The leo panel features four judges ranking every leo worn in a competition from our most to least favorite using our very scientific and very awesome Leotard Code of Points.
Your regular judges Lauren Hopkins of The Gymternet and Lauren Stevens of Chalk Warrior are joined by very special guests Spanny Tampson and Aimee Boorman.
The four of us took deductions from five categories (color, fabric, design, bling, and appearance on the gymnast, in order of how you’ll see them on our score sheets). Each category is worth two points. We then added the categories together to get each judge’s individual score, dropped the highest and lowest scores, and averaged the remaining to get the final score.
This edition of the Leo Panel looks at the leotards worn by the gymnasts during the 2019 U.S. Classic and Hopes Championships.
Note: As “science-y” as we pretend to be, this is all just based on our opinions, our personal tastes, and our favorites. It is by no means a definitive list of the best and worst! What leo was your favorite?
1. Paramount Elite (Hopes) – 9.550
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 1.9 | |
| Aimee | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 9.5 |
| Spanny | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.99999 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 9.6 |
I LOVE this leo!
❤ ❤ ❤
CALL THE CONSTABLE, BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN A MURDER.
I normally hate lace and embroidery (sorry Spanny) but yeah, this is good. To get picky, I wish the mesh was a little darker and blended better so there wouldn’t be those tank straps, but honestly, it’s gorgeous.
2. Desert Lights – 9.300
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | |
| Aimee | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.9 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 9.5 |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 9.1 |
Love the design. Didn’t show as well on tv, but fantastic besides that.
I shouldn’t love this, but I do.
I don’t love the keyhole trend but this is a great color and solid overall effort.
3T. First State (Senior) – 9.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 2.0 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
| Lauren S. | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 9.7 |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 |
Morgiboo killing the leo game once again.
It’s fine?
It’s flattering. Frames the face nicely when her arms are up….a little dark.
First State consistently puts out leos I love, so great job to whoever’s designing over there.
3T. World Class – 9.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | |
| Aimee | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 9.4 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 9.1 |
| Spanny | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.95 |
This is gorgeous….in photos…..doesn’t show on tv. And not great for pale kids, but it also didn’t drown them out.
White…on white…embroidery… can’t breathe.
3T. Pearland Elite – 9.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.4 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 9.1 |
| Aimee | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 9.4 |
| Spanny | 1.0 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
I LOVED this leo!
Color-wise, I’m not obsessed, but the rest is a win.
6. Metroplex (Senior) – 9.150
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 9.1 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 9.2 |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
Elegant and lovely.
This is how you do a high-neck black leotard.
7T. Arizona Sunrays – 8.900
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.9 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 8.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 9.5 |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
The belt strikes again. This feels like the RC Cola of GAGE leotards. One cannot half-ass the dominatrix look.
She looks lovely. They black background of the photo might not be doing the color justice.
Stunning. I’m a sucker for a black leo but I love that she gave it a little touch of color.
7T. North East Texas Elite (Junior) – 8.900
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 9.0 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
Not a huge fan of the belt thing across her waist, but besides that I really like this leo!
Sweet
I know giving this a 10 means my score is scrapped but I don’t care, this leo is IT for me.
9T. Revolution – 8.850
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.8 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 9.2 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Spanny | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
I really want to give this a higher score….because everything about her is so beautiful….but again…color didn’t show as well on TV. These things are important.
As an old curmudgeon, I am obligated to adore all things embroidery. The blue over the white arms is legendary.
9T. Five Star – 8.850
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 9.0 |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 8.7 |
| Spanny | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.95 |
I think this is a super cute leo for a Hopes gymnast!
Age appropriate.
This reminds me of Maroney’s 2011 nationals leotard, and that is always a wonderful thing. Pops of color against white and my eyeballs aren’t even a little assaulted. 10/10
9T. Flips (Junior) – 8.850
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 8.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 9.4 |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Same leo as one I didn’t like, but the color combo gives a totally different look.
See this color combo when the first one delighted me. All I see here is the JLo mesh neckline and the belt.
12. WCC (Junior) – 8.800
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 8.6 |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 9.0 |
| Spanny | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
Loved this one. Looked great on tv. Only issue is where the strapping stops at the black.
BELLLLLLLLT
Another one that’s all over the place for me. I partly love it, partly don’t.
