Leotard Rankings: Week 2

Gymnastics fans love leotards, it’s just a fact. We love seeing new designs, creating our own, and especially judging them. That’s why we’re back for another season of leotard rankings!

Each week we’re analyzing new designs to find our weekly faves. Leos can earn up to three points for design; up to two points for construction, which includes fabric, fit, and sparkle; up to one point each for school/theme spirit and creativity; and up to three points for overall appearance. This week Julianna, Hope M, and Izzi 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!

California: 8.925

California in a color blocked leotard with navy blue, yellow and white. Cross cross front and a square open back

View a video of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I normally am not a fan of what I call “inverted” designs like this (where the neckline goes up rather than down), but I can’t find it in me to care in this case. I LOVE this leo. The matte white paired with the navy and the subtle yellow ombre is perfection, and I love the way the neckline “straps” cross making a faux-halter look. Plus, the even more subtle ombre on those straps adds even more depth. Obsessed!

Julianna: 9.100

Design 2.8/ 3, Construction 1.7/ 2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is stunning. I am obsessed with all the intricacies of this from the subtle yellow through the leo, the sparkle placement on the chest and arms. I also love the “square” back. For me personally, this is the only construction piece I took off even though I love it; I feel like I would be worried about it slipping off my shoulders. Beyond that, this is one of my favorites of the week! 

Hope M: 8.900

Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity .7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

A refreshing combination of sporty and elegant, this leo gets a big thumbs up. Matte white is an instant yes from me and the use of ombre on the sleeves AND the straps is so clever. My only note would be the back – I like the square shape, but it’s a bit wide for my taste. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.700

Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

This is a pretty perfect leo for Cal. I love that they added yellow; it makes this leo stand out from the sea of plain navy blue leos (Cal’s and everyone else’s). The cut and trim feel sporty and fresh, and I love the sparkle flare coming from the sides. My one problem is that the back felt a little too open – it almost looked like it didn’t fit quite right. 

Greenville: 8.725

Greenville in a white and orange ombre leotard with sweetheart design

View a video of this leotard here and images of the front here.

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 8.200

Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is a nearly flawless leo. While it’s not incredibly creative—Bowling Green and Illinois have similar looks—that doesn’t take away from it being great. My only complaint is I wish there was a little bit of black incorporated to play up Greenville’s school colors. But then I may not have liked it as much.

Julianna: 9.100

Design 2.6/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 3/3

This is such a beautiful leotard for Greenville! It’s so subtly stunning with the muted orange and perfect amount of bedazzle to it. I love the crossover back and the application of the sparkles throughout, as well as the logo on the side sleeve to really tie it back to the school spirit aspect. This is definitely a great addition to this early wardrobe for Greenville. 

Hope M: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit .8/1, Creativity .7/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

This one is a big hit for me. The super smooth ombre, the pattern of the rhinestone detail and the not-too strappy back are a great example of simple but not boring. My only area of improvement would be an addition of rhinestones to the back – on the straps or lettering or both. So elegant and flattering! 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.600

Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

This one is gorgeous. The ombre from white to orange feels particularly smooth. I love the angled shoulder seam and the rhinestone design adds some nice structure to the simple leo. The back straps add a nice flair without being distracting or taking away from the front at all. Beautiful!

Fisk: 8.625

Fisk in a blue and yellow leotard wth thick back straps and lapel like designs on the shoulders

View a video of this leotard here.

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 8.500

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

Fisk hasn’t missed yet with its leos, which is saying something because blue and yellow can be a hard combination to pull off. I love the thick yellow back straps on this one, as well as the subtle pattern on the blue fabric. My favorite part may be the rhinestone detailing on the sleeves. 

Julianna: 8.600

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

The cut of this leo is super flattering, from the the upward V onto the torso with the diamonds underneath and the thick back straps that come from that stomach band. I love that the textile is just on the top and doesn’t overwhelm with it being the entire thing. Fisk does really well with its new designs and this is no different! 

Hope M: 8.800

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

Multipattern designs can be overwhelming, but this one is a great balance of intricate but not busy. The royal theme is well executed and I am LIVING for the rhinestone brick style pattern. The abrupt ending of the yellow curve on the shoulders is a little bit jarring but not enough to make me dislike the leo as a whole.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.600

Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

Fisk has yet to miss with a leo. I love all the patterns, and somehow all of them put together works. I like that the back straps are thicker, though they might add a little too much business to the leo. I especially love the sleeve rhinestone design with the bulldog! 

