The NCAA Gymnastics Championship is approaching, and teams are getting ready to show their skills on the mat in their unique style. The Florida Gators recently became the talk of the town with the release of their new gymnastics leotard, which generated varied reactions all over social media. One of the things that separates them from everyone else is their willingness to be bold every time they come up with new and original designs.

But this time, things are going opposite; fans aren’t liking the new style of Florida Gators. The new leo of Florida Gators has a black base dress with blue stripes all over the neck. The black base with sheer sleeves is giving the elegant and sleek look. What about the front design?

The front of the leo has a gator head logo, which adds the signature touch of the team’s name. Sleeves are decorated with small rhinestones, which is creating a shimmering effect. An X user posted an image of gymnasts wearing the Florida Gators newly designed leotard, with an interesting take: “This is the worst Leo I have seen in a while. I am struggling to think of a recent Leo from any team I have disliked more. This is AWFUL. and I do usually like Florida Leos, so this isn’t even me being a hater. I can’t even believe it’s real; it’s that bad.”

Previously, the Florida Gators had their leotards very simple, elegant, and loved by everyone. Gymnast Alyssa Arana was seen wearing a simple blue and black leo with rhinestones over it. But this time, fans had mixed reactions and mostly didn’t like it.

Fans show mixed emotions towards the Florida Gators’ leo

Despite some people enjoying the retro vibes and the detailed work, others are dissatisfied and think that the Gators’ leo’s blue strap accents are not bright enough: “Looks like the design department just gave up! The blue straps are weird.” Another fan pointed out a minor alteration that will make it look better. “Honestly, I would LOVE this leo without those blue straps. Like the rest, it is so pretty, so simple, and it’s giving retro vibes.” That blue strap is a big no for most of the fans, as it gives a very bad view and looks like a different piece of clothing is attached to the whole piece.

The new Gators’ leotard also stirred broader reflections on UF’s design choices over the years. “Sadly, this feels very UF Leo to me. I don’t think I can think of more than 2 of theirs I like,” remarked a fan, emphasizing a pattern of divisive aesthetics. Another fane echoed the sentiment by pointing out, “They always do weird things with straps. I hate it. I don’t hate hat this Leo, but I definitely don’t like it either. I do like their black gator skin fabric (which they also have on another leo, iirc?) and the gator head in diamantés, but… that’s all.” However, even amid criticism, some elements earned praise, such as the black Gators’ skin fabric and the diamanté-embellished gator head.

Despite the disappointing design, some are willing to give it a chance once it shows up on stage as this user stated: “Maybe I’ll change my mind seeing it in action, but 🥴.” Though the emoji says it all. One fan even compared this design to the worst leos, but according to them, this design tops the chart for being abysmal, “I mean, I think most OU leos are worse, but this is really hideous.” To which one fan went and responded with another pointed take at the design’s lack of cohesiveness, “At least OU follows a formula; this is just too many wrong things 😭.”

What are your thoughts on the Florida Gators leotard? Do tell us in the comment section.