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 Rebecca S., Savanna, and Tara 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!
Sacramento State: 8.700
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 9.000
Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
This is fantastic. It’s a much “lighter” look than Sac State normally has, and I’m into it. It’s very Michigan State, and we all know the Spartans have one of the best leotard closets in the NCAA. The design here is intricate yet not busy; it stands out yet doesn’t go overboard. I also love the white mesh sleeves paired with it, and the relatively simple yet still open back. Maybe my favorite leotard the Hornets have ever worn.
Rebecca S: 8.800
Design 2.8/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3
This leotard is so dainty, which isn’t an aesthetic I typically associate with Sacramento State but it is definitely a strength of Sylvia P overall. Here, it works really nicely. I appreciate the plain green at the bottom of the body; it balances out the details on the upper body nicely and stops the whole look from being overwhelming. The gold “HORNETS” on the back is a really nice and restrained invocation of the team identity.
Savanna: 8.300
Design 2.6/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
This is a fun design! It combines a lot of elements together, which normally I can’t stand, but the difference here is that it doesn’t do too much. It has the perfect amount of everything and it all ties together in a very cohesive manner.
Tara: 8.700
Design 2.7/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3
LOVE! Sac State leos can get wild but this is a nice balance between interesting and not being over the top. The green and white combination is stunning and I love the details within the pattern. The open back pairs well with it, too.
Missouri: 8.225
View images of this leotard here and here.
Elizabeth: 8.700
Design 2.4/3, Construction 2.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
I love this. It’s bold, but it’s also executed well. I love the gold rhinestones on the diamonds; they make for an almost textured look. I also love the rhinestone pattern on the solid body. Plus, this design really pops on video and in motion. Sometimes words/letters get hard to read outside of still images, but this leo doesn’t have that problem.
Rebecca S: 8.600
Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
This is so different and so well-executed. The different colors and sizes of sparkles really contribute to the overall success of the design.
Savanna: 8.200
Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3
Oh I am a FAN. It’s a different design than what we’ve seen from Missouri in the past and it has all the elements that make it an iconic design. It’s a good design to use for seasons to come.
Tara: 7.400
Design 1.9/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I like this! The rhinestone accents really make it pop—I don’t think I’d like it nearly as much otherwise.
Minnesota: 7.325
View a video and images of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 8.200
Design 2.4/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
The design is not all that unique, but I like it nevertheless. The gold rhinestones on the dark red body are a nice contrast, and I like the strappy back.
Rebecca S: 5.900
Design 1.6/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.9/3
I would never have picked out that this was a new leotard if I hadn’t been told. It’s pretty enough and the back is nicely done. The sparkle distribution on the front is a bit odd to me: Why the gap between the collar and the beginning of the sparkle pattern? I’m underwhelmed.
Savanna: 7.200
Design 1.9/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I feel like I’ve seen so many variations of this leotard that this one doesn’t really stick out to me. I think my biggest critique is the way the back is designed. I love the straps, but I don’t particularly like the fabric pieces in the back. I wish those were strappy like the rest of the back.
Tara: 8.000
Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
This is pretty similar to an older Minnesota leo, but the Gophers leveled it up this time around. The rhinestone collar paired with the cascading design on the front is nice, plus including gold rhinestones in addition to silver is a great touch. The strappy back works well with the simplicity of the rest of the bodyl.
Bridgeport: 7.175
Elizabeth: 7.100
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
This is a good one for Bridgeport. I like the subtle ombre, the way the white really pops, and the flamey v neckline. I don’t think the extra diamond/diagonal lines going to the neckline were really needed, but it’s a small gripe.
Rebecca S: 7.500
Design 2.1/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
It’s nice to see a proper ombre design again, and Bridgeport’s colors lend itself well to this. I’m not entirely sure whether I like the diamond design on the upper chest, but it’s hard to see everything without high quality photos. The choice of black mesh against this design is definitely the right one; it makes the white and light purple stand out.
Savanna: 6.900
Design 1.9/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I like this, but WHY the random diagonal lines by the neckline? You take those out, and this would be my favorite of the weekend. The v-neck of the rhinestones is spot on and I love seeing a subtle ombre that flows perfectly. Bridgeport has done well with adding new leos to its closet this year, and this is a good one that will be reused for years to come.
Tara: 7.200
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
This is nice! The ombre is stunning and I like the zig zag neckline. The rhinestone pattern works well with it, too. I don’t love how the back pairs with the front, but it’s not a dealbreaker either.
Michigan: 7.125
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 7.800
Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
The design isn’t anything revolutionary, but it’s better than a lot of what Michigan has debuted lately. The Wolverines used to use this shimmery blue fabric a lot, and I’m happy to see it make a return here. I also love the intricate yet still simple back. And, the yellow rhinestones are a nice touch.
Rebecca S: 5.300
Design 1.5/3, Construction 1.3/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
This leotard is a Frankenstein of components of older Michigan leotards and the result isn’t that memorable. It’s fine. The applique block M is nice, but even that has been done that exact way before. I’d like it better if the transition between the two body fabrics was different, I think; I tend to find the inverted V unflattering.
Savanna: 7.200
Design 1.4/3, Construction 1.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
It doesn’t have anything weird like Michigan leotards of recent days, so this is automatically a major improvement for me. I do appreciate the rhinestones across the midsection having some sort of shape instead of going straight across, and I am a sucker for a strappy back.
Tara: 8.200
Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3
Of recently debuted Michigan leos, this is definitely one of the best. The block M pops on the shimmery blue fabric, but the real star of the show here is the open, crossy back. Bonus points for the use of yellow rhinestones.