Eastern Michigan: 8.525

View a video and picture of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 8.400

Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.2/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

LOVE. From the eagle wings to the shade of green to the black ombre body, I can hardly think of a fault with this design. My only gripe might be the corduroy-like fabric, which I know is comfy and probably cheaper than a matte or mystique, but it detracts from the fantastic design a touch in pictures.

Julianna: 9.500

Design 2.8/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I love this! This is so unique to Eastern Michigan with the Eagles scripted across the back and the feathers on the front. This looks like a comfortable leotard and I love the creativity in the open back straps as well as the way the diamonds are scattered throughout the torso and sleeves. Definitely one of my favorites I have seen from Eastern Michigan! 

Hope M: 9.300

Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is about as close to literal school spirit as you can get without branching over into kitschy. The smooth ombre and subtle extension of the feather design into the sleeves is really clever. The back strap design is different than the standard cross straps, which isn’t necessarily needed but it’s not bad either.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 6.900

Design 2.3/3, Construction 0.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is beautiful! The design is eagle feather-like (I assume that’s what they were going for) and I love that it looks like it’s bursting out of the block E. EMU always does a fabulous job with the green-white ombre. The straps on the back are odd – they almost feel like they were added on at the last minute to make sure the leo doesn’t fall off.

Iowa State: 7.825

Iowa State leotard with diagonal rhinestones on the top and solid red on the bottom

View a video of this leotard here.

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 6.900

Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I always loved Iowa State’s use of this shiny gold-red fabric in its past leos, and I’m pleased to see that continue in the AMG era. I like the subtle pattern on the top, as well as the different-sized back straps. A good one overall!

Julianna: 8.800

Design 2.6/ 3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This was the Cyclones’ home opener leo, and it is too perfect for the occasion! The back details are beautiful and the subtle mix of yellow into the red and black top is just enough to tie in all the school colors. The bottom half also looks really comfortable adding into the new construction piece of the criteria; overall, a super flattering new design that will be perfect for years to come for Iowa State! 

Hope M: 8.200

Design 2.4/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I am loving the labyrinth theme and the geometric nature of this design. The shimmer of the upper material overshadows the pattern which is unfortunate, but I do appreciate the subtle gold tint of it. Very flattering and eye-catching for the right reasons! 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 7.400

Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

It’s… fine. I like the gold-red top, but it does feel like there’s a little too much going on with the backstraps and the labyrinth pattern. This one definitely looked better in motion than in a still picture.

Oklahoma: 7.825

Oklahoma in a rhinestone leotard with red base and off white bodice with OU lettering

View a video of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 7.200

Design 2.3/3, Construction 0.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This is one of those leos where you really need to see how sparkly it is in person to get the full effect. The gymnasts look like one roving rhinestone, and it’s great. I love the tiny OU logos all over the body because it’s subtle if you’re not looking closely at the design. I also love the shimmery silver-red fabric paired with it.

Julianna: 8.000

Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

The sparkle factor of this is beyond and I’m here for it. I feel like Oklahoma always has some sort of the same design with subtle differences throughout, but I really do love this. The back details are really nice and I love the almost high but not too high neck cut. A really nice addition for the Sooners as a whole. 

Hope M: 9.000

Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity .7/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Sparkles through the roof and really thoughtful detailing puts this one high up in my books. The tiny logos are probably my favorite aspect – I wish the fabric behind it had a bit more contrast but I still love it. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 7.100

Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

Recent OU designs have not been my cup of tea, but I do like this one. I love that the criss-cross pattern on the bodice matches the sleeve pattern, and I love the silver-y magenta color for the bodice. In still pictures, however, the seams on the shoulders look messy and really take away from the angled lines everywhere else in the design.

Utah: 7.825

 Utah in a black letoard with feather design, open back with red straps

View a video and pictures of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 6.900

Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I like the new take on this classic Utah design. The sleeve feathers are a neat continuation of the design, but if you don’t know that’s what they are, it falls a little flat. The back is similar to some other Utah leos, so not super creative but not bad either.

