My Favorite Leotards from the 2021 GK U.S. Classic

I love gymnastics and fashion, so one of my favorite things to do when watching gymnastics is look at and admire all of the different leotards gymnasts wear. The start of the summer gymnastics season was this past weekend with the GK U.S. Classic, so there were a lot of leotards (and amazing gymnastics, of course!) to see.

When I first started watching gymnastics, there were really only three big leotard brands U.S. gymnasts wore with one of them dominating. Now there are a lot more, and just like with normal fashion, leotard trends evolve as well. Rhinestones are a staple, but lately (and probably this summer in Tokyo), you'll see a lot of mesh sleeves and ombre. I'm definitely a fan of those trends, which are all present in my favorite leotards from the GK Classic below:

(All photos embedded via USA Gymnastics © John Cheng)

Grace McCallum - Ozone

Grace was one of the first gymnasts shown on the broadcast, so her leos was one of the first I saw, and I instantly was a fan. No, it's not because it's pink — though that helped. The pink and white color combo is very pretty, and there's certainly no shortage of rhinestones on this leo, but it doesn't overdo it.

The design of the leo itself is a sport sporty/athletic one resembling a baseball tee, but it doesn't look like one at all. Though the sleeves are all white, they don't look plain or boring thanks to the juxtaposition of the mesh and spandex fabric in addition to the rhinestones. The rhinestone design on the bodice creates a nice shape and silhouette that prevents it from being just pink. It's a flattering look on Grace!

Shilese Jones - Sylvia P.

I remember when I was on Twitter during the first session and kept seeing people tweet about Shilese's leo. The only problem was I hadn't seen it because NBC hardly showed her. But when they did finally show her, I immediately loved her leo. It is so gorgeous and looks absolutely stunning on her.

The light purple color is beautiful and really stands out with her complexion. Illusion and mesh sleeves are definitely trending in gymnastics, but a lot of times, the nude color is suited for lighter skin tones, which obviously doesn't match everyone. This leotard is a perfect example of having nude mesh in a variety of shades. When you're able to properly match tones and fabric colors, it really helps the leotard bodice stand out. 

Skye Blakely - Ozone

This is another one of the first leos I saw during the first session of seniors, and I was also an immediate fan. I'm not always a fan of ruching on leos, but I don't mind it here and think it's a nice detail that doesn't distract too much from the rest of the leo since it's the same pink as the upper bodice. The pink really pops on the black, but I think my favorite part is the sleeves. I really like the V rhinestone design and the black to pink ombre.

Morgan Hurd - Sylvia P.

Morgan's leo was the first I saw from the second session seniors, and my immediate reaction was the heart eyes emoji. Sylvia P is my favorite gymnastics leotard company, and gorgeous leos like these are why. The rhinestones on the mesh sleeves and upper body are like elegant and beautiful necklaces and jewels. I've also always been a fan of sweetheart and faux-sweetheart leos.

World Champions Centre - Simone x GK Elite

I often love white leos, and these are no exception. The World Champions Centre gymnasts each wore this leotard designed by Simone Biles but chose a different accent color for the linear burst design. I love that idea, and the leo looks great on everyone and in all of the different colors. The neon colors really pop on the white. I like the mesh sleeves, and they add depth to the leo.

💛💚❤️🧡💗💜 🤸🏾‍♀️& 💅🏻 #unitedcolorsofWCC 😉 pic.twitter.com/jgN7TrXSgd

— Cecile Landi (@CLcecile) May 23, 2021

GAGE - Quatro

Aleah Finnegan (pictured), Kara Eaker, and Leanne Wong all wore this pretty purple number from British leotard company Quatro. When I first saw it, I thought it was pretty but nothing special. But when I was watching the meet on NBCSN, I changed my mind when I saw how great it looks on air. The purple hues and rhinestones really glowed on the broadcast. I'm a sucker for ombre, so I love that. The swirled rhinestone design on the bodice and sleeves is beautiful, and the rhinestone "belt" is a nice accent. Sometimes when leotards are colorblocked like this with the lower bodice being a contrasting color, it can ruin the silhouette and cohesion of the leotard, but that isn't the case here.

Lucy Tobia - GK Elite

Navy to white ombre? Beautiful. High, bejeweled neckline? Love it! Rhinestoned V-shape belt and lower bodice? Great way to add some contrast and tie it together with the sleeves.

Konnor McClain - GK Elite

This GK Elite leo is one gymnastics fans saw a few times during NCAA postseason, but both leotards were red and white, so this black and green color combo is a nice change. The color combo looks magnificent and isn't one that's seen a lot. The ruching at the neck/chest isn't too much and really elevates the look.

Katelyn Rosen 

I cannot figure out which leotard brand made this for Katelyn because I don't recognize the little logo at the bottom left of the leo, but I've seen similar ones from other brands. The mesh sleeves, upper bodice, and side cutouts really add some dimension to the monochromatic leo. Everything about this leotard is sharp and precise, which I really like as it fits her gymnastics well. 

Laurie Hernandez - Laurie x GK Elite

Earlier this year, Laurie tweeted that all of her leotards this season are superhero-inspired, so when I first saw this leo, my immediate reaction was "Which superhero is this?" The intricate design at the neckline made me think Scarlet Witch because of her new crown from WandaVision, but she tweeted that she was inspired by Black Panther. I totally see that. Other people were getting RBG vibes, which I also see and love/

Sweetheart necklines are nothing new on leotards, but Laurie's more jagged and intricate design is a departure from any others I've seen, which I like. It's sharp and modern, which definitely fits Laurie as she isn't the same gymnast or person she was last time the world saw her compete in 2016. The mesh ombre sleeves/upper bodice is beautiful and simple, allowing the upper bodice to be the focus.

Which leos were your favorite?