too on the nose.
Emily L: 6.100
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I don’t like this one. I don’t like how the only design on the fabric is a bunch of sparkles, and I can appreciate that they were trying to be unique with the back, but I don’t like the execution. It’s just too plain for me.
Lela: 8.500
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
Black velvet in the middle of a (velvet leo) dry spell! Stunning. I love the design and I love the fabric. I don’t love the back; the straps look flimsy. An open back might have been more modern. Overall, though, this is a winner.
Izzi: 8.500
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
The black velvet is awesome. I think it makes the whole leo feel very luxurious. I’m again annoyed by the hip stripe, though! Why, SCSU?
Savanna: 8.600
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
YES. LOVE. I’m a sucker for velvet, and the amount of sparkle makes the design pop throughout! My only complaint is the back; I wish it would’ve gone without the straps and done an open back, but this is otherwise VERY well done.
Bridgeport: 7.022
View images of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.200
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
While I don’t like the snake skin up close, it looked really nice in motion and from far away. The silver belt also pairs nicely with the silver-y cast of the purple, and the way that purple extends to the back strap brings the whole design together.
Rebecca S: 7.200
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3
Bridgeport’s other leotard this year was an easy win, not particularly unique but well-executed and obviously Bridgeport. This one is a lot bolder, and while I think the execution could have been better, I have a lot of appreciation for what was attempted here. I think it’s well thought-out overall with effective uses of black and white to balance the purple snakeskin. I wonder if the V-neck could have been a little less wide to get more purple onto the front of the leotard, and I wish the logo on the back band popped a bit more.
Julianna: 8.200
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is so different from anything else Bridgeport has in its collection, and I am so here for it! The leo is based on Kobe Bryant’s ‘mamba mentality,’ and I am in love with the design choices. I love the snake skin—I don’t really think I’ve ever seen something quite like this before. I think the silver is really smartly placed to make the cut of the leo more flattering, rather than just having a belt across the stomach, and I love how everything comes to a point from the V cut to the side mesh. Knowing the love Head Coach Lorraine Gallow has for this mantra makes the leo even that more special. And to top it off the design is so unique. I really love this.
Aaron: 7.300
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
This may be a hottake, but I really enjoy the band on the back. The snake skin fabric is unique and it’s well executed! I will say the white band around the waist looks a bit out of a place, but overall I still enjoy this leotard.
Claire B: 8.000
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I’m already on the record as not liking deep Vs, and I’ll add that purple snakeskin also isn’t my personal cup of tea. However, I really appreciate the gumption of this design. I don’t have to like the finished product to dig its boldness!
Emily L: 5.500
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.2/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
I’m not a fan of this one. The purple snake skin design looks super weird and I think it could’ve gone without the purple band in the back.
Lela: 7.400
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
The only flaw on this one is that the band across the back feels like an afterthought. I really like the purple snakeskin pattern—it works with the mesh and sparkles—and the silver belt band feels superhero-y. The overall effect is very cool.
Izzi: 4.500
Design 1.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.2/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3
I hate this deep-V neckline. The back strap looks like a giant rubber band holding the leo together. The snakeskin is unique, so it can have points for that, but…just no.
Savanna: 7.900
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
Oh, I like this! The snake skin is definitely a unique touch, so bonus points for that. I kind of wish the deep V wasn’t as deep so I could get more of the snake skin pattern, but that’s a minor flaw for me.
Air Force: 7.000
Elizabeth: 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
This is great! Air Force has an older, iconic white leo in its closet, and I think this is a great replacement for it. The matte white is obviously great, and I love how the blue really pops. Plus, the sparkle design on the front is simple yet attractive.
Rebecca S: 8.700
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
I love matte white, and I think Air Force executed this well. Having some restraint with the front sparkles worked, and the overall effect is so elegant. I wonder if there was a way to get a touch more red onto the design.
Julianna: 7.400
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I’m usually afraid of white leos, but I really like this one! I love the blue accents, and the rhinestones down the arms and chest are both really simple and pretty.
Aaron: 4.400
Design 1/3, Fabric 0.1/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance ⅓
I am not a fan of all white leotards, and this one would fall into that category. The white does allow for the American flag to stand out, which builds its points for school spirit. It’s not the worst leotard, but it’s definitely one of my least favorites from USAG championships.
