What are the sexiest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers? The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is arguably the most iconic magazine franchise cover of all time. The first SI Swimsuit issue was in 1964 and featured German-born model Babette March in a white bandeau top and boyshort bottoms.
SI’s Swimsuit Issue has transformed into a cornerstone of pop culture and catapulted hundreds of cover models to superstardom. They all feature hot models in swimsuits like Heidi Klum, Chrissy Teigen, Tyra Banks and Kate Upton, or more classic beauties shown off their amazing bodies with cut abs, lean legs and toned arms on the cover. Even singer Beyoncé appeared in a sandy 2007 shoot.
Scroll through to see every Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover that has ever existed!
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Covers
Looks at the hottest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers from over the years featuring Kate Upton, Tyra Banks, Elle Macpherson, Christie Brinkley and more!
Salma Hayek (2025)
Salma Hayek Pinault is one of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 2025 cover stars. In the photo, shot by Ruven Afanador, Hayek Pinault wears a bikini. The photoshoot took place at the picturesque Cuixmala luxury resort in Mexico. Along with Hayek Pinault, this year’s 2025 cover models include Olivia Dunne, Jordan Chiles and Lauren Chan.
Kim Kardashian (2022)
Kim Kardashian made her debut on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2022. The cover was photographed in the Dominican Republic by Greg Swales and featured Kim in bikini with matching gloves. This cover received significant attention across media and social platforms.
Tyra Banks (2019)
Tyra Banks first black woman featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1996 and appear solo on the cover in 1997. She was gaining wider recognition, including her appearances in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Again she returned third time at the age of 45.
Danielle Herrington (2018)
Danielle Herrington was the cover model for the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She became just the third Black woman to appear on the SI Swimsuit cover, following Tyra Banks (1997) and Beyoncé (2005). She expressed strong emotions and gratitude upon being named the cover model.
Kate Upton (2017)
Kate Upton landed the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue for the third time in 2017. The photoshoot for the 2017 issue was done by Yu Tsai in Fiji. This edition was notable for its emphasis on body diversity and inclusivity.
Ashley Graham (2016)
Ashley Graham made history in 2016 as the first plus-size model to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. She stated that her appearance on the cover was a huge encouragement for women who insecure about their bodies.
Irina Shayk (2011)
Irina Shayk gained international recognition as the first Russian to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2011. Shayk has worked with the magazine for many years.
Brooklyn Decker (2010)
Brooklyn Decker is an American model and actress best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She first appeared in the SI Swimsuit Issue in 2006 at age 19, looks sizzled in a bright yellow bikini.
Beyonce (2007)
Beyoncé made history as the first singer and first non-model, appear on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The photoshoot was done in Key Biscayne, Florida, with photographer Cliff Watts.
Beach Party (2006)
The 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue featured eight models on its cover: Carolyn Murphy, Daniela Pestova, Elle Macpherson, Elsa Benitez, Rachel Hunter, Rebecca Romijn, Veronica Varekova, and Yamila Diaz-Rahi. The issue captured a celebration of some of the top swimsuit models of that time.
Elsa Benítez (2001)
Elsa Benítez is a Mexican model and television presenter gain fame after appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She is the “Goddesses of the Mediterranean” with her bronzed skin and string bikini.
Heidi Klum (1998)
Heidi Klum graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1998. She rocked in a black and white crochet one-piece suit, featuring her as the main cover model for that year’s edition.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover? Since 1964, many women have posed for the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue to show off their figures in a variety of swimsuit. These covers are celebrated not only for their stunning visuals but also for expanding the representation of women of different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
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Priya Verma is a blogger and professional writer who loves to write about entertainment. She is always up to date with the latest celebrity news and the entertainment world.