Nebraska: 7.125
View a video of this leotard here and images here.
Elizabeth: 7.700
Design 2.2/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3
I love when teams do a new take on an old design. The starburst is such a throwback, and I love the old-school N that the Huskers used to use all the time. I don’t love how the N is executed, especially after looking at the side view, but overall this leo is a good one.
Rebecca S: 6.900
Design 2.3/3, Construction 0.9/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.9/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
I like the concept of this one. It’s bold and memorable, and it captures the retro starburst well without just looking dated. The sides clearly weren’t well thought-out, with some weird box-y shapes produced by the interaction of the front and back designs.
Savanna: 7.700
Design 1.9/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
Having stared at so many versions of the starburst leo helping with the database this summer, I appreciate the throwback elements of this. I do wish the N was a little more prominent because I admittedly missed it the first time I was looking at this design, but overall, it’s nice.
Tara: 6.200
Design 1.8/3, Construction 1.0/2, School/Theme Spirit 1.0/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3
As a modernized throwback, this is nice. It’s not my favorite Nebraska leo ever, but it gets the job done. I like the concept of the starburst, but it’s not executed super well with the fabric bunching in areas.
Utah: 6.950
View images and a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 6.500
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3
I don’t dislike it, but I’m not screaming over it either. Somehow, Utah leos always look a bit dated despite using current or trendy concepts or design elements, and I don’t know why. The black rhinestone on the front add a nice touch, as they make the fabric look textured without it actually being so. I also specifically like the lower part of the back with the thin red lines.
Rebecca S: 7.400
Design 2.3/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3
I don’t really see the big picture of what this one was trying to do, but it still looks nice. The proportions of black and red really work here and make both colors look good. I also really like the lower back design, as well as the big pearl-like sparkles on the neck and cuffs.
Savanna: 6.500
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.3/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3
There’s some things I like and some things I’m not a fan of. I like the back, but I don’t particularly like how “Red Rocks” is incorporated. I think I would’ve liked it better if the collar was either black or not there at all because it doesn’t look comfortable. However, I do like the design of the front, it’s different from what I’ve seen from Utah before.
Tara: 7.400
Design 2.0/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3
I didn’t love it when I first saw it, but this one’s growing on me. The back is my favorite part, with the “Red Rocks” outlining the open back and the hint of black at the bottom of the cutout. The front isn’t my favorite but I’m warming up to it—I love how much the sparkles popped in motion.
UCLA: 6.650
View a video and images of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 6.600
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3
How very Florida of UCLA to do a black and blue leotard. To me it’s meh. I love how bright and electric the shade of blue is, as well as the design of those blue parts, but I’m just not a fan of this color combination in general. It does fit the Black Panther theme it’s going for, though.
Rebecca S: 5.700
Design 1.4/3, Construction 1.4/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3
I have watched a grand total of zero Marvel movies in my life, so it could be that there are messages in this one that are lost on me, but I think this is a miss. I don’t like the royal blue on black at all—Chae’s original in white was much more aesthetically pleasing. The chest hole doesn’t contribute to the overall appearance (do they ever?), but I am a fan of the sparkle diamond in the middle.
Savanna: 8.300
Design 2.5/3, Construction 1.8/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3
I’m probably going to be the outlier here, but I actually love this one. I wasn’t a fan of it in pictures, but it came across way better on TV. If I had to do something different, I would’ve added some blue rhinestones to make those sections pop a bit more. Overall, this is a great leotard!
Tara: 6.000
Design 1.7/3, Construction 1.5/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
The blue and black look just doesn’t feel UCLA to me and I don’t particularly enjoy the color combination on this leo from an aesthetic perspective. I don’t even hate the chest hole here. Overall the design works well as a whole, but there’s nothing making it pop apart from the bright blue, which gets lost without a ton of color contrast with the black. It’s definitely Black Panther, but I’m with Rebecca—Chae’s original white one was much better.
Oregon State: 4.125
View a video of this leotard here.
Elizabeth: 2.900
Design 0.3/3, Construction 0.7/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 0.5/3
This is a miss for me. The cut of the lighter orange section is just off, and the back necklace-like design is a fun concept but looks weird in execution, especially on the back. If I had to find a positive… The wavey shimmery aspect of the light orange bits is nice?
Rebecca S: 4.100
Design 0.7/3, Construction 1.1/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.1/3
None of these components work together for me. The back is a lot better than the front; I like how the lighter orange pieces join together over the lower back. The front is just confusing and incongruous.
Savanna: 4.700
Design 1.0/3, Construction 1.3/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.5/1, Creativity 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3
This is the fifth new leotard that the Beavers have debuted this season, but this is arguably my least favorite. The cut is awkward in the front and I don’t particularly like how the jewels in the back go so far down. If it was supposed to be like a “necklace”, it shouldn’t go that far down. If the back was a little more open, I wouldn’t dislike it as much.
Tara: 4.800
Design 1.6/3, Construction 0.6/2, School/Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Creativity 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.3/3
I want to like this, I really do. In theory, I like the pattern on the front and the orange and white look is nice. I just can’t get over the way the fabric cuts between the solid orange and the patterned fabric so squarely.
Fan Poll
Congrats to Auburn for winning last week’s fan poll! Vote for your favorite design from this week here.
READ THIS NEXT: Judge’s Inquiry: Good vs. Great vs. Excellent Double Layouts
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Rebecca Scally, Savanna Wellman, and Tara Graeve