Julianna: 8.000

Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.7/ 2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.6/ 1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

This is such a nice revamp of the former Utah feather leo, and I’m loving the new details! It’s hard to be creative when you are redesigning a former leotard, but the addition of the red back straps, the Utah embellishments across the back and arm, as well as the different neckline are all a great ode to a classic. 

Hope M: 8.400

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I’m a sucker for a black-based leo and this one is no exception. I love the combo of the satin and sheer materials that makes the sparkle stand out that much more. The funnel shape at the neck gets a bit too narrow for me, but not a deal breaker. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I do like this leo, but it’s not that exciting because it’s  very similar to the previous version. I love the lined mesh sleeves (I don’t know why any team uses unlined mesh over shoulders – this looks so much cleaner and sharper). I really dislike the red straps on the back, though. They aren’t necessary to keep the back on, and a plain open circle would look much better.

Sacramento State: 7.775

Sacramento State in navy blue and black ombre, with a mesh back with black straps and diagonal sparkle design

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 7.600

Design 2.6/3, Construction 0.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

I love this! The back is simple yet pretty and introduces just the right amount of school spirit with the S logo. I also love the front. It reminds me of the best parts of Michigan State’s leos. Plus, the shade of green is just fantastic. This may be my favorite Sacramento State leo of all time. Shout out to Sylvia P, which rarely misses.

Julianna: 7.000

Design 2/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I like aspects of this, especially the back with the school logo embellished and the mesh back with scattered sparkles, that’s really pretty. As for the front, I like the incorporation of the green ombré, but I feel like it could’ve given more with just a little something extra to make this stand out a bit more. 

Hope M: 8.200

Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.3/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

This one is so refined and elegant! I could’ve done with a bit more sparkle on the front but am loving the green ombre and rhinestone logo. Looks almost regal, which probably explains why it’s not as flashy.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.300

Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

Really pretty use of the dark green! I love how the ombre into black is so subtle. The rhinestones parallel the sleeve seam too, which looks nice. The back straps are fine, though I would (as usual) prefer a simple open back there.

UCLA: 7.725

UCLA in a blue leotard with asymmetrical open back and mesh detailing

View a video of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 6.900

Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

When I saw the teaser video of this leotard, my first thought was that it was super boring and much more like a Florida leo than a UCLA one. However, in person, I love the asymmetrical design of the look. The offset back hole is great and really accentuates the gymnasts’ back muscles, and the front swooping design complements that look well.

Julianna: 8.500

Design  2.7/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

UCLA has always had some of the most creative leotards and this one is a perfect example. The oval back is really unique, and the mesh cutouts are perfectly placed going into the mesh sleeves. The all royal blue is super flattering, and even though there is a cut out in the back, it still looks comfortable and practical to compete in. 

Hope M: 8.000

Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit .5/1, Creativity .8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

I was apprehensive about the practicality of the asymmetrical cutout in the back, but I liked it so much more seeing it in action! The simplicity of the color and rhinestone design gives room for the flowing cutouts which is neat. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 7.500

Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I think this leo is best enjoyed in movement in a routine, not in still photos. I loved it while watching on TV, but looking at these detail shots it falls a little flat. It looks a little bit like someone just cut a slit in the middle of the leo. Again, I really enjoyed this in motion and it felt in many ways like an old Miss Val leo, which I appreciated.

Oregon State: 7.400

Oregon State in a black leotard with orange embellishments, orange sparkles and a strappy open back

View a video of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 5.100

Design 1.5/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

This is just OK. I don’t like how the orange neckline isn’t “complete,” emphasizing that black horizontal line. The back straps also cut off awkwardly. The orange rhinestones are a nice addition, but overall, this isn’t my favorite look and is almost too basic for my taste.

Julianna: 8.200

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I always love a black leotard and this one is no different! I like the orange dripping diamonds down the front and the ‘over extended’ back straps. This is different from anything I’ve seen before from Oregon State and I’m really here for all the little details on the sleeves and the back band. 

