It’s time to face facts. Summer is on its way out and while we’re sad to see it go, it’s the prime time to bask in the rays of some super sexy swimwear courtesy of the top swimsuit models of all time. We’re talking 70s trailblazers, 80s legends, 90s supermodels and the new wave of bathing beauties. These icons of the surf and sand sizzled in everything from revealing bikinis to surprisingly seductive one-pieces, providing plenty of inspiration along the way regarding how to style swimwear. So without further ado, let’s dive right in and check out the swimsuit models who made the biggest splash.
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20 Sexiest Swimsuit Models of All Time
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Elle Macpherson
She wasn’t called “The Body” for nothing. Elle graced the cover of the infamous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue an impressive five times, securing her icon status.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Kathy Ireland
Kathy used to be everywhere in the 80s and 90s. The California native racked up a total of 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues in her heyday.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Tyra Banks
Even if you didn’t subscribe to Sports Illustrated, you knew about this now legendary shot. Tyra was the first African-American model to be featured on the cover, earning that honor not once, but twice in the mid-90s.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Christie Brinkley
This “Uptown Girl” was the hottest model of the 80s. Not only did she appear in ad campaigns, movies and music videos, but Christie was also awarded a trio of covers for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Alessandra Ambrosio
If you’re going to design a line of pattern-happy swimwear, you’d better have some firsthand experience. Alessandra’s honed her skills touting Victoria's Secret suits.
Image: Courtesy of Alessandra Ambrosio Facebook
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Kate Upton
Kate burst onto the scene only a few years ago, but the model managed to turn a few heads in her short career by appearing in memorable swimwear, both in print and on the runway. Sports Illustrated even sent Kate to bikini-friendly Antarctica for a rather chilling 2013 cover.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Heidi Klum
The heir apparent in the late 90s and 2000s to Elle’s “The Body” title. Heidi modeled quite a few swimsuits in the pages of Sports Illustrated during her reign.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Cheryl Tiegs
What would the 70s have been like without Cheryl? Pretty boring, if you ask us. The suits the model/actress sported became must-have beach attire.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Gisele Bündchen
Gisele practically lives in swimsuits when she’s not working, so it makes sense that she would be a perfect pick to model everything from cut-out one-pieces to skimpy bikinis. She even showed off a suit in Vogue Paris.
Image: Courtesy of Gisele Bündchen Facebook
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Brooklyn Decker
Now trying to make her mark as an actress, Brooklyn became a household name after posing in a teeny-weeny yellow bikini for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. The fact that her top was off and slung over her shoulder probably didn’t hurt.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Naomi Campbell
A certified supermodel, Naomi took a break from all the couture in 1997 and again in 2002 to help Sports Illustrated sell some Swimsuit issue copies. While her modeling resume is pretty comprehensive, her swimwear gigs still deserve recognition.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Stephanie Seymour
While many know Stephanie from her 90s love affair with Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose (she was the ill-fated bride in the band’s epic “November Rain” video), she actually was an in-demand model. Her Vogue spreads are noteworthy, but her swimsuit shoots are some of the most provocative ever put to film.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Paulina Porizkova
Paulina struck a pose in several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, from 1983 to 2004. The Czech beauty also landed contracts with Estée Lauder as well as Coca-Cola and served as a judge during a stint on America's Next Top Model.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Robyn Lawley
Robyn made history this year as the first “plus-size” model to appear in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit issue, but she’s no novice. The Australian native crafts designs for her own popular swimwear brand.
Image: Courtesy of Robyn Lawley Facebook
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Carol Alt
Carol ruled the 80s wearing a wide variety of one-pieces, including wild strapless suits, more sporty types and even a Baywatch-style number long before the TV show made them popular.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Rachel Hunter
From hot white bikinis to plunging silver suits, the New Zealand native was pretty versatile when it came to showcasing swimwear.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Niki Taylor
This fresh-faced model managed to score a cover of Vogue at the age of 15. Later on in her career, Niki made waves in Sports Illustrated on two separate occasions.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Rebecca Romijn
In her role as Mystique for the X-Men franchise, Rebecca showed plenty of blue skin thanks to her risqué costume. The model turned actress’ years rocking swimsuits probably helped prepare her for the demanding performance.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Marisa Miller
As an avid surfer, Marisa spends a lot of time in the water. So, it’s no wonder that the California girl has a reputation as one of the top swimsuit models.
Image: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
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Adriana Lima
One of Victoria's Secret's most identifiable Angels, the Brazilian stunner’s affinity for boxing guarantees she’s in tip-top shape for swimwear shoots.
Image: Courtesy of Adriana Lima Facebook
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Image: Courtesy of Gisele Bündchen Intimates
