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!
With so many new leotards debuting this weekend, we decided to split this week’s rankings into three parts: NCGA nationals designs (find the rankings here), white (or mostly white) conference championship designs (you’re in the right place!), and multi-colored conference championship designs (see our thoughts here).
Each week, we analyze new designs to find our favorites. 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, Aaron, Allison, 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 sharing your thoughts on social media!
Temple: 8.650
View a video of this leotard here, images here, and details here.
Elizabeth: 9.300
Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
What a just absolutely fantastic leotard for Temple. It’s reminiscent of Ball State’s feather design. I love how vibrant the colors are. I can find very few faults here.
Aaron: 7.700
Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.3/2, School/Theme Spirit 1/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
The different shades of red complement the white base well, and the feathers are a unique way to illustrate school spirit. The three-quarters sleeve blends well with the rest of the leotard, and the red feather by the elbows stand out. This might be one of my favorite white leotards I’ve seen in a while.
Allison: 8.600
Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
Yes, absolutely yes. This reminds me of Sac State’s tie-dye leos, and I am a BIG fan of fabrics carrying the patterns since rhinestones can leave you wanting. Instead, the rhinestones accentuate the existing designs, which is done so well.
Savanna: 9.000
Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
Obsessed. I love the feather design on the front and how there are different-sized rhinestones throughout to help make it all pop. I also really like the twisted straps on the back and how the feather designs continue on the back, even though it is a tiny bit mismatched.
Utah: 8.150
View a video and images of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 9.100
Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
So many teams debuted white leotards this weekend, but this one may be my favorite of the bunch. I love the all-white look with just the block U on the back adding a pop of red. I also love the subtle pattern on the sleeves and the different-sized and shaped rhinestones on the body.
Aaron: 6.400
Design 2/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
I really love the elegant rhinestone design on the front. Even though I don’t love how it is all white, the pop of red on the back stands out and is well executed.
Allison: 8.500
Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
Hang it up in the Louvre. The changes I’d want to see are so minuscule: I’d love some prominent pops of red on the front or perhaps some red sewn onto the sleeves. But as it is, the rhinestone pattern is perfect along the collar, and I love that it feels like a snazzy, flashy design that is dripping in diamonds.
Savanna: 8.600
Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is a standout design of the weekend for me. I LOVE the patterned sleeves—it’s a nice detail that makes it unique. The rhinestone design is very flattering, too, and I even like the way it looks on the back. I have no major notes, other than I wish the back were all open.
Penn: 7.700
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 9.300
Design 3.0/3, Construction 2.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
I am obsessed with this. I love the velvet bottom, I love the shimmery icy blue on the top, I love the matte white, and I love the rhinestone design. My only—only—deduction is I wish there was just a little pop of red. Maybe in some of the rhinestones or even just the block P logo. Somewhere to make this leo immediately recognizable as belonging to the Quakers. With that, I might have scored it a 10.
Aaron: 8.800
Design 3/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.2/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
This is what white leotards should look like; a contrasting bottom and top just make it so better, and Penn absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. The shimmery material complements the white so well, and the rhinestones are stunning. My one critique is that it lacks school spirit.
Allison: 4.400
Design 1.0/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.4/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.2/3
It’s just not for me. It’s a beautifully crafted leo, but it just doesn’t resonate. I am an absolute sucker for the velvet—I mean who isn’t in a leo—and I love the icy blue color on the top, but it doesn’t totally come together for me.
Savanna: 8.300
Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is so not a Penn design, which is why I love it so much. The mix of the fabric at the top with the velvet at the bottom tied together with an elegant rhinestone design makes this fabulous. My only complaint is that it should have something red to add school spirit. But overall, I love it!
Brown: 7.175
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 8.000
Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
Brown hasn’t done white like this really ever, and it makes me wonder why not because it’s great. I love the use of red rhinestones, the shape of the back cutout, and the interesting triangular mesh parts on the shoulders. This design is simple yet effective.
Aaron: 6.000
Design 2/3, Construction 1.2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.3/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2/3
I like this leotard a lot more than I thought I would. I like the black bottom; it blends well with the white top. The silver rhinestones, however, don’t mesh with the black. I think a white rhinestone would have been a better option.
Allison: 7.800
Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
Brown has been sneaky good at the leo game lately. It flies under the radar because the designs are classic, simple, timeless, and elegant; they’re the Audrey Hepburn of leos to my heart. I think the block B in gemstones does nearly all the talking for school spirit in addition to the other splashes of color.
Savanna: 6.900
Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
It’s a little boring by comparison to some of the other leos that have debuted this weekend, but it is still a very nice design. I love the V pattern on the front, as well as the open back. The block B on the side is a nice touch of school spirit. I’m not the biggest fan of the collar, but it’s a minor complaint.
