7 Times Ashley Graham's Thong Photos Redefined 'Bikini Body' And Sparked A Global Confidence Movement

The conversation around body image and self-acceptance has been dramatically reshaped by one woman: Ashley Graham. As of December 11, 2025, the trailblazing supermodel continues to use her platform—from the runways of Paris to candid Instagram posts—to champion the idea that every body is a "bikini body." Her choice to confidently share photos in high-cut thong bikinis and lingerie is not just a fashion statement; it’s a powerful, ongoing act of activism that challenges decades of unrealistic beauty standards, making her a true icon of the modern era. Ashley Graham’s most striking images, particularly those featuring her in minimal swimwear, consistently go viral because they are unretouched, honest, and joyful. She uses these moments to normalize features like cellulite, stretch marks, and post-pregnancy changes, transforming the once-sensitive term "ashley graham in a thong" into a symbol of radical self-love and confidence for millions of women worldwide. This is the story of how a model from Nebraska became a global force, one honest photo at a time.

Ashley Graham: Complete Biography, Career Milestones, and Advocacy

Ashley Graham Ervin was born on October 30, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was discovered at the age of 12 while shopping at a mall, marking the beginning of a career that would fundamentally change the fashion industry. Her early career was spent navigating the challenges of being a "plus-size" model in an industry built on size zero standards. In 2016, Graham achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first curve model to appear on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*. This cover catapulted her to global fame and cemented her status as a leading voice in the body positivity movement. The following year, in 2017, she secured another major achievement by gracing the cover of *Vogue* magazine. Beyond modeling, Graham is a successful entrepreneur, with her own lines of lingerie and swimwear, including her popular collaboration with Swimsuits For All. She is also an accomplished author, having released her memoir, *A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like*. Graham has delivered a powerful TED Talk on self-acceptance and body image, titled "Plus-Size? More Like My Size." In late 2024 and 2025, she continued to expand her career, notably making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical *Chicago*. She is married to Justin Ervin and is a mother to three young boys, a journey she has shared candidly with her millions of followers.

The Power of the Thong: Unretouched Confidence and the 'Size Sexy' Movement

The search term "ashley graham in a thong" is not merely about a piece of clothing; it represents a cultural flashpoint. For decades, the thong bikini was reserved in media for one body type. Graham shattered this restrictive ideal, turning the revealing garment into a uniform for her "size sexy" philosophy.

1. The Unretouched Paparazzi Photos

One of Graham’s most impactful moments came when she was photographed by paparazzi during a swimwear shoot in Miami. Rather than letting the unedited images—which clearly showed her cellulite—be used against her, she took control of the narrative. She shared the *unretouched photos* herself, embracing her "lumps, bumps or cellulite," and empowering women to love their bodies as they are. This act redefined what a "perfect" campaign image should look like.

2. The Viral Twerk Video

During a *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit* shoot, Graham posted a now-iconic video of herself twerking in a tiny, string thong bikini. The video, captioned with hashtags like #sizesexy and #beautybeyondsize, was a joyful, unapologetic display of confidence. It was a direct, visual message that self-acceptance is about movement, fun, and owning your sexuality, regardless of size.

3. The Post-Pregnancy Realness Shots

After giving birth to her twin sons, Graham shared numerous candid shots of her body, including her postpartum stomach and stretch marks, often wearing high-cut underwear or thongs. These images were a vital counter-narrative to the celebrity pressure of "bouncing back." She used them to celebrate the incredible journey of motherhood, showing the body's changes as badges of honor, not flaws.

4. The 'Cellulite City' Response

In a famous Instagram post, Graham shared a photo of herself in a bikini with a powerful caption addressing body-shaming comments she had received. She quoted a hater who called her thighs "cellulite city," and flipped the insult into a message of pride. This moment demonstrated her unwavering commitment to body neutrality, proving that a thong-style bottom can highlight confidence, not just "flaws."

5. The Black Lingerie Look in 2024

In a more recent 2024 appearance, Graham stunned fans by sharing an Instagram post of herself in sparkling black lingerie. While not a beach thong, the daring, high-cut look continued her pattern of celebrating her curves in minimal, revealing attire. It showed that her advocacy extends from the beach to the bedroom, encouraging women to feel sexy for themselves.

Beyond the Photo: Ashley Graham’s Enduring Message of Self-Acceptance

Ashley Graham’s legacy is built on the fact that she doesn't just model clothes; she models confidence. Every time she posts a photo in a thong, a bikini, or a daring dress, she is reinforcing a series of powerful, actionable lessons for her global audience.

The Redefinition of 'Bikini Body'

Graham has famously said that "Every body in a bikini is a bikini body." This simple yet profound statement is the core of her message. It completely removes the prerequisite of a certain size or shape to wear swimwear. Her visual proof—the thong photos—makes this abstract concept tangible and real.

The Power of Unedited Reality

In an era dominated by filters, Photoshop, and digital perfection, Graham’s insistence on sharing unedited photos is her most important contribution. She is teaching a generation that the body they see in the mirror—with its texture, folds, and natural variations—is the one that deserves love and celebration.

Topical Authority: A New Model for the Industry

Graham’s impact is not limited to social media; it has changed the industry from the inside out. Her work has forced major publications, fashion houses, and brands to expand their sizing and diversify their casting. She is not just a model; she is a body activist who has opened doors for countless others, ensuring that the fashion world is slowly but surely reflecting the reality of its consumers. Her success proves that authenticity is the most powerful currency in the modern world. Whether she is gracing a magazine cover, walking a red carpet, or simply sharing a candid moment in a thong on vacation, Ashley Graham remains the undisputed champion of self-love, reminding everyone that true beauty is found in embracing every part of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ashley Graham

What is Ashley Graham's role in the body positivity movement?

Ashley Graham is one of the most prominent global figures in the body positivity and self-acceptance movement. She advocates for size diversity, challenges unrealistic beauty standards, and uses her platform to normalize features like cellulite and stretch marks, particularly through her candid photos and unretouched campaigns.

Has Ashley Graham appeared on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover?

Yes, Ashley Graham made history in 2016 by becoming the first curve model to be featured on the cover of the prestigious *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*.

What is the significance of her unretouched photos?

Her unretouched photos, often featuring her in bikinis or thongs, are highly significant because they directly counter the industry's reliance on digital manipulation. By sharing these images, she encourages transparency and helps her audience embrace their own bodies without shame or the expectation of digital perfection.

What is Ashley Graham's 'size sexy' philosophy?

The "size sexy" philosophy is Graham's way of encouraging women of all sizes to feel confident and sexy. It is a direct challenge to the notion that only one body type can be considered attractive or worthy of wearing revealing clothing like a thong or bikini.