Claire B: 7.400
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I’m a sucker for matte white and clean, intentional piping, so this ticks a lot of my boxes. I just wish there were a little bit more: piping on the wrists, different colored crystals… It’s one eye-catching element away from being a great leo instead of just a good one.
Emily L: 8.800
Design 2.7/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
I love this one! I’m usually obsessed with white leos, and I love this one even more because of the pops of blue and the American flag.
Lela: 5.700
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
So white. So very, very white. I love the blue accents, but it’s not enough to make up for the very, very white everywhere else.
Izzi: 5.800
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
I really like the simple athletic front, and the matte white/blue combo. But I really don’t like the shape of the back straps—something about them feels very disconnected from the front.
Savanna: 7.800
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
Air Force, you killed it with this design. The white is simple, yet elegant, and the minor amount of blue is just enough to tie the whole design together!
West Chester: 6.811
View pictures of the front of this leo here and the back here.
Elizabeth: 7.400
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is obviously a stock design, but I really love it in this iteration. The blue shade paired with the gold is absolutely lovely. I don’t love the back—I wish it was more open—but overall this is a great leotard for West Chester. Honestly, my one issue might be that WCU’s school color is more of a purple than a blue.
Rebecca S: 5.600
Design 2/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I like the concept of this one, but I don’t think the colors worked very well. I don’t know if the black brings a lot to the table, while the fairly blue-toned purple isn’t what I associate with West Chester; there could also have been more gold. It’s a good use of a stock design, though.
Julianna: 6.300
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
My favorite thing about this leo is the use of ALL the school colors in a subtle yet really nice way. I don’t think this is the most unique, but I really do like it! The crossover of the extra material in the back is not my favorite; I wish it was there but on an open back maybe? I love the dripping sparkles and the stomach band of sparkles, too. I think this is a perfect leo for West Chester to wear in the postseason.
Aaron: 7.000
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
The colors and the mesh fabric on the leotard blend very well together, and I really enjoy the mesh straps in the back! The design isn’t very unique, but this style of leotard is definitely in style right now.
Claire B: 7.800
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
The colors are gorgeous, and the fabric variety provides a lot of extra texture and interest. West Chester has done a really nice job of elevating the stock design to something more memorable. My biggest criticism is that the front and back don’t quite mesh. Both are lovely, but they look like they come from two different leos.
Emily L: 6.900
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This reminds me of Pitt, which isn’t really a bad thing. I like the front and the straps on the back, but I do find it weird that the straps go over existing fabric. I think it would’ve been better with the straps going over an open back.
Lela: 5.900
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
I’m not a fan of either collars or belts on leos, so I’m annoyed with this one right off the bat. But the colors are really pretty, and I like the front—though I think the back should have been more open. But… nice colors. Yes.
Izzi: 7.400
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
This is one of my favorite stock designs in recent memory, and I still haven’t quite tired of it. This color combo makes it so beautiful. I think the gap in sparkles on the belt is weird, but that’s my only complaint.
Savanna: 7.000
Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I’ve never really been a fan of ruching in leotards, but this works out OK. I do wish the back was open and maybe instead of ruching there was a strappy back? This also doesn’t quite match West Chester’s colors in my opinion, since they are more purple than blue, but overall it’s a solid leotard.
Air Force: 6.722
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 5.200
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
Air Force is actually a pretty underrated leotard team, with some really unique designs in its closet. However, this one is overall pretty boring. I wish there was some additional element to elevate it some, like colored rhinestones or a bit more pop of red, white, and blue apart from the flag on the sleeve.
Rebecca S: 4.200
Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3
I just don’t find this one very interesting, and the sparkle density looks quite chunky to me. It’s not offensive, but it’s not a favorite.
Julianna: 6.400
Design 2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
I love a black leo, and I think it’s so important to have something like this for every team, but I wanted more from it. With it being Air Force, I did want a little bit of the red, white, and blue, but I get that not every leo has to emulate this just because it’s from Air Force. The sparkle cluster down to the middle and the open side mesh with the sparkle X going into the back is really pretty, I just wanted a little bit more.
