Sword Art Online: 5 Leafa Costumes We Loved (& 5 She Should Never Wear Again)

From the light novel to the manga, to the anime series, a film, and many, many video games, the Sword Art Online franchise takes fans into the fictional world where technology has made the existence of VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) possible. Moving through several different virtual worlds fans follow (or direct) Kirito through epic quests to either save his love Asuna, other players, or oftentimes, both. Perhaps one of the most interesting and powerful characters in SAO is Kirito's "sister" Sugua Kirigaya who plays enters the games as her avatar Leafa.

With a nearly endless number of worlds and challenges to face, as well as multiple versions of SAO as a medium Kirito has several different costume changes throughout her narrative in SAO. Here, we have listed the 5 Leafa costumes we loved, and 5 she should never wear again.

10 Best: Training In Kendo

One fun fact about the Lega is that aside from being raised alongside her cousin Kirito IRL (in real life), she also decided to take up the martial art of kendo.

Once she sees her cousin being reprimanded for not wanting to continue his training in favor of video games, Suguha Kirigaya decides to take her study of the martial art very seriously. While he is trapped in the game, Kirito's cousin becomes very proficient at wielding a sword. Adorned in traditional Samurai garb below and heavily bandaged on top this look presents a side of Lefa that is strong, independent and is meant to be taken seriously.

9 Worst: Leafa's Bikini Moment SAO Girl's Ops

In a spinoff from SAO, the story's three lead heroines, Lefa, Silica, and Lizbeth in Sword Art Online: Girls Ops. The three decided to go on a quest without Kirito through both the real world and the in the VR. Of course, there needs to be a moment at the beach because why not? Here the ladies take a breather and enjoy the weather. Leafa sports a simple white two-piece bikini with spaghetti straps. Keeping on her Leafa brand the bikini features green embellishments and trim around the edges. The reason this look is on the worst list is that while it may impress certain SAO fans, it really is just a bikini.

8 Best: Mother's Rosario Green House Dress

Somewhere in between the Phantom Bullet and Alicization arcs there is Mother's Rosario. During the arc the main characters find themselves taking a moment in Asuna's log cabin on the twenty-second level.

Here Leafa dons a regal looking two-tone green strapless dress and matching flats. The gold lining at the top of the dress complements the embroidery around the neckline as well as the cuffs around the wide wrists. A high ponytail with matching hairpiece gives a mature, adult look to an already dynamic character.

7 Worst: Suguha IRL

This may seem like a cop-out; but how would it be possible to mention so many Leafa versions without even referencing the character who created the avatar in the first place? Unfortunately, the style choices worn by Leafa's real-life counterpart Suguha are nowhere near as interesting as they are in the VR. Perhaps that is appropriate as the VR is meant to be a release from a normal regular boring existence.

However typically wearing a drab red in contrast to the electric greens her avatar wears, there isn't much by the way of character to be inspired by with a simple zip down jacket and navy athletic shorts. Perhaps this look is focused on comfort and not style.

6 Best: Leafa's Fatal Bullet Avatar

While the avatar herself is somewhat customizable, the overall design for her avatar in Fatal Bullet is just downright cool. Leafa rocks a corset-style top with cutouts around the hips. Matching teal slacks and off white knee-high boots with knee pads look both practical and flattering.

This is another example of a no-nonsense Leafa who is ready to do some damage. The added accessory of arm guards and gun holsters on the side is sure to give any gamer a sense of confidence when playing. The overall thoughtful styling of this avatar really takes a character from one world and effortlessly places her in a new one.

5 Worst: Leafa's Pijamas In SAO Hollow Fragment

There are a few moments in Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment where Kirito has dialog scenes in with Leafa while she is falling asleep. As far as an evening look goes, this two-piece resembles a cross between really tight pajamas and athleisure. The biggest issue with this particular depiction of Kirito is fairly simple.

The blatant sexualization of her character has been a source of contention among the fans of SAO. Considering that this is supposed to be the sister (cousin) of Kirito, seeing her depicted in this way from his perspective is downright disturbing at times.

4 Best: Hollow Realization Costume

Staying on brand again with the white and green accessories, Leafa's combination of an asymmetrical cardigan with white trim and white trousers in Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization give a solid impression of a woman on an adventure.

The leather straps she wears around her upper body, as well as the white and gold armbands she has around her forearms, indicate durability and a battle-readiness. The overall impression is one of a cross between a swashbuckling pirate, and a modern-day samurai. Though the image shows her being rescued, her ensemble hardly says damsel in distress.

3 Worst: Fatal Bullet Bedroom Scene

Clearly, there is a pattern emerging with the lists. None of the bedroom looks for Leafa in the SAO inspire much at all. The ensembles all seem to be on being sensual over all else. Here, Leafa is depicted in a black corset teal army fatigue printed shorts.

While somewhat on-brand for the gun-slinging world of the Fatal Bullet universe, it again overemphasizes who she is not over who she is. Not to mention the practicality of the ensemble is hard to believe. How many people really would like to sleep in a spaghetti-strapped corset?

2 Best: The Original Leafa

This may come as no surprise but the original design for Leafa'a avatar comes in at number one. She came on the scene as a character with unknown origin but a serious demeanor. Her ensemble is a mash-up of warrior and regal, which is a theme we continue to see present in the other versions of her character.

Also present is a mashup of what would become characteristic of the character. A green/white color palette, armbands, high protected leg, and footwear as well as the signature "leafy" head ornament help to create a character that so many fans of SAO fell in love with from the beginning. When something is done so well the first time, it's really hard to improve upon.

1 Worst: Hollow Realization Night Dress

Again, Kirito finds himself mid-game talking to a scantily clad Leafa. Along with a lightly tousled hair and bedroom eyes, Leafa stares back at the player while wearing a short green striped nightgown with what appears to be a white lace fringe around. While the bow in the middle is a nice touch.

The combination of the cascading spaghetti straps and her general delivery of dialogue serves only to cheapen the character's look and image. It is also important to point out that this is Kirito's sister-cousin. Overall due to the creep factor, this one lands higher than the rest on the worst list.

NEXT: Sword Art Online: The 10 Worst Things Kirito Has Ever Done