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Another season is in the books, which means another year of standout leotards to revisit. And 2026 delivered plenty of memorable looks. With the season officially wrapped, each of our judges has narrowed down their top 10 designs of the year—plus a few honorable mentions they couldn’t leave out.
Elizabeth
10. Kent State’s ombre: Everything from the ombre to the gold accents to the unique back work so well together.
9. Arkansas’ stripes: I love the geometric look here and the armor-like shoulder fabric situation going on.
8. Oklahoma’s stained glass: A design that brings in art concepts is pretty cool. It combines ombre with geometric lines and shapes, two of my favorite things.
7. Florida’s blue wave: A blue Florida leo with an orange accent that actually works for me.
6. Central Michigan’s sunset arms: The color combo and ombre remind me of some of the best of Arizona State’s sunset leo years.
5. Stanford’s architecture: Such a clever concept to incorporate the architecture into the back design.
4. Iowa’s black, white, and gold: A clean and classic look for an Iowa team that always used to just do black and white or something completely outrageous.
3. BYU’s geometric: I love a good geometric look, and the shade of blue used here is perfection.
2. Washington’s purple reign: Everything from the shade of purple to the different-sized and shaped rhinestones works together in the best way.
1. North Carolina’s white argyle: A literal perfect leo in my opinion. I have zero things I would change about it.
Honorable mentions: Utah State’s ode to Iowa State, Florida’s orange, Arizona’s cacti, Rhode Island College’s anchor, Wilberforce’s yellow, Penn’s mesh red, Ohio State’s mascot, Illinois’ orange crush, Winona State’s geometric purple
Julianna
10. Bridgeport’s protect the ‘Port:’ I love that Bridgeport added a black leotard to its wardrobe this season, and the leather look of this fabric and addition of the back mesh with the custom names is such a nice touch.
9. Georgia’s red, white, and black: This was something so different for Georgia with the inclusion of the white in its normal black and red palette, and the design itself with the keyhole and back cutouts are really nice additions.
8. Florida’s orange: This addition was a need for the Gators’ wardrobe and it really went all in on the orange, which I appreciate.
7. Oklahoma’s red bling: As a sparkles lover, this leo gave me everything I wanted and really screams bling, and the neckline details are my favorite part.
6. WVU’s varsity This is such a bold design for the Mountaineers and the details, specifically the back, are perfect.
5. Arizona’s cacti: I already loved that Arizona went all black for this look but the addition of the cacti outlines on the back is a perfect addition.
4. UCLA’S royalty: The gold bling on this is everything; with the gold back straps and the mimicking lines on the front, this leotard really shined.
3. Iowa’s black, white, and gold: I love that this is an upgraded version of a staple, and all the additions and enhancements to the original on this are perfect.
2. North Carolina’s white argyle: This is truly stunning; the white and tarheel blue contrast works well, and all the details are perfectly placed for this to be a showstopper.
1. Air Force’s CSAR tribute: The details on this, the message behind the leo, and the fact that it got to be debuted for such a big moment in program history make this one truly stand out.
Honorable mentions: Utah’s flash the “U,” Alabama’s current, Clemson’s purple, white, and diamond, Temple’s legacy
Katherine
10. Bowling Green’s orange ombre: If Bowling Green’s leos have no fans, I’m dead. In my opinion, no team uses orange on leos as well as the Falcons, and this is no exception. I love the triangular sparkles on the body as well.
9. North Carolina’s white argyle: There’s something about the way the blue logo pops against the white that really stands out to me. I also really like whatever that symbol is on the belt; it’s something we don’t usually see and is a nice touch.
8. Stanford’s main quad: I’m not always a fan of architecture-inspired designs, but I loved the subtleness of this one and how beautiful it looks even without knowing that part of the lore. The sparkle design on the front is so unique and pretty.
7. Oklahoma’s stained glass: I love any Oklahoma leo that isn’t entirely crimson, especially one that uses a unique pattern. This one is up there with the team’s 2019 national championship-winning look as one of my new Oklahoma favorites.
6. Utah’s be my valentine: This is another one I feel like I saw a lot of hate for, and I didn’t get why. I thought it was a tasteful use of nude fabric, and the brightness of the red really popped out; the sparkles also felt well-placed. The design as a whole gave me elite vibes, which I like to see.