Aaron: 7.600
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I love a good black leotard, but this is missing something. It doesn’t stand out in any way, but it still looks good. The sparkles are heavy, which I am a fan of.
Claire B: 7.000
Design 2/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
Nothing revolutionary, but this is a very good basic black leo. The crystals save this from being too basic, though it would benefit from having some other impact element.
Emily L: 7.800
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I like it! Yes, it’s a bit basic but I don’t mind! There’s so much going on in terms of sparkle and I actually love it. I also like the open upper back and the usual American flag on the sleeve. Good job, Air Force!
Lela: 7.000
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
This one’s stunning, but I would not have pegged it as Air Force. My favorite part is the way the crossed sparkle bands repeat on front and back. This is cool and dramatic—definitely a keeper.
Izzi: 8.400
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 1.0/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
There’s something so elegant about this design, especially in all black. The sparkle design is unique and I really like how it almost mimics a wrap.
Savanna: 6.900
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
So, this is an upgrade from Air Force’s previous black leotard, but it’s still missing something for me. I LOVE the design of the sparkles on the front, and the criss-cross pattern it takes on in the front and back. I think it could use a little more color than what is on the sleeve, though. The keyhole back is also a good tie-in with this particular design.
Yale: 6.255
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 6.600
Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
The colors on this leo are lovely, but it’s not very Yale. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does knock off some tenths from my school spirit score. That aside, I love it. The body design isn’t my favorite, but the nice ombre and shades, as well as the white sleeves, make up for it.
Rebecca S: 3.800
Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.1/3
I’m not a fan of this one. We’re all going to hit on the point that this leotard looks more LIU than Yale, but I also just don’t love the design. The neck is very abrupt, as is the shift from ombre to navy on the sides. I don’t think this was thought out particularly well.
Julianna: 5.800
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
This is really different for Yale, and I love that it is going in kind of a new direction! I like the different blues rather than just using navy, and I like the crossover on the open back. I wish there was something a little more “Yale” about it, though (I REALLY want a bulldog leo!), but I think this is really pretty overall.
Aaron: 8.100
Design 2.4/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
Although this doesn’t scream Yale, it is such a breathtaking leotard! The baby blue is stunning and the white sparkles look great on top of it. It looks very icy, but I am not a big fan of the back.
Claire B: 5.100
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
The color palette is lovely, but the various elements just don’t mesh. It looks like pieces of two or three leotards sewn together rather than one cohesive design.
Emily L: 6.200
Design 2/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
I like the front on its own and the back on its own, but when you look at the side view I feel like the transition from front to back is too harsh. Maybe the straps on the back could’ve been light blue to match the upper part of the front?
Lela: 6.600
Design 2.3/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.3/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
This is very pretty, but it’s saying UCLA to me and not Yale. I would have liked to see some of the other colors carry over to the back as well, and the sparkles could be punchier.
Izzi: 7.300
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 1.0/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
The colors on this leo are beautiful! I love the ombre on the top half and the angled sparkles. It’s just a little plain for some reason. Maybe not enough sparkles? I’m not sure.
Savanna: 6.800
Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
It’s different, but there’s nothing really there that screams Yale. The crossover straps on the back are my favorite part of this design and honestly, I’d like a little more sparkle, but what they did here was good as well!
Cornell: 6.233
View a picture of the front of the leo here.
Elizabeth: 6.300
Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
This is just OK. I like that the design isn’t a standard stock design, but there’s nothing that wows me about it either. I do like the X rhinestone design on the belt as well as the pairing of black with red accents.
Rebecca S: 6.600
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
This one grew on me through the season. I like the front quite a bit—it’s simple and pleasing—while the back is maybe a little busy and I don’t find the structure the most flattering. The red is very vibrant against a primarily black body, which is something Cornell often does well.
Julianna: 4.800
Design 1.2/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.2/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
This isn’t my favorite Cornell leo, but there are some aspects I like about it. I’m not the biggest fan of shiny gray leotards in general, so I think that’s what is throwing me the most about this. I do like the use of the red on the sides and Cornell across the back, plus the V-inspired neckline. Overall, this isn’t my favorite from Cornell.
Aaron: 7.700
Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
I love the red and black combination on this leotard! It’s very flattering and the Cornell written in big red letters on the back shows off school pride. It’s a more simple leotard, but it is done well.
