The 10 Most Influential Swimsuit Models Of 2025: From Billionaires To Breakout Stars

The landscape of the "top swimsuit model" has radically transformed in 2025, moving beyond traditional runway standards to embrace entrepreneurs, athletes, and social media powerhouses. This shift reflects a much broader cultural movement toward authenticity and inclusivity, where a model's influence is measured not just by magazine covers but by their business acumen and digital reach.

As of December 2025, the industry is celebrating a diverse group of women who are not only modeling the latest swimwear trends—from 'Vintagecore' to embellished designs—but are also pioneering the 'body positive' movement and launching their own eco-friendly brands. The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, in particular, showcases this new guard, blending established icons with fresh faces who embody the spirit of the modern, multi-hyphenate star. We dive into the most influential figures shaping beach fashion this year.

The New Era of the 'Swimsuit Model' and 2025 Trends

The definition of a top swimsuit model in 2025 is no longer singular; it is a powerful blend of athletic prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, and digital connectivity. The industry is actively moving away from one-size-fits-all standards, making way for a more dynamic and relatable cast of stars.

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The Rise of the Athlete-Model and Multi-Hyphenates

One of the most significant shifts is the inclusion of elite athletes. WNBA forward Cameron Brink, for example, made a highly publicized debut in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, photographed in Boca Raton, Fla.. Her inclusion, alongside other non-traditional models, underscores a trend where physical strength and achievement are celebrated just as much as classic beauty.

• The Entrepreneurial Model: Models like Emily Ratajkowski and Candice Swanepoel have successfully transitioned from being muses to moguls, running their own highly profitable swimwear and apparel lines.
• The Influencer-Model: Stars like Alix Earle, who built massive followings on platforms like TikTok, are now seamlessly crossing over into high-profile modeling gigs, proving that digital engagement is a key metric of success.

Key Swimwear Fashion Trends for 2025

The runway and beach editorials are dictating a few must-watch trends for the current season, heavily influenced by the push for body acceptance and practical fashion.

• Body Positivity & Inclusive Sizing: This is the strongest trend, with major brands expanding their size ranges and focusing on designs that flatter diverse body types, ensuring that beachwear is without 'body image' woes.
• Vintagecore: High-waisted bikinis, retro silhouettes, and classic pin-up styles are making a major comeback.
• Embellished Designs: Expect to see hardware, body chains, and intricate cut-outs, as seen on models like Alix Earle's tiny knit bikini look from her 2025 shoot.
• Sun-Protective Swimwear: Tankinis, rashguards, and stylish board shorts are emerging as practical, dermatologist-approved options, blending fashion with skin health.

The Reigning Icons: Established Models Redefining Their Role

While the new class is exciting, a few veteran models continue to dominate the industry, not just by posing, but by owning the business.

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1. Candice Swanepoel: The Eco-Friendly Mogul

The South African supermodel remains at the absolute pinnacle of the industry. In 2025, Candice Swanepoel is not just modeling; she is a powerful brand owner. She fronted the highly anticipated Victoria's Secret Summer 2025 Campaign and a collaboration between her own label, Tropic of C, and Victoria's Secret Swim 2025. Tropic of C is a leading example of sustainable fashion, being 100% eco-friendly and designed with recycled materials, setting a high standard for the industry. Her continued partnership with major houses like Victoria's Secret, combined with her commitment to sustainability, solidifies her status as an enduring icon.

2. Emily Ratajkowski: The Multi-Faceted Designer

Emily Ratajkowski has leveraged her modeling fame and feminist voice to build a massive apparel empire. Her brand, Inamorata, is known for its body-conscious and sensual designs. In 2025, Ratajkowski expanded her label to include 'Inamorata Body,' a 47-piece collection of bodywear, alongside her latest swimwear drop, the 'City Kini' collection. She continues to be her brand's primary face, demonstrating that the most successful models are now those who control their own image and product line.

7 Breakout Stars Dominating the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025 Issue

The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is a powerful showcase of the industry's future, featuring a diverse and influential group of women who bring unique stories to the beach.

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3. Alix Earle: The Digital Queen

A social media juggernaut, Alix Earle transitioned her immense online fame into a major modeling career. Following her SI Swim Week runway appearance, she made her debut in the 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue, photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Her feature, where she wore a tiny knit bikini, cemented her as the face of the new influencer-to-model pipeline. Earle has openly spoken about idolizing classic swimsuit models like Kate Upton, bridging the gap between the old guard and the new.

4. Cameron Brink: The WNBA Crossover

As a star forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, Cameron Brink's inclusion in the 2025 issue is a major statement. She was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla., and her feature highlights the growing appreciation for athletic physiques in high fashion. Brink's debut, featuring a crisp white one-piece, signifies that the "swimsuit model" title is now open to women who excel in any field, celebrating strength and powerful femininity.

5. Brooks Nader: The Media Maven

A veteran of multiple SI Swimsuit features, Brooks Nader returned for the 2025 issue, photographed in Bermuda. Beyond her modeling work, Nader is expanding her media presence. She launched a Spring 2025 collaboration with Hudson Jeans and is currently focused on an exciting new reality show project with her sisters, Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane, showcasing her evolution into a true media personality.

6. Achieng Agutu: The Voice of Confidence

Known for her fierce confidence and advocacy for self-love, Achieng Agutu's return to the 2025 SI lineup reinforces the magazine's commitment to the body positivity movement. She uses her platform to challenge beauty standards and inspire women to embrace their bodies unapologetically.

7. Camille Kostek: The SI Swim Search Success Story

As a former SI Swim Search winner, Camille Kostek continues to be a staple in the 2025 issue. Her journey is a testament to the power of the SI platform to launch careers and her continued success highlights the industry's embrace of models who are approachable and authentic.

8. Denise Bidot: The Curve Pioneer

A long-time advocate for diversity, Denise Bidot was photographed in Jamaica for the 2025 issue. She is celebrated as one of the original pioneers of the curve modeling movement, consistently championing inclusive representation in the fashion world.

9. Ming Lee Simmons: The Next Generation

The daughter of fashion icon Kimora Lee Simmons, Ming Lee Simmons is a rising star who was also featured in the 2025 Jamaica shoot. Her elegant style and fresh perspective represent the next generation of models with deep ties to the fashion industry.

The Future of Swimsuit Modeling

The top swimsuit models of 2025 are a reflection of a consumer base that values authenticity, influence, and business savvy. The days of a singular, unattainable beauty standard are fading, replaced by a celebration of diversity in shape, career, and background. Models like Candice Swanepoel and Emily Ratajkowski prove that longevity comes from entrepreneurship, while stars like Alix Earle and Cameron Brink demonstrate that a powerful personal brand—whether built on social media or an athletic field—is the new currency of the industry. The future of beach fashion is inclusive, powerful, and undeniably exciting.