In the world of college gymnastics, a standout leotard can make just as much of an impression as a stuck landing. While some designs become iconic staples, making repeat appearances season after season, others make a lasting impression at a single magical meet and are never seen again. These one-hit wonders leave us wondering: Why didn’t they make a comeback?
Below, we’re highlighting 10 leotards that lit up the gymternet, turned heads in the arena, and then mysteriously disappeared into the archives. Whether they were ahead of their time, tied to a special theme, or simply too unique to repeat, these leos deserve another moment in the spotlight.
Auburn’s Ruffles
When we came up with the topic for this article, this leotard was the first to come to mind. The infamous ruffles were controversial when they debuted and they are controversial now. Not often do teams have leotards with “3D” elements, and we’re still not sure how we feel about it four years after its 2020 debut. It certainly left a lasting impression despite only being worn one time!
Georgia’s One-Armed White Shimmer
Back in its glory days, most of Georgia’s leotard designs centered around red, black, silver, and white accents. While this leo has all these elements, it somehow was different than every other design the Gymdogs had at the time. Everything worked so well together that it was a surprise the leotard wasn’t worn again after its debut meet on January 9, 2009.
Oklahoma’s Rhinestones Sides
It’s public knowledge that this leotard was a one-of-a-kind sample that Taylor Spears got to wear because she was competing as an individual at the 2014 NCAA national championship event finals. But it’s just too good to only get one moment in the spotlight! Everything from the incredible amount of sparkle to the classic OU white sleeves and the crimson body are *chef’s kiss.*
LSU’s White Cheerleading Homage
We get why this one wasn’t worn a ton—white is already a precarious color for leotards, and the cheerleading uniform-esque design was a risk and not like what LSU typically wore—but we’re still bummed we only got to see this one once from the Tigers. It was athletic, used a great gold fabric, and included just enough purple to tie everything together.
Michigan’s Silver
Like white leotards, silver bodies are often controversial for teams and fans. We guess that’s why this design from the Wolverines was worn just once since it debuted in 2016. While it’s not our most favorite thing Michigan’s ever worn, we do appreciate when teams take a risk, even if it doesn’t work out.
Utah’s Short-Sleeved Throwback
We know this design was based on an older leotard, so you could technically say it wasn’t worn only once. However, this iteration was, so we’re counting it. We love how simple the leotard is, from the lycra fabric to the black body to the design on the chest. Maybe it’s the shorter sleeves or the fact that it was a throwback, but the Utes never wore it again after that first meet on Feb. 9, 2018.
UCLA’s Boob Sling
Look, we know a lot of these leotards on the list are designs we wish weren’t one-hit wonders, but that stops with this one from UCLA. The ombre is nice, but that’s about it. Whatever possessed the designer of this leotard to essentially highlight the boobs with a sling-like design apparently saw the error of their ways and made sure no one ever had to wear it again. Here’s to hoping it was burned in a ceremonial ceremony or something outside Pauley.
Oklahoma’s Fishnet
This leotard comes with a storied existence. It started with a sneak peek on social media that had fans immediately talking about the…unique…design elements. Many felt it would never be worn because it was so out there. However, the leotard finally debuted for a single night in 2019. And then it was promptly never seen again—until a sleeveless version started popping up in Oklahoma training videos, seeming to indicate it was promptly retired after just one wear.
Utah’s Spiderman
This leotard certainly left no doubt what it was going for when it came to its inspiration—and it certainly got people talking when it was teased on social media, too! While the red really popped and the school spirit was there, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. And while the gymnasts said they loved the leo at the time, why haven’t they worn it since it debuted in 2021?
California’s Polka Dots
We’re used to seeing all kinds of patterns on leotards, but polka dots this bold was definitely something new. The reaction to this design may be part of the reason it was only worn one time in February 2023.
Love diving into gymnastics fashion? Get ready to take your obsession to the next level! At the end of the week, we’re launching our leotard database—featuring designs from teams across the NCAA, complete with photos, details, and more. Stay tuned for the ultimate resource to track your favorite leos and discover new ones to love.
READ THIS NEXT: Leotards
Article by Savanna Wellman and Elizabeth Grimsley