Claire B: 6.000
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
I really want to like this more than I do. The back is great—clean and simple while still being interesting. Unfortunately, the front falls flat. It needs something, anything, that draws the eye and says, “This is a Big Red leo.”
Emily L: 7.000
Design 2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
It’s pretty plain, but I kind of like it! The red design on the back is super interesting, and I like that there isn’t too much going on. I do wish there was a bit more sparkle to make up for the minimal design, though.
Lela: 6.300
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I like the red on the sides that wrap around to the back; it’s kind of like wings? Maybe? And I like the diamond pattern in the back. But this is a little too business in the front to be redeemed by the party in the back.
Izzi: 6.000
Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
This is mostly just boring. There is something about the thin piping belt that I really enjoy, though.
Savanna: 5.400
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
Personally, I’m not a fan. The belt element in the middle doesn’t quite work in the overall design, and if you take it out, there’s not much left to make it stand out. I do like the diamond pattern on the back, but other than that, it’s a little too plain.
Southern Connecticut: 6.133
Elizabeth: 4.900
Design 1.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.0/3
I have to give props for the idea and doing it on Super Bowl Sunday, but for me, this was a leo that should have remained a training design for warmups. It’s just so impractical for a competition leo simply for the fact that all the designs are customized. I also just…don’t like the design at all (and didn’t when BYU did it a decade ago, either).
Rebecca S: 4.700
Design 1/3, Fabric 0.2/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 1.1/3
Well, it’s a concept. You could never mistake what SCSU was going for. It’s obviously over the top, and I felt that these didn’t fit the athletes very well with lots of folds and extra fabric, so it might not be the highest quality. There was also a question of whether it was even legal to have varying words on leotards like this. Overall, this isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but it is bold and accomplished its goals.
Julianna: 4.500
Design 1/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1/3
I really do like the idea behind this and the whole play on this simply for Super Bowl Sunday, but it’s not my favorite leo debuted from Southern. Having been on a team with SCSU’s Byron Knox, we always did have a meet on Super Bowl Sunday, so I really do think this will get used and be an annual staple in the team’s leo lineup. Specifically as it relates to the leo, white designs scare me as a former athlete, but I do like the use of the blue accents throughout. I can say with certainty this will definitely be utilized for years to come; it’s just not my favorite.
Aaron: 5.700
Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.2/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
I think Southern Connecticut had a vision and it came to life. I have not seen any other school do this, so props to them for going outside the box. Not my favorite design, but it is fun and it looks like the gymnasts enjoy wearing it.
Claire B: 7.300
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
This is a really fun concept for a Super Bowl Sunday meet, but the execution falls a little flat. I wish they’d skipped the scattershot crystals altogether in favor of a sturdier matte white fabric.
Emily L: 7.900
Design 2.2/3, Fabric 1/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This is super unique and I actually kind of like it! The use of only white and blue prevents it from being too busy, and I like that each gymnast got their own adjective on the back. Bonus points for debuting on Super Bowl Sunday!
Lela: 8.000
Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I love this! It’s a lot, but it works. The blue lines on the side are shaped to be really flattering, and I love the matching stripes on the arms. I wish it wasn’t on a white background, but I get why it is. This one stands out in a sea of theme leotards.
Izzi: 6.500
Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Uniqueness 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
This is so close to being a good leo for me. I’m most bothered by the blue stripes at the hips. They don’t mimic a jersey, and they kind of feel like they were put there to make the design “girly.”
Savanna: 5.700
Design 1.1/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 1/1, Uniqueness 1/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
I think the fact that there had to be clarification in the rules newsletter regarding this style of leotard says it all. The idea is fun, the blue accents are fine, the varsity style is becoming a regular trend, and it almost works. I think it would’ve done better with a few modifications.
Fan Poll
Congrats to Michigan State’s green and white leo for winning last week’s fan poll! Vote for your favorite design from this week here.
READ THIS NEXT: Previewing the 2024 National Championship Team Contenders
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Rebecca Scally, Julianna Roland, Aaron Doyle, Claire Billman, Emily Lockard, Lela Moore, Izzi Baskin, and Savanna Whitten
