Trying to pick the absolute hottest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers is tough, right? There are so many of them, and every year it feels like they find a way to top the last one. I’ve spent a lot of time wondering which covers really made history.
For instance, did you know the whole thing started back in 1964? The very first swimsuit issue featured a model named Babette March in a simple white two-piece.
That single photo kicked off a tradition that’s still going strong. This list brings together fourteen of the most unforgettable covers, from iconic models to bold swimwear styles like string bikinis and tankinis.
So, let’s take a look at the covers that really got everyone talking.
Key Takeaways
The first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in 1964 featured Babette March and was created to fill a winter sports news gap, starting a decades-long tradition.
Cheryl Tiegs became a superstar after her 1969 cover, while Christie Brinkley set a new standard by appearing on three consecutive covers from 1979 to 1981.
Tyra Banks broke major barriers as the first Black woman on the cover in 1996, followed by a solo cover in 1997 that cemented her iconic status.
Ashley Graham’s 2016 cover as the first size-16 model brought body positivity to the forefront, and Kate Upton’s freezing Antarctica shoot in 2013 became a legendary story of determination.
Group covers became major events, like the 1994 “Dream Team” of Rachel Hunter, Kathy Ireland, and Elle Macpherson, and the 2006 “All-Stars” issue that brought together eight legendary models.
Table of Contents
Iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Covers of the 1960s
The 1960s kicked everything off, setting the stage for the SI Swimsuit Issue with some truly bold models and daring bikinis for the time. Each cover from this era feels like a snapshot of a different, sunnier world.
Who was Babette March on the 1964 SI Swimsuit cover?
Babette March landed the very first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in 1964, and man, what a way to start. Her look was perfect, a simple white bandeau top and shorts that were clean and classic. That iconic shot was taken in Cozumel, Mexico by photographer Jay Maisel.
It’s wild to think that this all started because editor Andre Laguerre needed something to fill the pages during the slow winter sports season. He definitely found it. Babette was one of the highest-paid models of her day, and her face became synonymous with the launch of this massive cultural event.
That single photo started the annual swimsuit tradition, opening the door for future legends. The issue itself paved the way for models like Sunny Bippus on Bahamian beaches in ’65 and Marilyn Tindall in Arizona in ’66. But a few years later, Cheryl Tiegs would arrive and take things to a whole new level.
Why is Cheryl Tiegs’ 1969 cover memorable?
Cheryl Tiegs’ 1969 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover is one of those images I’ll never forget. Shot by Tony Triolo, it turned her into a household name and made the swimsuit issue a must-buy item. Before Cheryl, Jamee Becker was on the 1968 cover in Puerto Rico, but it was Cheryl’s all-American, girl-next-door look that just connected with people.
That one photo launched a massive career. Her fame grew so much that her 1978 “Pink Bikini” poster became one of the best-selling posters of the decade. She came back for more SI covers, but that ’69 shot was so important that the magazine later inducted it into its Hall of Fame. Fans like me never forgot it.
The 1969 issue showed how swimsuits, models, and exotic locations could create a perfect storm of pop culture.
SI continued that trend for decades, featuring stars like Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley, Elle Macpherson, Kate Bock, Jasmine Sanders, Olivia Culpo, and Nina Agdal in stunning places all over the world.
Memorable Covers from the 1970s
The 1970s brought us swimsuit issues that just felt different, making poolside glamour seem both effortless and epic. These covers really set the gold standard for every Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue that came after, mixing sun, style, and pure star power.
What made Christie Brinkley’s 1979 cover stand out?
Christie Brinkley’s 1979 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover was an instant classic. She was posed in the sun-drenched Seychelles, wearing a daring white two-piece with a cutout that felt incredibly fresh for the time. The shot was captured by the legendary photographer John G. Zimmerman.
What really made her a legend, though, was her incredible run. She became the first model to ever appear on three consecutive covers: 1979, 1980, and 1981. This unprecedented streak made her one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. Thanks to Christie’s bright smile and iconic poses, guys everywhere started paying attention to swimwear fashion.
How did Jerry Hall impact the 1975 SI Swimsuit issue?
Thinking about the 70s, my mind always goes to 1975. While Jerry Hall wasn’t on the cover that year, her appearance inside the magazine was a total game-changer. The cover itself was unforgettable, featuring Swedish twins Yvette and Yvonne Sylvander in rainbow ombre swimsuits in Baja, Mexico.
But seeing Jerry Hall in the pages brought a whole new kind of energy. In a shoot by photographer Ernst Haas in Jamaica, she had this wild mane of blonde hair and a confident look that was so different from the typical poses. She showed that the magazine was looking for women with bold, unique personalities. It was a clear signal that SI was celebrating all different kinds of beauty.
Standout Covers of the 1980s
The eighties were all about bold style, bright swimsuits, and models who became superstars. If you ask me, names like Kathy Ireland and Carol Alt didn’t just model for the SI Swimsuit issue, they defined it for a generation.
