Hottest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models of All Time
Since 1964, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has launched careers and made household names of models who went on to become enduring cultural figures in fashion, media, and entertainment.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has produced some of the most recognisable names in modelling and entertainment since its debut in 1964. Cover appearances have launched international careers, and the women associated with the issue’s most celebrated eras are considered icons in both fashion and popular culture.
The Issue That Changed Modelling
The Swimsuit Issue began as a modest editorial choice and grew into one of the best-selling magazine editions of any year, influencing how the modelling industry intersects with mainstream sports media. Its covers became career-defining moments, and its alumni have built careers spanning decades.
Most Celebrated SI Swimsuit Models by Era
1960s–1970s: The Pioneering Era
| Model | Notable Moment |
|---|---|
| Babette March | Featured in the very first 1964 Swimsuit Issue |
| Cheryl Tiegs | Multiple covers; became one of the most recognised models of her generation |
| Christie Brinkley | Appeared on three consecutive covers in the late 1970s–early 1980s; one of the publication’s defining faces |
1980s–1990s: Global Icons
| Model | Notable Moment |
|---|---|
| Kathy Ireland | Three covers; built a business empire post-modelling |
| Tyra Banks | First African American model to solo-cover the issue; went on to a major television career |
| Elle Macpherson | Multiple covers; nicknamed “The Body” during this era |
| Paulina Porizkova | Cover model who gained wide recognition across fashion globally |
2000s–2010s: Supermodel Crossover
| Model | Notable Moment |
|---|---|
| Heidi Klum | Multiple appearances; built a television and business career after SI |
| Kate Upton | Three covers in the 2010s; among the most talked-about covers of the decade |
| Hannah Davis | 2015 cover generated considerable media attention |
| Lily Aldridge | Victoria’s Secret Angel who graced multiple issues |
Athletes in the Swimsuit Issue
The issue’s evolution toward featuring athletes has been a notable editorial shift:
| Athlete | Sport | Year(s) Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Ronda Rousey | Mixed Martial Arts (UFC) | 2016 |
| Serena Williams | Tennis | Multiple appearances |
| Alex Morgan | Soccer (USWNT) | Multiple appearances |
| Christie Pearce Rampone | Soccer (USWNT) | Featured |
What a Cover Means for a Career
A solo cover on the SI Swimsuit Issue has historically been one of the most commercially impactful moments a model can have. It delivers:
- National and international media coverage coinciding with the issue’s launch
- Endorsement opportunities from brands seeking the SI association
- Cultural visibility beyond the fashion industry, reaching a sports-adjacent audience of millions
The Issue’s Cultural Evolution
In recent years, the Swimsuit Issue has broadened its approach to include a wider range of body types, ages, and backgrounds. Inclusion of plus-size models, women in their 50s and beyond, and high-profile athletes has shifted the publication’s identity from a purely aspirational catalogue to something that more deliberately reflects cultural conversations about beauty, sport, and representation.
Most Covers in Swimsuit Issue History
While precise rankings shift slightly depending on how cover appearances are counted (solo vs. shared), the names most frequently associated with multiple covers include Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Kathy Ireland, Tyra Banks, Kate Upton, and Elle Macpherson.
Quick summary: The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has made icons since 1964. Christie Brinkley, Kathy Ireland, Tyra Banks, and Kate Upton are among the most celebrated cover models in its history. In recent years the issue has expanded to feature professional athletes alongside models, reflecting an evolution in its editorial identity.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue start?+
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debuted in January 1964, initially as a short feature to fill space during a slow sports news period. It grew into an annual cultural phenomenon with its own standalone edition.
Who has appeared on the most Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers?+
Tyra Banks, Cheryl Tiegs, and Kathy Ireland are among the models most associated with the issue's history, having appeared on the cover multiple times and helping define its most recognised eras.
Has Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ever featured athletes?+
Yes. The issue has increasingly featured professional athletes such as Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey, and Alex Morgan, blurring the line between model and athlete and reflecting a broader cultural shift in how the publication defines its mission.