13T. MG Elite – 8.650
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.6 |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.7 |
| Spanny | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
What I’m seeing here is a belt. If we filled in this chest keyhole thing, I would let this leotard get me pregnant.
Again, with the ½ sleeve. Not a fan. I didn’t like how the color showed on television, however the cut and design were gorgeous!
13T. JPAC – 8.650
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Spanny | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
Something about this totally works and I don’t know what that is.
I don’t love this in any of its individual parts but the look as a whole is solid.
15. Metroplex (Hopes) – 8.550
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 8.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
| Spanny | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.95 |
*chef’s kiss* *chef’s kiss* *chef’s kiss*
I intuitively know which comments are Spanny’s.
16. WOGA (Junior) – 8.500
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 8.4 |
A super solid look that would work well on pretty much any gymnast.
17. Cincinnati – 8.450
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 8.6 |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 8.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
Basic…nothing awesome, nothing icky…just average, but nice
She looks a tad young to already be rocking at Utah leotard.
18T. San Mateo – 8.400
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.3 |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
Showing my old here, but the gathered look on top totally gives this class that the deep mesh is trying to take away. Oh and belt.
Obsessed with the gathered look. Love.
18T. Sokol Elite – 8.400
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.0 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 1.8 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.0 |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
Shows nicely on a broadcast.
Arm ribbons? Next.
The arm ribbons would be okay to me if they were connected throughout (like that 2011 worlds leo) but the random shapes freak me out. Take those off and this would be an A+ from me. That color on the bodice is GORG.
18T. JamJev – 8.400
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.4 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 8.4 |
| Spanny | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
This deep V trend can go DIAF but everything else sings to me.
21T. Texas Dreams – 8.350
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 1.8 | |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 8.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.3 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 8.4 |
Only TD can pull off these rainbow sherbet leotards and I hope they never stop.
A beautiful LSD dream come to life. My bedroom in the 90s. Lisa Frank would be proud.
21T. Hill’s (Junior) – 8.350
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 8.2 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
It’s pretty, but it makes the shoulders look very broad (which these ladies are naturally)
EMBROIDERY STRIKES AGAIN ❤ ❤ ❤
23T. Discover/Gym X-Treme – 8.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 8.0 |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | |
| Spanny | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
The color drowns her out a little by her face, but overall, I like it.
I think it’s a belt?
23T. Gymcats – 8.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.6 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 8.1 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.4 |
| Spanny | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.95 |
If you MUST do a belt, do it like this. Do it like this always.
It’s a little plain for my tastes but it looks amazing with her coloring.
23T. Future – 8.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.5 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 8.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.2 |
The belt strikes again. The color is tops, but I balk at having both belly and chest mesh. Pick one, as my mother would say.
I’ve never been a fan of the ¾ sleeve…and with her beautiful long arms, it’s a ½ sleeve.
23T. Precision (Hopes 2) – 8.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 8.0 |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.5 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | |
| Spanny | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
Nice clean lines, decent color.
Solid and athletic.
23T. Airborne (Hopes) – 8.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.6 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 8.2 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.3 |
Pretty, but not grabbing me.
23T. Waller’s GymJam – 8.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.2 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | |
| Spanny | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 8.3 |
A for effort. Truly. Here for the Egyptian look.
I wish there was a category for originality!
Not my cup of tea AT ALL but yes, all the points for doing something different. And it’s kinda fun that if you put her against a black wall it’d look like her head is coming out of a vase.
29. WCC (Senior) – 8.150
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 1.6 | |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 8.6 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 2.0 | |
| Spanny | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 7.7 |
Oh, it’s a belt. The high waisted look is risky, but in true WCC fashion, the risk has paid off. If the bottom half was less “murky lake-water” and more “let’s at least try matching the rest of the leotard,” it might be perfection.
Great cut and overall design that fit the entire team. I would like a little more vibrance in the color, but it did show well on TV.
30T. Paramount Elite (Junior) – 8.100
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 8.4 |
| Aimee | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 7.8 |
Just needs more bling!
This is Classics….jazz it up a bit.
Oh I didn’t see her there amongst the chairs.
Yeah, it’s unfortunate that this ended up matching the chairs, but I absolutely love this as a classic staple leo.
30T. Leyva – 8.100
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.5 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.4 |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 7.8 |
Gives me Oklahoma vibes.
See I saw BAMA. But there’s no mesh so we’re all winners.