What is special about Kathy Ireland’s 1989 cover?
Kathy Ireland’s 1989 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover was a huge deal, as it marked the 25th anniversary of SI. Posed on a sunny beach in Mexico in a bright two-piece, she looked incredible. That photograph, taken by Marc Hispard, didn’t just sell magazines; it launched her into a new level of stardom.
Here are a couple of reasons that issue was so legendary:
- Best-Seller of All Time: The 25th-anniversary issue is widely considered the best-selling Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue ever printed.
- A Record-Breaking Run: That cover helped kick off an epic run for Kathy. She appeared in the swimsuit issue for 13 straight years, a record at the time.
Looking back, I see how that single cover pushed Kathy Ireland beyond modeling and helped her build a massive business empire. It set the stage for later supermodels like Chrissy Teigen and Lily Aldridge.
Why is Carol Alt’s 1982 cover iconic?
After being blown away by Kathy Ireland’s 1989 cover, I always think back to Carol Alt’s 1982 moment in the spotlight. She was wearing a stunning white one-piece with lace details, posing next to a bold Jamaican waterfall. The shot, taken by John G. Zimmerman, was pure energy and style.
Her striking features earned her the nickname “The Face” and seemed perfectly made for the SI Swimsuit Issue. SI was all about dramatic settings in those years, and Alt’s cover made Jamaica look like the ultimate escape. That photo launched her career like a rocket.
That moment changed everything for me.
By the time Alt’s issue came out, the magazine had perfected its formula of combining exotic scenery and daring swimwear. You just can’t flip through old issues without stopping at that cover. Carol Alt simply owned it.
The 1990s: A Decade of Glamour
The ‘90s covers of the SI Swimsuit Issue were all about bold style and undeniable confidence. This era gave us supermodels who were so famous they were known by their first names alone, powerhouses like Tyra and Rachel.
How did Tyra Banks shape the 1996 cover?
Tyra Banks made history with the 1996 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover, where she appeared alongside Valeria Mazza. That shot, taken in South Africa, was groundbreaking because Tyra became the first Black woman to be featured on the cover. Her confidence and power just radiated from the photo.
The next year, she made history again. In 1997, Tyra appeared on the cover solo, a massive cultural moment shot by photographer Russell James in the Bahamas. This cemented her status as a true supermodel and smashed barriers in the fashion and media industries. Her presence opened doors for more inclusive and diverse model choices in all the SI swimsuit issues that followed.
What made Rachel Hunter’s 1994 cover notable?
The 1994 SI Swimsuit Issue cover was unforgettable because it featured a “Dream Team” of supermodels: Rachel Hunter, Kathy Ireland, and Elle Macpherson, all in black bikinis. The shot, by photographer Walter Iooss Jr., stood out because it celebrated the power of three massive stars at once.
This cover marked a shift for Sports Illustrated, which began featuring more multi-model shots in the mid-’90s. For Elle Macpherson, this was her fourth cover appearance, which helped solidify her record-breaking run. I remember seeing that cover and thinking it looked powerful, confident, and real. It felt like a celebration of different types of beauty and strength, a trend still seen in today’s SI Swimsuit Issue with models like Camille Kostek.
Unforgettable Covers of the 2000s
In the 2000s, the si swimsuit issue started making even bigger waves. The Sports Illustrated covers from that decade had everyone talking, from office breakrooms to backyard barbecues.
What covers did Heidi Klum appear on in 1998 and 1999?
Heidi Klum’s 1998 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover was a total showstopper. I still remember that black and white crochet one-piece she wore. Shot by Robert Erdmann in the Maldives, it looked bold and completely different from anything else on the newsstands. That single image shot her to superstardom, putting her in the same league as icons like Christie Brinkley.
The following year, in 1999, it was Rebecca Romijn who graced the cover in a wild chainmail-inspired silver swimsuit. But even with all the amazing covers that came after, Heidi’s 1998 moment remains one of the most talked-about. Every collector I know considers that ’98 issue a must-have piece of supermodel history.
Why was Petra Nemcova’s 2003 cover unforgettable?
Just when I thought the covers couldn’t get any bolder, Petra Nemcova’s 2003 issue hit the stands. That year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, shot by Walter Iooss Jr. in Barbados, was an instant classic. I can still picture her holding the untied strings of her white crochet bikini bottom with a huge, playful smile.
The pose was daring and fun, and it had everyone talking. It felt like it pushed the boundaries of swimwear fashion. But Petra’s story became much more than just a famous photo. A year later, in 2004, she survived the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. In response, she founded the Happy Hearts Fund, now called All Hands and Hearts, a non-profit dedicated to rebuilding schools after natural disasters. Her strength and resilience made her unforgettable in a way that goes far beyond a magazine cover.
Modern Era Favorites
There’s something about the newer Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers that always grabs my attention. The models continue to push boundaries, and every year it seems like they find a new way to redefine beauty and style.
What are the highlights of Kate Upton’s 2012 and 2013 covers?
