It’s that time of year again! The time to decide my top 10 favorite Region 5 Leotards, which is never an easy task. Especially because that means I have to make a list and if you have followed along with the Region 5 Insider you should all be well aware by now I cannot make a list without including extras. This year was an exceptionally difficult year as there were so many great leotards out on the competition floor it was hard to of course narrow the list to just 10. So sit back, relax and enjoy part one of our top 10 (or more) favorite Region 5 Leotards of 2024.
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10. Lakeshore (IL) & Gym America (MI)
This is Lakeshores first year on the list & Gym America’s 4th year. What I absolutely LOVE about both these leotards is the simple elegance of them. Both utilize navy & white in a way that flatters many different body types while bringing a sophisticated classic look with their respective crystal patterns that is unmatched and stands out on the competition floor. Both were highly favored when polled with gymnasts & non gymnasts.
9. The Flip Zone (IN) & Legacy (Ky)
This is The Flips Zone’s first time making our list, but not their first time being in the mix, however it was this beautiful black and purple Quarto leo that caught my eye right away this season. This brilliant leo reminds me of a stained glass window with the cutout shapes and pieces. It is another one that looks great on every member of the team from the oldest to the youngest.
This is Legacys 2nd year on our list with a GK Elite leo that I myself almost got for my own team last season, but in black and gold. So once I saw them with this Simone Biles signature leo I knew I was in Love! I have to say this is hands down my favorite leo from Legacy in Kentucky! I love everything about it, it is also another one that looks great on everyone on the team. Plus give me a key hole back any day and you are sure to have my vote!
8. Gym X-Treme (OH)
Gym X-Treme is no stranger to our list, this being their 5th year, they are one of our O.G teams having made our very first list way back in 2014. Gym X-Treme never disappoints with their leotards even when they change their minds mid season or when Gianna decides to wear the first leo they ordered in her senior year to Regionals because she can and tye still make the list with two different leos in the same year, they always have their signature yellow and are always stunning. Gym X-Treme is always one of my high anticipated teams when is comes to new leotard year among others. This years leo did not disappoint in the least bit. as soon as I saw it I instantly loved it! It was completely different from their previous leo and instantly stood out on the competition floor! Plus the subtle key hole back is my life.
7. Indiana Elite (IN)
This is Indiana Elites first year on the list and if they did not attend the Region 5 Insider Classic Meet in 2024 I probably never would of seen this leo. However, tracking down a photo of this leo was not easy due to the fact that I did not see it at Region 5 Championships, but it had stuck with me that I knew I had to find it. What I love most about this unique SP leotard is the colors, the elegant black with the subtle neon green accents along with gorgeous jewel pattern, it makes you take notice when these athletes are on the competition floor. The leotard reminds me of a classy black dress with just the right amount of jewelry….Simply gorgeous! I also love the key hole and criss cross back, it really adds something extra to the look.
6. Flip/Tuck (OH) & X-Treme (OH)
Two Ohio gyms are rounding out the first part of our list finding themselves in the 6th spot both on our list for the first time, both with incredible leos with similar color pallets. Flip Tuck & X-Treme Gymnastics. The first time I saw both these leos I was absolutely smitten, I just could not get enough especially of X-tremes leo, everytime I saw it loved it more and more. Ironically, it is the same exact leo as Indiana Elite, however with the extreme difference in colors it took me til yesterday to truly realize that when I was making this list. That definitely says something about great color choices. I cannot say the same about Flip Tuck however, I saw this leo randomly from a far at the 2024 Region 5 Championships and jotted it down. After that the search for this leotard started and let me tell you it was not that easy to locate, but thanks to Instagram I managed to locate the gymnast in the photo to get this leotard and I am so glad I was able to because I absolutely love it! This leo truly stood out to me despite only seeing it for half a second that I knew I had to find it! I love this color combination, maybe it is because I grew up in the 90s and these colors were everywhere on everything at that time and together they bring back a sense of childhood nostalgia or because they are just simply elegantly and playfully beautiful all at the same time. I do not know, but what I do know is that both these leos deserve a place on this list thus sharing the number 6 spot.
________________________________________________________________________Honorable Mentions #1: Leos that I loved, but just did not make the list
Branch/CGA: The same, but different! I love Branch’s hint of purple and CGA’s black & pink photographs exceptionally well. A few clubs have this leo, but these two are really the only two color pallets I like.
All Starz: My athletes called this the Detroit Tigers Leo and I am here for it! I love the back! Orange is hard to do, but it looks great with the navy!
BIG: Maroon and Gold, YES PLEASE! Key Hole back with a criss cross design AND mesh! a dream! This leo is so classy and classic, plus is looks ridiculously comfortable!
Disclaimer: To be eligible for the Region 5 Top 10 Favorite Leo list at least one athlete must compete at least one event at the Level 9/10 Region 5 Championships. Reminder: The Region 5 Leotard list is opinion based, 100 non-affiliated individuals are also polled to help in the selection process.