Air Force: 7.00
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 8.200
Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
A fantastic, minimalistic, yet effective design. I love the white paired with that striking shade of blue. I also like the subtle yet incredibly sparkly rhinestone design on the body. The back straps aren’t even floppy like so many of that style tend to be. If only with there was a little pop of red somewhere—maybe incorporated into the ombre on the sleeves?
Aaron: 6.500
Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
This shade of blue really complements the white well, which I am a fan of. It’s a simple design, but it’s executed well, even with a unique back. I love the blue rhinestones, but I wish there were more of them to contrast with the white base.
Allison: 6.500
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
This is one of those leos that will always look better in person and in motion rather than in photographic stills. I appreciate the use of different-width straps on the back, as well as the ombre sleeves.
Savanna: 6.800
Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This design is really solid! I love the white-to-blue ombre on the sleeves, and the subtle sparkle design allows the leotard to stand out in a positive way. I’m not the biggest fan of the different-sized straps on the back, but I am glad they didn’t extend to the front because it would’ve ruined the entire design for me.
Missouri: 6.975
View a video of this leotard here and details here.
Elizabeth: 8.600
Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
With Utah, this is may be my favorite white leotard of the weekend. The gold rhinestones are really well done, I love the pattern they make, and the rest is relatively simple, letting those flashier elements shine. This is a design so befitting of such a historic occasion for Missouri—competing in the evening session of SECs for the first time.
Aaron: 5.800
Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.4/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.2/3
I love the gold rhinestones! I don’t see many teams use those, but it looks great on a white base. It’s definitely a simpler design, but I enjoy the open back and mesh sleeves.
Allison: 6.400
Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I really like this leo, but I don’t quite love it. As a white leo, it’s just ordinary, but ordinary doesn’t mean bad—I’d like to be very clear. It’s one that many teams could sport, and Missouri is one of them. I do enjoy how the pattern zigzags, but I’d like a liiiittle bit more splash of color.
Savanna: 7.100
Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.4/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
It’s a very elegant design for the Tigers! I love the gold rhinestones and how they’re used to elevate the design. I do wish it had something else besides Mizzou on the back to add school spirit. Other than that, this is a winning design!
Utah State: 6.950
View a video of this leotard here and images here.
Elizabeth: 7.400
Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This is pretty basic but nice nevertheless. I love the colored rhinestone criss-cross design on the body, especially on top of the white matte fabric. I also like the cut of the top, which eliminates unsightly mesh seams.
Aaron: 6.500
Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
The two parts I love about this leotard are the navy blue bottom and the bold Aggies in rhinestone on the back. Otherwise, it’s fairly simple that doesn’t stand out much.
Allison: 7.400
Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This feels very ’90s but in a good way. I love the contrast of the deep blue on the bottom with the white, as well as the geometric school background laser lines etched in rhinestones. I hope Utah State keeps this one around for a long time to come.
Savanna: 6.500
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
It’s a very classic and timeless design, which I’ve noticed is the kind of design Kristin White likes for the Aggies. I like the multi-colored rhinestones used throughout and the criss-cross pattern, but I kind of wish Aggies wasn’t on the back but rather the logo on the navy blue part instead.
LSU: 6.750
View a video and front image of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.700
Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I love when LSU does purple and white. It’s always such a classic and elegant combination. The design on the front, though, is not doing it for me. The triangle is awkward and the mesh is unflattering. If that part was simply solid before the inverted purple V, it would have actually been really nice.
Aaron: 6.000
Design 1.3/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
I really like the design of the rhinestones on the front, but I’m not sure what is going on with the purple parts underneath it. I agree with the majority that the triangle design looks awkward.
Allison: 6.400
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I’m digging the mesh cutout here, I have to be honest. The triangle shapes would be amiss without the geometrical stone designs. It’s probably one of my favorite LSU leos in recent memory. It may not scream LSU, but no other school comes to mind when I glance at this leo.
Savanna: 6.900
Design 1.9/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
While I will say this design was much better on TV than it is in pictures, it’s still missing something for me. I love the rhinestone design on the front and the white and purple throughout. The triangle is fine, but it’s not my personal favorite. I would like it better if that ribbed white fabric was continued through the triangle instead of breaking it with mesh.
Iowa State: 6.675
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.300
Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I love the body of this design. The rhinestone detailing is especially nice and sort of looks like lightning bolts from a distance. The pop of red is also great, but I wish some of the red elements were executed differently or better; the back bands seem to flare out awkwardly on the sides when the gymnasts’ arms are raised, and the neckline style isn’t my favorite.