Hope M: 7.900

Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit .5/1, Creativity .5/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

Another black with a pop of color – my jam! The intentional use of color in the rhinestones is a dream and the orange straps stand out in a good way. It’s not the most groundbreaking, but a solid choice for the Beavers.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.400

Design 2.2/3, Construction 2.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

OSU has been impressing me with leos for the last couple of years, and this is another win! It is clean, elegant, and somehow the neckline and rhinestone design still feels original despite its simplicity. I know I’m in the minority on the back straps, but I do think this would look nicer with just an open back. Unlike other designs, though, the straps don’t bother me or take away from the front of the leo.

Arkansas: 7.325

Arkansas in a leotard with reb bottom and white top, red embellishments on the sleeves and neckline and a large keyhole style open back

View a video of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 5.200

Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

It took me an entire rotation to realize this leotard wasn’t the scalloped rhinestone front design leo Arkansas debuted in 2021. Granted, I was across the arena from vault, but I think it also shows how similar it is to other Razorback leos. I do like the design, though, especially the angled sleeves, thicker red neckline, and matte white fabric on top—which made for fantastic pictures—but overall it’s a forgettable design.

Julianna: 7.500

Design  1.5 /3, Construction 1.8 /2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I like this much better than the white bottom red top Arkansas leotard the team has previously debuted. I like the open back and the embellished Razorback on the sleeve, but, I don’t feel like this is the most creative Arkansas could have gotten for a new leotard. It’s super flattering and Arkansas leotards always have good school spirit elements tied in throughout. 

Hope M: 8.000

Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

Hard to go wrong with the color blocks and an open back, especially with matte white on top! I could do without the pointy sleeve and its tendency to flop upwards, but I appreciate the creativity. It’s not the most noteworthy, but also not bad in any particular way either. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 8.600

Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I love this one! I know it’s not groundbreaking, but I don’t really care. The matte fabric and the simple, elegant, open back are lovely. The rhinestone design at the shoulders is a nice touch that makes it a little more unique. I also love how the red collar and sleeve hems tie it all together.

Clemson: 6.650

Clemson in an orange leotard with a sternum cutout and strappy back

View a video of this leotard here.

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 7.400

Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

Hear me out… I have a problem where I am 10 times more likely to like a leo if I’ve seen it in person. Well, I was in Oklahoma City to see this one, and, you guessed it, I like it. It’s cleverly designed with the almost bra-like top construction. Plus, despite it being all orange (woohoo!), I like how the shiny orange straps on the front and back help it avoid being one-dimensional. Amy Smith said last season with the purple lingerie leo that the main goal was to get people talking. Clemson was successful with that again here.

Julianna: 6.300

Design 1.8 /3, Construction 1/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

Clemson undoubtedly has some of the most unique leos in its two seasons in the NCAA, so this is definitely on brand for them. I do like how different this is (I.e. the actual sternum cutout without mesh, I don’t think we have ever seen that before) and the ingenuity whoever is designing these leos brings, it’s just not my favorite of the week. 

Hope M: 6.600

Design 2/3, Construction 0.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I adore a Solid Orange moment and the idea is there, but to me it feels like the execution is a bit off once it gets off the hanger and put into actual use. The texture of the cords adds dimension that is super unique and looks great from a distance but can get distracting for the wrong reasons when there’s gaps or they get caught under each other which makes it go from refined to messy, especially in the back. And of course we can’t go without mentioning the sternum cutout – I would’ve preferred it not to be there or to be executed differently, but it’s fine. I go back and forth from wishing it was different to appreciating the creativity and boldness of this one.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 6.300

Design 1.6/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I think the texture here is fun and unique, and I absolutely love that the strappy back actually matches the theme from the front of the leo! I think lining the mesh would do wonders to make the chest and shoulders look a little cleaner, but it looked good in movement and on TV. Did this need a boob cutout? No. But honestly, the wilder the Clemson leo, the better.

Wilberforce: 6.575

Wilberforce in a dark green, white and yellow leotard with stripes and ombre sleeves

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 6.800

Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

While I don’t like this design quite as much as last week’s, it’s still a very good leo. I love the ombre, the almost falling firework design on the front, and the construction/shape of the way the body fabric meets the sleeves to avoid an ugly seam.

Julianna: 6.900

Design 1.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

I really like how Wilberforce is incorporating all its colors into the two leos they have debuted this far, I just wanted a little bit more from this one. I like the ombré sleeves the most and it definitely looks like a comfortable leotard, I just wish it had a little bit more wow factor to it. 