Kate Upton completely took over the SI Swimsuit world in 2012. Her first cover got her instant global fame. I remember seeing it everywhere. She wore a tiny string bikini, and her confident, playful look was a huge hit.
But her 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover was on another level. The shoot, by photographer Derek Kettela, took place in freezing Antarctica. She posed with nothing but bikini bottoms and an unzipped white parka. The “polar bare” shoot was incredibly gutsy. She later said she suffered temporary hearing and vision loss from the extreme cold.
What I really respect is how Kate used her fame to talk about body positivity. She faced critics who said she was too curvy, but she embraced her shape and encouraged women everywhere to love themselves. That message is just as powerful as the stunning photos.
How did Ashley Graham make an impact in 2016?
Ashley Graham’s 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover was a landmark moment. She was the first size-16 model to ever be featured on the cover, and it sent a powerful message across the fashion world. Shot by James Macari, her confident pose declared that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
That year, SI released three individual covers, also featuring Hailey Clauson and Ronda Rousey. But it was Ashley’s cover that sparked a massive conversation about body positivity. She kicked down the door for what a swimsuit model was “supposed” to look like. Her cover is still sold as wall art today, a testament to its lasting popularity and cultural impact. She helped make diversity a front-page story.
Unique Multi-Model Covers
Some of the most memorable si swimsuit issue covers are the ones packed with multiple models. These group shots are full of energy and star power, and they always get people talking.
Who were Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal, and Lily Aldridge on the 2014 cover?
Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal, and Lily Aldridge teamed up for an unforgettable 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. Shot by Walter Iooss Jr. in the Cook Islands, the photo was fun, sunny, and full of confidence. It was the magazine’s 50th anniversary, and these three models brought the perfect celebratory vibe.
The image became one of the most talked-about covers in SI Swimsuit history. Some morning talk shows playfully debated Chrissy’s pose, but she had a great sense of humor about it. That fun and modern attitude is part of what made the cover so great. This shot officially launched all three of them into the ranks of modern SI icons. And for more hot bikini photos, I always know where to look after flipping through my favorite issues.
What is special about Elle Macpherson and other models on the 2006 cover?
After the excitement of the 2014 cover, I always think back to the epic SI Swimsuit cover from 2006. That year, Sports Illustrated assembled an “All-Stars” lineup of eight legendary models: Elle Macpherson, Rebecca Romijn, Rachel Hunter, Veronica Varekova, Carolyn Murphy, Daniela Pestova, Elsa Benitez, and Yamila Diaz-Rahi.
Seeing them all together, photographed by Raphael Mazzucco, was like watching a championship team of supermodels. At the center of it was Elle Macpherson, who holds the record with five SI Swimsuit cover appearances. Her nickname, “The Body,” says it all. The 2006 cover wasn’t just about good looks; it was a celebration of lasting beauty and the magazine’s incredible history, all in one amazing beach photo.
How Will Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Covers Evolve in 2025?
I don’t see the SI Swimsuit Issue slowing down at all in 2025. In fact, it seems to be getting bigger and more inclusive. We’re seeing more multi-model covers and a continued celebration of women from all different backgrounds.
Just look at the recent years. The 2023 issue made headlines by featuring 81-year-old Martha Stewart, proving that confidence has no age limit. The 2024 issue marked the 60th anniversary and featured 27 incredible women, from veterans like Kate Upton to newcomers, all highlighting a theme of legacy and empowerment.
Body positivity remains a driving force. You’ll see string bikinis right next to creative styles like body paint and crop tops. The focus is on bold choices and showing off real confidence. The covers have also become collectible art, so the commercial buzz just keeps growing. One thing is clear: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers will keep turning heads while making sure everyone has a chance to shine.
People Also Ask
What makes a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover stand out from the rest?
From what I’ve seen, a truly standout si swimsuit issue cover captures a unique moment in time, like Kate Upton’s daring 2013 shoot in Antarctica, which was the first fashion shoot ever done on the continent. Other times, it’s about a bold statement that gets everyone talking for weeks. The best ones combine a legendary model, a stunning location, and that little spark of controversy.
Who are some of the most memorable faces on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers?
I immediately think of icons like Elle Macpherson, who holds the record with an incredible five cover appearances. Of course, you have to include Tyra Banks for her groundbreaking covers and Kate Upton, who really defined the 2010s for the magazine. Legends like Christie Brinkley and Kathy Ireland also set the standard for what a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue star could be.
How has the look of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers changed over time?
The early covers from the 1960s were pretty straightforward and almost innocent compared to today’s style. Over the years, I’ve noticed the poses became much more daring and the locations more exotic, moving from simple beach shots to high-fashion concepts and featuring not just models but athletes like Ronda Rousey and Serena Williams.
Why do people still talk about certain Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers decades later?
Certain si swimsuit issue covers become pop culture touchstones because they break barriers, like when Tyra Banks became the first Black woman to have a solo cover in 1997.