5. Arizona’s 50th anniversary design: Another beautiful Arizona look! I loved the font of the team’s name; it gave a classic vibe without being too vintage, perfect for a 50th anniversary design. The subtle sparkles in each of the team’s colors were also a great touch.
4. Rutgers’s knight’s armor: Yep, I’m alone on an island here, but I loved this swing for the fences from Rutgers. Have we ever seen an armor design from one of our knight-variant teams? It seems like it should be so obvious, and it was perfect for a conference championship debut where the team was “going to battle” more than ever.
3. Kentucky’s regionals look: The outcome of this leo’s debut meet is unfortunate, because it’s now one of my favorite Kentucky designs ever, maybe even my favorite. I’ve come to love flowers in design, and it’s such a lovely departure from the Wildcats’ usual.
2. Alabama’s iris: Here’s another flower leo that takes it up a notch. The front and the back of this one both have such distinct details and designs, and they work beautifully together to create a truly elegant and fashionable look. I want this pattern on a dress or top.
1. Florida’s orange: Of course, an all-orange design is going at the top of my list, especially from a team that never uses it in such a bold way. The orange blossoms make it even more subtly spirited, which I always love, especially when it’s done so beautifully. Florida took it to another level with this design.
Sara
10. William and Mary’s green shimmer: The Tribe stepped it up on this one. The split ”v” designs on the front with the sparkles are so pretty and the “Tribe” in gold lettering down the sleeve is gorgeous.
9. Florida’s orange blossom: I normally feel like an all-orange leo is a bit odd, but Florida did well with this one. The subtle flower sparkle designs on the sides are elegant and really make the leotard stand out.
8. Iowa’s black, white, and gold hawk: Iowa has really been stepping it up with its use of gold in leos and I’m all for it. The “V” shaped design with the mascot in the middle is beautiful and really highlights school spirit in a great way.
7. Ohio State’s the Brutus: Ohio State really outdid itself when this leotard debuted for the second round of regionals. Normally the team has “Ohio State” written across leos, but I like the change-up of the mascot in the middle. The sparkles on the sleeves and the “Buckeyes” on the back take this up a notch as well.
6. Oregon State’s orange and black: The Beavers’ orange and black leo was something different than usual and I love it. The all-black base with the white and orange chevron look elevates the leo even more.
5. Oklahoma’s stained glass: The stained glass effect on the front is truly a stunning look. I love the white on the top half and the crimson color on the bottom. I kind of wish it wore this one for the national championships, it’s that good.
4. Rhode Island College’s black velvet: Using velvet for a base on a leo can be tricky, but RIC did this so well. The gold lettering of “RIC” on the front and the straps that turn into an anchor on the back are chef’s kiss.
3. Clemson’s purple and white diamond: I love this leo. The purple sleeves and neckline paired with the full white body is awesome and I especially like how the Tigers added purple sparkles to the white base as well.
2. Eastern Michigan’s diamond dazzler: The chevron “v” looking design with sparkles on the front is just so exquisite. I also love the diagonal straps and open back that elevate this gorgeous leo.
1. Air Force’s nationals leo: I love this homage to Maggie Slife being the first Falcon to compete at nationals and how it ties back to the Air Force Combat Search and Rescue community. The dark blue with silver sparkles on the front paired with the cutout on the back is unique, and I just love the part that says “That Others May Live.”
Honorable mentions: Kent State’s blue and white sparkle, Maryland’s white and gold swirl, La Crosse’s maroon and silver, New Hampshire’s crystal cat
Sarah
10. Arizona’s 50th anniversary design: I love the vintage look on this one, and it’s an anniversary leo that will be reusable far beyond this year. I also appreciate that all of Arizona’s colors were used thoughtfully here.
9. Air Force’s Space Force: This is one of the coolest designs of the year, in my opinion. The royal blue pops out so well, and every detail on this leo intentionally interprets the concept.
8. Clemson’s salute: This leo is stunning, and clearly has deep meaning for the university as a whole. This is the first design in which Clemson has really broken from just relying on purple or orange, and it did it well.
7. Kentucky’s Wonder Woman: This design really succeeded in conveying the superhero vibe it was going for. This leo has one of my favorite back designs of the year, and the rhinestoning is incredibly well-constructed.
