We are well into the season and all eight teams are proving that SEC supremacy doesn't end with football. Half are in the Road To Nationals Top 10 and several girls are ranked in the all-around. But a new week brings new leotards, and these were a tough batch. (All photos c/o the respective schools' Athletic Department)
1. Florida (W, 197.425-197.250 at Arkansas)
My favorite part of this super intricate leotard is all of the different colors of the stones. The pattern was absolutely beautiful and translated well onto the back. More black for Florida, so I hope to see some variety going forward.
2. Arkansas (L, 197.250-197.425 vs Florida)
Simple and elegant with a hidden A on the sleeve for the Razorbacks. These are just so stunning and the open back was a nice touch that I hadn't seen a ton of yet this season. Arkansas has been so consistent so far and this week was no exception with the perfect amount of sparkle.
3. Kentucky (W, 195.775-195.350 at Missouri)
Call me a homer, but there is something so comforting about Kentucky blue. These were so beautiful and I adored the stoning on the white sleeves, but the design on the stomach was a little much. It wasn't clear exactly what it was supposed to be, and the placement was not flattering.
4. Georgia (L, 196.375-197.200 at LSU)
Most collegiate leotards can be described as pretty and fancy. The GymDawgs through that out the window this week and went for fierce with the all black. Even with the deep-V stoning and sleeve detail, the back was my favorite part with webbing that resembled a cool sports bra.
5. LSU (W, 197.200-196.375 vs Georgia)
LSU and classic are synonymous, sometimes to a fault, but this week it worked. I really liked the gold on the sleeves that sparkled in the light, and the patterning of the stones was super flattering. But the diamond appliqués on the shoulders didn't make a ton of sense to me, and I think they'd be even better without them.
6. Alabama (W, 196.925-195.675 vs Auburn)
I do really admire the way Bama is embracing leotards this year, with announcements and naming with what appears to be a new leotard each week. There's too much going on with the floral-greek-abstract stoning and the strappy back. I liked the white cuffs at first, but the more it seems like they cut off the gymnasts' lines.
7. Missouri (L, 195.350-195.775 vs Kentucky)
This is definitely the best out of all of Missouri's leotards so far. The grey paired with the black gave me pause initially, but throughout the meet I liked them more. It doesn't seem too special to the school though, more like something you would see any gymnast wear in practice. But it's a strong improvement.
8. Auburn (L, 195.675-196.925 at Alabama)
Oops, two weeks at the bottom for Auburn. My family described these as "navy and orange Spiderman" and they are spot on. I really appreciated seeing more color but from the shape of the panels to the pattern of the stones, this wasn't it.
Out-of-Conference Honorable Mention: Minnesota with a duo-chrome ruched leotard that I can't stop staring at.