This won’t pass SafeSport standards next year.
32T. Gymnastics Olympica – 8.050
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.1 |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 8.0 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.6 | |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
I like it, catches my eye enough.
Am I biased because I used to work out at GO? Maybe so. But I truly appreciate doing something, anything, to vary from the usual deep neckline thing. Might as well go dominatrix zipper.
It definitely gets points for being interesting.
32T. Parkettes – 8.050
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.6 | |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 7.8 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 8.3 |
| Spanny | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
Not a great color on fair kids.
The color is meh but I’m digging this Japanese flag look.
34. Buckeye – 7.950
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.4 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 7.9 |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 8.0 |
Who doesn’t love Buckeye Babies?
Pink and black do nothing for me, but I am here for this new clean lines trend.
There’s something super 80s about the lines, but with a modern glitzy twist.
35. Florida – 7.900
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 7.9 |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 7.9 |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.7 |
Trinity makes everything perfect. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
A little more accent needed.
I like what she’s going for with that touch of Gator Blue at the collarbone but I don’t love how the nod is carried out.
36T. First State (Junior & Hopes) – 7.850
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 7.6 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 8.1 |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 |
Pretty color, but the mesh at the sides goes too wide.
Why? Just why? So much why.
I don’t hate it. Not as good as what First State is known for, though, and I can see why this may have been a “thank you, next” for Morgan.
36T. West Valley (Senior) – 7.850
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.4 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 7.9 |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Spanny | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 7.8 |
I was cool with the sparkles until I noticed they were pointing to the navel.
Doesn’t look custom enough for a Classic / Championship meet. Jazz up the design a bit. All of the blue might look great on the athlete, but it blends into the equipment/matting.
36T. WCC (Hopes) – 7.850
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 7.9 |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 7.8 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
Third times a charm? Popular style this year.
I am liking this less each time I see it. That first one in purple spoiled me.
39. Iowa GymNest – 7.800
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 8.3 |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Lauren S. | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 7.9 |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 7.7 |
I wish it were giving me more!
It’s fine. Just fine.
40T. Hopes and Dreams – 7.750
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 8.0 |
| Spanny | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.8 |
Looks nice on her, but not a fan of it overall.
It’s almost embroidery. Almost.
A rare green, which I love, but not executed how I’d like. IT’S ALL ABOUT ME.
40T. Airborne (Junior) – 7.750
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 8.0 |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.9 | |
| Spanny | 1.8 | 1.7 | What design |
1.7 | 1.6 |
Nothing special, just clean.
It looks cozy, if not fancy.
I love a simple leo, I love a royal blue, but I feel like this could’ve been executed better.
42T. Mavericks – 7.700
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 7.4 |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 8.0 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | |
| Spanny | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
I feel like this is one of those leotards that you have to see in person to truly appreciate.
Ditto.
42T. GAGE – 7.700
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 7.6 |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 7.8 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.5 |
*Please note – GAGE’s yellow and white leotard was not included in this edition of the leo panel as we have already judged it in the 2018 U.S. Championships leo panel here.
I didn’t enjoy arm-warmers in 2005 and I don’t enjoy them now.
Overall, it was “fine”. I have no strong feelings in either direction.
Half of this leo is great and the other half is…wtf. Typical GAGE, tbh.
44T. Auburn – 7.650
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 6.8 |
| Aimee | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 8.2 |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 8.0 |
Think about the coloring of your athletes before you pick a leotard for them!
The color lines over the white give me an Adidas vibe, and that’s always ideal.
44T. River City – 7.650
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 7.9 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 7.4 |
It’s fine? *belt*
44T. Hill’s (Hopes) – 7.650
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 8.1 |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 7.2 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.5 | |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
This is close. So close.
Normally I’m like “too many colors, too much ombre!!!” with every leo, but then I find this one a little too solid and would like love to see it a bit more jazzed up.
47. North East Texas Elite (Hopes) – 7.550
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.6 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.6 |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
A little overdone.
I really like this shade of pink and wish they did more with that and less with the white.
48T. Flips (Hopes 1) – 7.500
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 7.3 |
| Aimee | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.7 |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.1 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.2 |
I’m officially over this design.
I’m starting to become upset.
I don’t hate this design and I like that the different color variations totally change the leo.