Hope M: 7.300

Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity .7/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

This one is fine for me overall, but the ombre sleeves are (chef’s kiss). The flattering neckline and angle of where the sleeve meets the body are great technical details, too.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 5.300

Design 1.4/3, Construction 0.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I wish I liked this more, because I think the ombre on the arms looks great. I’m just not a fan of the streaky stripes, especially when yellow is mixed with a dark color. 

Simpson: 6.275

Simpson in a black leotard with sparkly vertical stripes and an open back with orange and yellow straps

View a video of this leotard here

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 6.000

Design 1.6/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

The use of colored rhinestones is great, and I like the overall design of them on the front. The back straps are a little too McDonald’s for me, though. I feel like if they were slightly more subtle, it would still give school spirit without being as in-your-face.

Julianna: 7.300

Design 1.5/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

Another really flattering black leotard to add to the mix this week! This is a nice, simple black leo and I love the addition of the school colors in the back straps. I feel like there could have been more in this, but this will definitely become a staple for Simpson in the years to come. 

Hope M: 7.100

Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

Another black base with strategically colored rhinestones – a solid formula! However, unlike the Oregon State leo, the contrast of the different colored back straps are a bit too much for me and make it feel like a different leo than the front design. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 4.700

Design 1.2/3, Construction 0.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.2/3

This is fine. I like the drip-like rhinestone pattern on the front, but the shoulder and waist decorations look a little cheap to me. The two-color back straps is a fun idea, and I hope more teams pick this up!

Wilberforce: 6.100

Wilberforce in a green and black leotard with diagonal roucheing around the middle and a shiny green material throughout

View a video of this leotard here.

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 6.800

Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3

The wrap design is very old-school, but I’m a fan. I also love the shade of green used with the mystique fabric, as well as the gray-green used for the mesh parts. I just wish there was a touch of yellow somewhere to tie it all into Wilberforce.

Julianna: 6.500

Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This isn’t my favorite from Wilberforce, especially seeing the other leotards they have debuted in the past two weeks. I feel like it had more potential and is a little too simple. I do think having a simple leo in the collection is good, but I just needed more from this one to be a good staple for years to come.

Hope M: 7.000

Design 2.3/3, Construction 1/2, School/Theme Spirit .5/1, Creativity .5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

Not a bad leo, but not what I would choose from a line up due to the cooler tint of green and use of gray. The side ruching doesn’t seem comfortable or necessary, but the shimmer of the mystique fabric and generous use of rhinestones are nice touches.

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 4.100

Design 1.2/3, Construction 0.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 0.8/3

I really want to like this – I enjoy the metallic green and asymmetry — but the roucheing just doesn’t work for me. It looks a little… heavy? I think I would enjoy this more with just the diagonal mesh on top and a solid green body. The vertical rhinestones on top look sharp and fun against the diagonal. 

Utica: 5.925

Simpson in a black leotard with light pink detailing towards the top and pastel blue sleeves

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: 5.500

Design 1.5/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I wish I knew the theme this leotard represented because it would help me better judge the design. That aside, I do like the pastels used, as well as the ombre and multi-colored rhinestones. However, it reminds me a bit more of a club leotard than a college one.

Julianna: 6.600

Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.4/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is interesting for Utica. I’m a little confused with the addition of the blue forearms, but I do think the cut of the leo is flattering and a nice addition to its collection. 

Hope M: 6.700

Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.2/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3

My brain is so distracted by the blue forearms but once I get past those, there’s not a ton doing it for me. Allegedly created with a “wear purple for domestic violence awareness” theme, I would’ve liked to see shades of purple ombre rather than pink and blue which make this leo seem more juvenile in spirit. 

Izzi Baskin illustrated headshotIzzi: 4.900

Design 0.8/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.2/1, Creativity 0.2/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

Until I read the other reviews, I thought the light blue forearms were just white tape! That said, they really do not match the rest of the leo. I like the pink/purple ombre and the simple design, but it feels like a generic club design. 

Fan Poll

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

CHECK THIS OUT NEXT: Leotard Database


Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Julianna Roland, Hope Maier, and Izzi Baskin

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