The Evolution of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Since its inception in 1964, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been a cultural phenomenon, celebrating the beauty of athleticism and the art of swimwear design. The 2025 edition continues this legacy while embracing modern values of inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity.
A New Era of Representation
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025 issue features a diverse lineup of models representing different ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds. This year's cast includes breakthrough stars and established icons who embody confidence, strength, and beauty in all its forms.
For the first time, the issue also includes a section dedicated to athletes who have made significant contributions to their sports while challenging traditional beauty standards.
"The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has always been about more than just swimwear. It's about celebrating the human form and the confidence that comes from feeling comfortable in your own skin." - MJ Day, Editor-in-Chief
Celebrating 61 Years of Excellence
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has a storied history of breaking barriers and setting trends. From the iconic Cheryl Tiegs cover in 1975 to the groundbreaking inclusion of transgender models in recent years, the issue has consistently pushed the envelope.
Featured Models of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025
This year's issue features an incredible lineup of models who represent the diversity and beauty of today's world.
Behind the Scenes
Watch exclusive footage from the photoshoot
Alexa Johnson
Making history as the first model with vitiligo to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, Alexa Johnson represents a new era of inclusivity and self-love.
Read Her StoryExclusive Interview
Hear what Sofia has to say about body positivity
Sofia Rodriguez
This Brazilian volleyball player turned model brings her athleticism and infectious energy to the 2025 issue, breaking stereotypes and celebrating strong, powerful women.
Read Her StoryFashion Forward
Discover the designer behind this stunning piece
Michael Chen
Breaking barriers as the first male model of Asian descent to be featured prominently in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, Michael combines his gymnastics background with stunning elegance.
Read Her StorySwimsuit Trends for 2025
From sustainable fabrics to bold prints and innovative designs, discover the styles that will dominate beaches and pools this year.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
In 2025, eco-consciousness continues to drive swimwear design. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue features numerous pieces made from recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastic and regenerated nylon.
Recycled Ocean Plastic
Many designers are using Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from fishing nets and other ocean waste.
Biodegradable Fabrics
Innovative materials like Piñatex (made from pineapple leaves) and organic cotton are becoming more prevalent.
Water-Saving Production
Designers are adopting waterless dyeing techniques and reducing chemical usage in production.
Bold Prints and Patterns
From oversized florals to abstract geometric designs, bold prints are making a statement this year. Designers are experimenting with unexpected color combinations and scale.
Architectural Details
Structural elements like cutouts, strategic seaming, and asymmetrical hemlines add dimension and interest to swimwear designs, creating a modern, edgy look.
Body-Positive Fits
Swimwear is becoming more inclusive with adaptive designs, extended size ranges, and styles that celebrate all body types. Functionality meets fashion in these innovative pieces.
Innovative Designers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025
Discover the creative minds behind this year's most stunning swimwear designs, pushing boundaries and redefining beach fashion.
Carolina Cruz
Cruz Collective
Known for her sustainable approach and innovative use of recycled materials, Cruz's designs blend elegance with environmental consciousness.
View CollectionMarcus Chen
Waveform
Chen's designs combine architectural precision with fluid movement, creating swimwear that's both structurally innovative and comfortable.
View CollectionAmara Okafor
Okafor Atelier
Drawing inspiration from African textiles and patterns, Okafor brings bold colors and cultural motifs to contemporary swimwear design.
View CollectionTaylor Swift
Swift Waves
Swift's collaboration with Sports Illustrated introduces a line focused on body positivity and comfortable, stylish designs for all ages.
View CollectionBehind the Scenes of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025
Take a look at the making of this iconic issue, from location scouting to the final photoshoot.
The Making of the Cover
Watch as the team captures the perfect shot for the 2025 cover, featuring Alexa Johnson in a stunning design by Carolina Cruz. The shoot took place over three days on a remote beach in Hawaii.
Watch the VideoLocation Scouting
Discover how the team selected the breathtaking locations for this year's photoshoots, from pristine beaches to dramatic cliff sides.
Read MoreHair & Makeup
Get insights into the creative process behind the flawless looks that complement this year's swimwear designs and showcase natural beauty.
Read MoreThe Styling Process
Learn how the creative team curates each look, pairing swimwear with accessories and considering the natural environment as part of the composition.
Read MoreThe Impact of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
For over six decades, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has shaped cultural conversations around beauty, body image, and representation.
Redefining Beauty Standards
The 2025 issue continues the publication's commitment to inclusivity, featuring models of various ethnicities, body types, and abilities. This year marks several firsts, including the first transgender model on the cover and the most diverse cast in the issue's history.
First Transgender Cover Model
Alexa Johnson breaks barriers as the first transgender woman to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Expanded Size Range
Models range from size 0 to 22, showcasing the beauty of all body types and challenging industry norms.
Disability Representation
For the first time, models with visible disabilities are featured, promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty.
Increase in positive body image conversations on social media
More diverse representation compared to last year's issue
Countries represented by this year's models
Donated to ocean conservation efforts through this year's issue
Get Your Copy of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025
Don't miss out on this groundbreaking issue featuring stunning photography, inspiring stories, and the latest swimwear trends. Order your copy today and be part of the conversation.