48T. Twin City Twisters – 7.500
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.6 |
| Lauren S. | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.9 | |
| Spanny | 1.7 | 1.7 | I abstain | 1.1 | 1.9 | 7.4 |
So the picture of the leotard is in no way indicative than how the leotard appeared in real time. Watching on TV, this leotard was the Simone full-in off beam of leotards. Then I look at the picture and my senses physically hurt. If you erased all of the torso sparkles, I would co-parent with this leotard.
Looked pretty on TV, stills don’t agree. ½ sleeve. Going for elegance, but the mesh not going to the chest and only to the shoulders makes my eyes upset…but I do love the neckline
Easily one of my favorite leotards from the competition.
Bonus points for the unusual neckline, but overall I don’t love it.
50T. Midwest (Senior) – 7.450
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 7.9 |
| Lauren S. | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 7.0 |
I’m not a huge fan of the criss cross sublimation on the mesh sleeves, but overall I don’t mind this leotard.
This belt belt is the hombre sleeves of 2019. This one is just a little too thick, giving it a bit of a cropped tankini look. I don’t hate the sleeves.
Overall, I think the leo is very pretty, but it could go wrong on a different body type.
50T. Rebound – 7.450
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.6 |
| Lauren S. | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.5 | |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 7.3 |
Honestly surprised to see this so far down…I feel like this is one of the more solid and innocent choices. Maybe a little plain, but it’s a classic.
50T. Legacy Elite – 7.450
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 7.2 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.5 | |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 7.7 |
While I’m not a huge fan of this design, I do like how the Legacy Elite dragons were incorporated without being too flashy!
I didn’t even see the dragons! Bonus .4 design points.
I…on the other hand find the dragons a bit distracting. Too much going on to show well on tv.
The dragon design is cool, but this is just a lot for me.
50T. Flips (Hopes 2) – 7.450
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.6 | |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 7.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.5 | |
| Spanny | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.6 |
The clean line sparklies make up for the color… almost.
Yeah, I wish this had been a nice rich red instead of more of a rust orange, but otherwise it’s fine.
54. Precision (1) – 7.400
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.4 |
| Lauren S. | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 7.4 |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Another one of those that’s “fine”…nothing offensive but nothing to make it stand out either.
55T. 5280 Gymnastics – 7.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.4 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 7.4 |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.4 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.6 | |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 7.1 |
I think there are little fixes with this one that would turn me from an “it’s okay” to a YAS.
55T. Midwest (Junior) – 7.250
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.3 | |
| Aimee | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 7.2 |
This seems very generic MIOBI.
Yeah, this reminds me of the 2010-2011 era.
57. Everest – 7.150
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | |
| Aimee | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 7.3 |
| Lauren S. | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 7.0 |
| Spanny | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.4 |
Not loving the fit on the neck of this one, but the color has some pop!
I can’t see anything but the neck and even that confuses me.
58. WOGA (Senior & Hopes) – 7.000
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.4 | |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 6.9 |
| Lauren S. | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 7.1 |
Meh…I feel like I’ve seen this before.
The pale pinks just don’t do it for me.
Forget the leotard. Have you ever seen a more joyful gymnastics picture? 700 Spanny points.
59. Prestige – 6.900
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 7.0 |
| Aimee | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 6.8 |
| Lauren S. | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | |
| Spanny | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
I almost prefer the straight up keyhole over the endless stupid mesh. This reminds me of this one time I put on my leotard backwards to go swimming.
Without the keyhole, I’d like this one as a simple but sporty choice.
60. Empire – 6.700
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 1.7 | |
| Aimee | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 6.7 |
| Lauren S. | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | |
| Spanny | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 6.7 |
Something about this makes me happy. Space? The galaxy? Not perfect but not an assault on my eyes.
61. Chelsea Piers – 6.050
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 6.0 |
| Aimee | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.2 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 6.1 |
| Spanny | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
This is what happens when you go for a rainbow sherbet leotard but aren’t Texas Dreams
62. Brandy Johnson’s – 5.900
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.1 | |
| Aimee | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 5.8 |
| Spanny | 1.0 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 6.0 |
I feel like there’s a story behind this with the branches (?!) and whatever’s happening. I hope it’s meaningful for the gym and that this leo has a special inside history. Honestly, get it. But to us outsiders…it’s a big wtf.
