It’s that time of year again! The time to decide our 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. However, after many photos taken, lists made and votes gathered I was able to get it together enough to pick my top 10 favorites plus a few extras. So sit back, relax and enjoy Part I of our top 10 (or more) favorite Region 5 Leotards with Leos 10-6, plus a few honorable mentions, and find out which Leo earned the Top spot in 2026!
10. Capital City (MI GK) & Hunt’s (MI GK)
In the 10 spot is Capital City Flips & Hunt’s Gymnastics, respectively, this is Capital City’s first year on the list and Hunt’s 5th year. Both Leos are from GK with CC Flips coming from the Infinite Possibilities Collection and Hunt’s custom with their Hunt’s blue accents. I absolutely LOVE CC Flips green and white combination it is very Lansing! Whenever I think of Lansing I always think of green and white and not just because of MSU. For me this leo really stands out because it is elegant and tasteful, but also because not many clubs use green as a primary color, so when someone does it really stands out. Hunt’s on the other hand immediately caught my eye when I first saw it and not in a good way, I am not a fan of white leotards, having only ever put 1 white leotard on this list ever. Hunt’s is the 2 white Leo I have fallen in love with over time. What I love most about this Leo is the Hunt’s blue accent color, their blue is just so different than other blues I have seen and they are very consistent and intentional when incorporating it in all their Leos each time. Much like the Flytz white Leo from 2022 the more I saw it the more I loved it, it started to catch my eye more and more in a good way drawing me over to the event to watch Hunt’s athletes. It made them stand out a bit more, than they already do with their amazing gymnastics, by putting them in the forefront and not blending in with the others.
9. JPAC (IN GK)
JPAC never disappoints in the department and they are always pushing the envelope with their Leos each time. What I love about this Leo is they went in a completely different direction than past Leos doing an all red body, which they have not done before, but I hope they do again. It also reminds me of a college Leo, specifically an Oklahoma Leo and you cannot go wrong with an Oklahoma Leo!
8. Universal (OH SP)
This is one of my favorite Universal Leo’s. It is vastly different than their previous Leo and looks great on everyone! What I love most about it though is that it is different, UGI took a risk and choose a Leo with a bit of a different cut to it especially in the neckline. The back however is my favorite park, it is strappy, but with a high neck and for me give me a high neck and some cutouts any day! Plus black with jewels is always elegant and classy.
7. Legacy Elite (IL Ozone)
Legacy Elite is no stranger to this list having made it 5 times and been on the HM’s list as well. Legacy Elite will forever take top honors though for branding and consistency with their Leos. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the dragon that is on every single Legacy Elite Leo as well as using their signature purple and blue colors. I love when Legacy Elite gets a new Leo because I am always excited to see how they have incorporated the dragon, it is literally my favorite part of the entire Leo!
6. Branch (MI GK)
Branch has had some pretty leos in the past, having made our HM list a few times, however this is their first year making or top 10 list with this gorgeous black and white GK Leotard. This particular Leo style has been done by other gyms in the past however, it is the black mesh and sweat heart neckline that really catches my eye. It reminds me of an elegant evening gown, classy and sophisticated. I also love the subtle incorporation of the their signature Branch purple in the jewels, it definitely adds something extra to the entire piece. All she needs is some white gloves and she is ready for the red carpet.
Honorable Mention Part 1 :
Not only is the top 10 insanely difficult, but so are the honorable mentions there were so many amazing leotards out on the competition floor this year, I wish I could include everyone, but I am not the only one deciding on this list. I also really value the input from others to help me decide, especially when it comes to the honorable mention list.
Olympia/The Flip Zone (GK): Both these Leotards are from the Infinite Possibilities Collection from GK, which is a semi stock collection, that allows the designer to pick their own back, neckline, fabric and embellishments to make it a bit more unique and your own than a stock leotard. What I love about Olympia and TFZ’s Leotards is that they are the same, but different, the backs are similar, but the neckline, colors and front design is different. Olympia stunning in their signature red has always been a favorite and TFZ in their elegant black with purple details and high neck makes you take notice. Both leotards from the GK collection are beautiful and flattering on everyone.
Premier West (SP), Gym America (SP), Midland Gymnastics (GK): PW, GA & MGTC are the Ombre Leos of the list! I could decide which I liked more and each other them had the same votes, so narrowing it down was extremely difficult, so I had to include all of them. As soon as I saw PW’s Leo I absolutely loved it! It was a Leo that stood out as soon as you saw it. Especially with the Region 5 light pink, I have to say this is probably my favorite PW Leo! However, one thing that kind of turned me off to the Leo, even though it looked great on all the girls, was it appeared to be a little too big on many of the girls. Gym America never disappoints when it comes to making a great Leo and this one was no exception! I love the ombre with the different color blues as well as the tasteful jeweled belt. I love that GA plays with with their blues each year, but still stays true to their GA brand. MGTC’s GK Leo is beautiful another one of my favorite Leotards that they have had. I love the subtle blue that is incorporated in the design, but it is the back for me! The back of this Leo is my absolute favorite part! I love the strap design and how the letters MGTC are outlines in jewels, it is eye catching! The best part of all three of these ombre leotards is that they photography beautifully.
Hope you enjoyed part 1 of the 2026 R5 Favorite Leotard List
Stay Tuned for part 2…….
___________________________________________________________________________
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.