6. North Carolina’s classic Targyle: This is so fun and so uniquely North Carolina. I really love how the argyle is continuous throughout the leotard, even down to the sleeve cuffs.
5. Arizona’s desert eclipse: When I think of Tucson, Arizona, I think of saguaros – so naturally, I loved this design. It pays homage to the city while not being too over the top, and the leo is quite elegant overall.
4. Washington’s purple reign: Impeccable commitment to the concept. The rhinestones truly do look like raindrops! This is such a pretty design, and each detail on this leo plays well off of the next.
3. Auburn’s valkyrie: This is just absolutely gorgeous. The design is so unique, and I love how Auburn used its color palette throughout.
2. Stanford’s main quad: This concept is so cool, and every detail on this leo feels meaningful. The wrist and back cutouts really stand out to me, and look so seamless amongst the design as a whole.
1. Florida’s championships leo: This is beyond stunning. Florida equally implemented blue and orange on this leo, and the rhinestone pattern is eye-catching without being overbearing.
Honorable mentions: Missouri’s supernova, LSU’s midnight anthem, San Jose State’s royal drip, Arizona State’s gold and black leo
Frances
10. Temple’s samba: A sleek, solid-red look with exquisite rhinestone patterning.
9. Arizona State’s Sparky: A color block is always attention-grabbing and a fun throwback.
8. Air Force’s Space Force: The navy and blue are nicely complimentary and come together for a sturdy theme.
7. Utah’s be my valentine: This leo got flack for construction issues, but the design, colors, and rich velvet overcome any flaws for me.
6. George Washington’s the Jackie: A meaningful concept is translated well into stunning elegance.
5. Alabama’s houndstooth noir: Houndstooth is so utterly Alabama and is used here in tasteful balance.
4. Michigan State’s warrioress: A graphic take on the Spartan mascot, all elements are harmonious in this design.
3. Auburn’s valkyrie: A party of blues with hints of orange, this flattering leo just screams Auburn.
2. Arizona State’s black and gold shimmer: Gold fabric has never before been perfected like it is here. Paired with black fabric and pearlescent rhinestones, the Sundevils define elegance in this.
1. Pittsburgh’s velvet reign: Gold and silver jewelled chains set on a background of velvet, the Panthers dabble in royalty.
Honorable mentions: Illinois’ velvet eclipse, Winona State’s legacy leo, LSU’s PearLZ
Mariah
10. Pittsburgh’s velvet reign: The different fabrics and the rhinestone chain motif used make what could’ve been a very simple monochromatic leo innovative.
9. Arizona’s desert eclipse: I’m a sucker for interesting incorporations of school spirit and the rhinestone cacti in this leo definitely fit that.
8. Michigan State’s warrioress: I just love this shade of green and how it pops against the white accents.
7. North Carolina’s classic Targyle: The Tar Heels really leaned into the argyle pattern for this look and I think it paid off. I just wish the back was a little different.
6. Oklahoma’s stained glass: I usually think there’s a bit too much going on on most of Oklahoma’s leotards, but I love the art deco design here and think it’s just enough to catch your eye without being distracting.
5. Arizona’s 50th anniversary design: This design seems simple at first glance, but the incorporation of different colored stones keep the look interesting and intentional.
4. Illinois’ Kenney Gym leo: Designs with bold colors and a more athletic look are my bread and butter, so it’s no surprise I loved this one.
3. Northern Illinois’ conference championship leo: Although I don’t love the back, the sparkle design on the front is gorgeous and it’s probably the leotard I would most love to wear from this season.
2. West Virginia’s varsity: Despite the side seams not matching up, I can’t help but love the bold colors and athletic details of this look.
1. North Carolina’s white argyle: This is basically perfect and so undeniably North Carolina. There are so many little details, but none of them overwhelm the design.
Honorable mentions: Illinois’ velvet eclipse, Central Michigan’s sunset arms, Florida’s championships leo, La Crosse’s maroon and silver
Fan Poll
Congrats to Florida for winning the final fan poll of the season!
READ THIS NEXT: Early Favorites for the 2027 All-Around Crown
Judged by Elizabeth Grimsley, Julianna Roland, Katherine Weaver, Sara Finkelstein, Sarah Smith, Frances Leadman, and Mariah Dawson