63. West Valley (Junior) – 5.600
| Judge | Color | Fabric | Design | Bling | The Look | Total |
| Lauren H. | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 5.6 |
| Aimee | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | |
| Lauren S. | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 5.6 |
| Spanny | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.1 |
Definitely not a favorite.
Nope nope nope.
Sorry Ciena, you are a queen, but this looks like someone put a toddler pageant bathing suit on a paper doll. A miss for me, but to its credit, it looked better on the stream that it does in a still photo.
The Gymternet 
My top spot belongs to Cincinnati! At first glance, I wasn’t a huge fan, but then I remembered that Lilly is a queen, and I realized that the color looks quite nice on her! On top of that, the bold design in the middle reminds me of an eagle/hawk, or maybe a badger? Anyways, adorable, fun leo. Has she verbally committed to Utah..? If she has, the coloring is a nice nod to her (potential) future school.
I also love the uniqueness brought to the table by Waller’s GymJam! Yeah, it does look like a vase (which I am LIVING for), but it also looks like a regal Egyptian falcon on second glance! They really pulled off the Egyptian design in a big way, in my opinion.
I guess I’m a fan of ambiguous leos!
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I think Lilly has verbally committed to LSU. At least that’s what her instagram says (“Future LSU Tiger”).
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Ahhh, I could definitely see her going there! Of course, I’d love to see her carry Ohio State to a higher placement, but, of course, not everyone wants to stay in their home state (I know I do, go Washington!).
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Really like both of HIll’s and love Waller’s GymJam. Chelsea Piers’ makes me happy, I don’t care what the judges say. Appreciate Prestige for going with 1 color. Would like to see that more often.
Overall, these are all pretty nice. Very little I hate. I’d like to see way less arm-mesh, but I’ll take that for now since I’m just glad leotards have trended away from the super-shiny hard plastic look they had for a while.
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Kudos to Spanny for being the only one to venture beyond the bounds of PC and give some below 1.0! Go for a full zero next time, although except for that last one, none of them were intensely horrible this time. 🙂
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We used to go lower than a 1.0 but then it makes the scores look a bit silly compared to actual scores we’d see in gymnastics…like, a score with 0.5s across the board would only be a 2.5 total which is like 6 falls aka a true disaster. 1.0 is a more realistic low point unless something is TRULY awful. But I agree that this group of leos was pretty good!
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another victory for united states …. congrats
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Leo panels are really fun. I enjoy them and I definitely have opinions, but am I the only one who has a hard time really being critical of leos when their on junior, and especially Hopes gymnasts? I know I’m not criticizing the athlete but I can’t help imagining an 11 or 12 year old seeing me make fun of her leo and thinking, ugh, I must have looked horrible at nationals and everyone saw it, even if her gymnastics was terrific. Anyone else feel the same reluctance, or am I being too sensitive about the issue?
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If the leo panels have taught me anything, it’s not I’m fairly alone in my hatred of mesh and sparkles and shiny. A little sparkle is OK, but my favorite US leos ever were from the Sydney Olympics.
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I feel like the mesh has grown on me over the years to the point where I used to be horrified by it but now I don’t even notice it. I tend to love the more athletic/classic leos that are very under-done…like Levi Jung-Ruivivar’s super cool 70s style leo from day one of nationals. I’m not mad at mesh and sparkles if it’s well-done but most are too much for me!
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Here’s a deviation from your leo poll. In looking ahead to worlds, I propose that the 6 women
(including the sub) be clad 2 in red, 2 in white, 2 in blue. The details of design I leave to you.
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Three types of leos I absolutely cannot stand the looks of are: 1: ANYTHING with a tan mesh neckline or sleeves; 2. anything using LIME GREEN as an accent color combination; and 3. the Adidas “tradition” of a: a v-neck (looks always like a guy’s undershirt); b: the three stripes on either side (looks like an ugly soccer jersey stuck in the ’70s); and c: THE WAY THE FABRIC OF THEIR PINK ONES LOOKS LIKE A CRINKLY TRASH BAG (ewww, lol!).
I know this is soooo late a comment: but I agree about the one the girl in the photo “30T Paramount Elite” was wearing. It reminded me of what I wore on a high school squad in the early 2000s. I love anything crimson red/maroon/purple-ish; however, that one was: understated, classic, normal leg cut(!), and is like what Oklahoma bases their colors on (whom I root for!).
Thank you.
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