Aaron: 4.500
Design 1/3, Construction 1/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 1/1, Overall Appearance ⅓
This leotard is one of the more unique designs I’ve seen from a team in a while, but I don’t think the risk paid off. The collared neck and sleeves look loose, and some parts just look like there is extra fabric that should have been tailored better.
Allison: 7.400
Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I adore the way the straps on the back seemingly connect to the collar, and don’t even get me started on the shape of the collar, the collar that is swimming in gemstones. Fabulous. How the factory didn’t run out of stones by the end of this leo construction is a miracle.
Savanna: 7.500
Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 1.0/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a primarily white leotard from the Cyclones, and this is a good addition to the closet. I know a lot of people are not fans of how the red straps on the back flare out from the sides when the gymnast raises her arms. It’s not super gaudy or noticeable, so I’m OK with it.
New Hampshire: 6.400
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.100
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I love everything about this except the weird sports bra back. That just feels so unnecessary and makes the design look cheap when the front is so elegant. Speaking of the front, I love it. The contrasting V shapes are flattering, and I like the vertical rhinestone stripes.
Aaron: 6.500
Design 2/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3
I don’t love white leotards, so bear with me for this rankings article. Despite that, this leotard has a balanced amount of rhinestones, and the V-shaped design throughout looks nice. I would like this a lot more if it were a different color, though.
Allison: 6.100
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I have mixed feelings about this leo. There’s a little bit of bias for me since UNH is just a quick drive down the road, so I’m overlooking the awkward back design choice. I want it to work, but I’m not sure what I’d change. The front, however, I’m a big fan of. I love that the Vs on the sleeves mirror the V on the torso, and I love the high collar.
Savanna: 5.900
Design 1.4/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
I like the idea of the design—the V shapes throughout make it a really flattering look. I’m not the biggest fan of the collar or the random piece on the back; if those pieces were gone, I would like this a whole lot more.
Ball State: 6.275
View an image and video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 6.800
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
While this isn’t super flashy, every team needs a solid mascot logo leotard. The black and white base makes the cardinal really pop, and I like the geometric/triangle batten along the V on the body as well. I don’t love how the back straps are so long and go over the solid fabric, but it’s a minor gripe.
Aaron: 5.300
Design 1.3/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3
This leotard has a lot of potential, especially as it follows the trend of smacking the mascot across the chest. What is dragging down the rating for me is the black straps around the neck and bottom of the sleeves—it makes it almost look like a T-shirt.
Allison: 7.000
Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
I have the same feelings about this leo that I do about the Clemson design: There’s a lot going on, I love all of the ingredients separately, but I don’t know how I feel about all of them together. I love the pattern in the V belt a ton and the mascot across the chest, but the straps on the back aren’t doing it for me.
Savanna: 6.000
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.1/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
It’s a simple mascot logo leotard and nothing particularly outlandish. I like the patterned design on the black fabric, but I despise the fact that the sides are mismatched. I also am not thrilled with the back. Either have the straps cover the keyhole at the top and nowhere else, or don’t have them at all.
Clemson: 5.750
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 5.400
Design 2.0/3, Construction 0.2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
I will always be one of the last to complain about gymnasts being able to wear bras with leotards or not. However, when the bra shows this much and looks this bad for those who do choose to wear them, that’s a problem. This leotard is actually pretty good otherwise. I like the colored rhinestone waterfalling down the front, the zigzag/tiger stripe mesh panel on the chest, and the matte white look. The bra situation makes none of that matter, though.
Aaron: 6.400
Design 2/3, Construction 2/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.3/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
The rhinestone design on the front was a risk, but it paid off. The unique mesh portion at the top compliments it well, but I am not a fan of the back of this leotard. The purple and orange stripes are not my favorite.
Allison: 5.200
Design 1.2/3, Construction 0.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
This leo feels like when I can’t decide what I want to add to my burger so I panic and say, “Yeah, everything is great,” but I didn’t actually read that the burger came with unexpected ingredients. This leo is a lot of unexpected ingredients. These thigns don’t necessarily mix into something I’m craving, but the individual parts are things I like.
Savanna: 6.000
Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
I always get a touch nervous when I see a new Clemson leotard because of past experiences, but I don’t hate this. I like the use of purple and orange rhinestones in a waterfall pattern, as well as the white fabric. What I do hate is the back. It needs to be higher up because I feel awful for those who chose to wear a bra with it and had to worry about how much of it is showing.
Fan Poll
Congrats to Missouri for winning last week’s fan poll! Vote for your favorite design from all of this week’s designs here.
READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: NCGA Nationals
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Aaron Doyle, Allison Freeman, and Savanna Wellman
