The 10 Hottest Swimsuit Models Redefining Beauty In 2024-2025

The swimsuit modeling industry is undergoing a revolutionary shift, moving beyond traditional runway standards to embrace social media influence, athletic prowess, and authentic body diversity. As of this current date, December 12, 2025, the landscape is dominated by a powerful blend of established legends making iconic comebacks and a new guard of digital-native stars whose careers are fueled by millions of followers. This new generation of *swimwear icons* is setting the tone for 2025 and beyond, proving that genuine connection and entrepreneurial spirit are just as vital as a stunning photo shoot. The most influential names right now are those who have successfully leveraged their personal brand and massive social media platforms into high-fashion credibility, with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue remaining the definitive benchmark for *top swimsuit models*. The 2024 edition, celebrating its 60th Anniversary, was a pivotal moment, featuring an unprecedented mix of veterans and fresh, trending faces who collectively represent the industry's commitment to *body positivity* and expanded representation.

The New Guard: Top Swimsuit Models and Their Career Profiles (2024-2025)

The current list of the most sought-after swimsuit models reflects a major industry pivot, prioritizing women who are *content creators*, *athletes*, and *entrepreneurs* first, and models second. Here is a look at the profiles of the women who are currently shaping the *swimwear trends* and commanding the most attention.

• Alix Earle: The Digital Cover Star
  • Origin: New Jersey, USA
  • Claim to Fame: Massive TikTok and Instagram following (millions of followers).
  • 2024 Highlight: Made history as the first-ever SI Swimsuit Digital Cover Star. Her debut photoshoot with photographer Yu Tsai in Miami was a major moment for *influencer marketing* in the high-fashion world.
  • Career Trajectory: Known for her "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) content and relatable lifestyle, Earle has successfully bridged the gap between social media personality and *fashion icon*. She also hosts a popular podcast, expanding her media footprint.
• Brittany Mahomes: The Athlete Entrepreneur
  • Origin: Texas, USA
  • Claim to Fame: Fitness entrepreneur, co-owner of the NWSL team Kansas City Current, and wife of NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
  • 2024 Highlight: Named an SI Swimsuit Rookie for the 60th Anniversary issue, making a bold *rookie debut* that garnered significant media attention just before the 2024 Super Bowl.
  • Career Trajectory: Her inclusion highlights the industry's focus on women who are powerful figures in the *sports and fitness* world, using her platform to promote *health and wellness*.
• Katie Austin: The Fitness Mogul
  • Origin: California, USA
  • Claim to Fame: Certified health coach, fitness trainer, and *wellness influencer*.
  • 2024 Highlight: Returned to the SI Swimsuit fold, having been a Swim Search co-winner in 2021 and a Rookie in 2022. Her consistent presence underscores the value of a strong, established brand in the *fitness community*.
  • Career Trajectory: Austin uses her modeling career to amplify her mission of empowering women through fitness, making her a beacon for *authentic representation*.
• Hanna and Haley Cavinder (The Cavinder Twins): The NCAA Stars
  • Origin: Indiana, USA
  • Claim to Fame: Former NCAA basketball players who became major NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earners in college sports.
  • 2024 Highlight: Featured as SI Swimsuit content creators and models, bringing their massive Gen Z following and athletic background to the *swimwear industry*.
  • Career Trajectory: Their transition from *college athletes* to *swimsuit models* exemplifies the new pathway to modeling fame, driven by social media engagement and a pre-existing fan base.

The Iconic Comeback: Legends Who Dominated the 60th Anniversary

The 2024 *SI Swimsuit 60th Anniversary* issue was a masterclass in honoring the past while celebrating the present, bringing back some of the most famous faces in the history of the publication. Their return proved that true *fashion icons* maintain their relevance across decades.

Chrissy Teigen and Kate Upton: The Cover Model Royalty

The return of Chrissy Teigen and Kate Upton was one of the most anticipated events of the year, cementing their status as *swimsuit royalty*. Both women were featured as cover models for the historic 2024 edition, showcasing the magazine's commitment to celebrating women at every stage of their lives and careers. Chrissy Teigen, already a successful cookbook author, TV host, and *social media personality*, made her highly-anticipated return to the pages of the magazine. Her inclusion was a powerful statement on motherhood and *body confidence*, resonating deeply with her global fanbase. Similarly, Kate Upton, a veteran who has graced multiple SI covers, returned to the shoot with the same magnetic presence that initially launched her into superstardom. Their comebacks serve as a reminder that the *top swimsuit models* are often those who successfully evolve their personal and professional narratives.

Lorena Rae: The International High-Fashion Star

While many of the top trending names are American and SI-focused, models like Lorena Rae continue to dominate the global *bikini model* and high-fashion campaigns. Rae, known for her work with major brands like Victoria's Secret and her appearances in prestigious magazines, maintains a strong presence in the *international swimwear* market. Her campaigns, such as the Yamamay Swimwear 2024 collection, showcase a more traditional, high-gloss approach to *swimwear photography*, balancing the industry's shift towards influencer-led content.

The Future of Swimwear: Authenticity, Athleisure, and Influence

The evolution of the *top swimsuit model* is intrinsically linked to the changing values of the fashion industry and consumers. The most successful models today are those who embody more than just physical beauty; they are advocates for change, powerful businesswomen, and relatable figures.

The Power of the Influencer Model

The rise of *influencer models* like Alix Earle and the Cavinder Twins demonstrates a permanent shift in talent scouting. The industry is now actively seeking individuals with a pre-built, engaged audience, making *social media engagement* a new metric for success. This trend has democratized the modeling world, allowing women from diverse backgrounds, including *fitness professionals* and *NCAA athletes*, to bypass traditional agency structures and connect directly with brands and fans. This focus on *digital influence* will only accelerate in 2025, leading to more collaborations between major swimwear brands and viral personalities.

Beyond Size: Celebrating Body Diversity and Confidence

The continued prominence of models like Hunter McGrady (a 2024 cover model) and the emphasis on women like Chrissy Teigen and Kate Upton, who model post-motherhood, solidifies the industry’s embrace of *inclusive sizing* and *authentic body representation*. The message is clear: the modern *top swimsuit model* is defined by her confidence, her story, and her ability to inspire, rather than by a single, restrictive beauty standard. This movement has driven new *swimwear trends* that prioritize comfort, innovative cuts, and designs that celebrate all body types. The landscape of *top swimsuit models* in late 2025 is a vibrant, multi-faceted ecosystem. It's a place where TikTok stars share covers with industry legends, and where athletic achievement is celebrated alongside high fashion. The women leading this charge are not just modeling clothes; they are modeling a new era of *female empowerment* and authentic self-expression.