Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

{{short description|American magazine published by Sports Illustrated}} {{Italic title|string=Sports Illustrated}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}} {{Infobox magazine |title = Sports Illustrated {{noitalics|Swimsuit Issue}} |logo = Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (2026 logo).svg |editor = MJ Day |image_file = First SI Swimsuit Issue.jpg |image_caption = The first swimsuit issue cover, released on January 20, 1964, featuring Babette March |frequency = Yearly |category = Magazine |company = ''Sports Illustrated'' <br> (Authentic Brands Group) |firstdate = January 20, 1964 |country = United States |language = English |website = {{url|https://swimsuit.si.com/|swimsuit.si.com}} |italic title = no }}

The '''''Sports Illustrated'' Swimsuit Issue''' is published annually by American magazine ''Sports Illustrated'' and features female fashion models, celebrities and athletes wearing swimwear in various locales around the world. The highly coveted cover photograph has been considered as the arbiter of supermodel succession.<ref name=Slate>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2113612/|title=The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: An intellectual history|author=Curtis, Bryan|access-date=November 11, 2007|date=February 16, 2005 |work=Slate}}</ref> The issue carries advertising that, in 2005, amounted to {{USD|35 million}} in value.<ref name=Slate/> First published in 1964, it is credited with making the bikini, invented in 1946,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/web/20060705-bikini-swimming-suit-louis-reard-micheline-bernardini-paris-brigitte-bardot.shtml |access-date=November 13, 2007 |publisher=American Heritage Inc |title=60 Years of Bikinis |author=Hoover, Elizabeth D. |date=July 5, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909195749/http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/web/20060705-bikini-swimming-suit-louis-reard-micheline-bernardini-paris-brigitte-bardot.shtml |archive-date=September 9, 2007 }}</ref> a legitimate piece of apparel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/07/28/sunday_am/doc44bec4c0d94a5233525588.txt |title=The bikini celebrates 60 years |date=July 23, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2007 |author=Mendelsohn, Aline |work=Lincoln Journal Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706155241/http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/07/28/sunday_am/doc44bec4c0d94a5233525588.txt |archive-date=July 6, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Since 1964, the issue had been published every February, but starting in 2019, the issue was made available in May.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sports Illustrated shifts Swimsuit Issue to May, when it's actually bikini season |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/01/15/sports-illustrated-shifts-swimsuit-issue-may/2580037002/ |access-date=January 30, 2019 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=January 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/2019/01/11/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-moving-may-2019|title=The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue will come out in May |newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com |publisher=SI.com|language=en|access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref>

==History== The swimsuit issue was invented by ''Sports Illustrated'' editor Andre Laguerre to fill the winter months, a typically slow point in the sporting calendar.<ref name=Slate/> He asked fashion reporter Jule Campbell to go on a shoot to fill space, including the cover, with a beautiful model. The first issue, released in 1964, entailed a cover featuring Babette March and a five-page layout. Campbell soon became a powerful figure in modeling and molded the issue into a media phenomenon by featuring "bigger and healthier" California women and printing the names of the models with their photos, beginning a new supermodel era.<ref name=Slate/> In the 1950s, a few women appeared on the cover of ''Sports Illustrated'', but the 1964 issue is considered to be the beginning of the current format known as the Swimsuit Issue. The issue that got the most letters was the 1978 edition.<ref name="SI50">''Sports Illustrated 50: The Anniversary Book'', Rob Fleder, 2005, p. 286, {{ISBN|1-932273-49-2}}.</ref>

When Mark Mulvoy became managing editor of ''Sports Illustrated'', he doubled the size of the swimsuit issue from 20 to 40 pages, becoming a special annual issue<ref>{{cite news|title=An indelible Mark at SI|last=Craig|first=Jack|date=December 31, 1995|newspaper=The Boston Globe|page=88|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-mulvoy-1995/171451459/}}</ref><ref name="Parquette-2024">{{cite magazine|last=Parquette|first=Archer|date=2024|title=Mark Mulvoy '64 Enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame|url=https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-magazine/winter-2024-issue/linden-lane/mark-mulvoy--63-enshrined-in-the-hockey-hall-of-fame.html|magazine=Boston College Magazine|location=Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts|access-date=April 28, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Stubbs-2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mark-mulvoy-to-receive-elmer-ferguson-memorial-award|title='Groundbreaking' Mulvoy set to accept Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award|last=Stubbs|first=Dave|date=November 5, 2023|website=National Hockey League|access-date=April 29, 2025}}</ref> The swimsuit issue sold five million copies annually during his time as managing editor,<ref name="Parquette-2024" /> and profits for ''Sports Illustrated'' more than quadrupled.<ref name="Stubbs-2023" />

In 1997, Tyra Banks was the first black woman on the cover.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:SPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB52D63C3163F0C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |title=Under the right cover, "SI' can be hot collectible|access-date=August 10, 2009|date=April 2, 1995|work=St. Petersburg Times|author=Layberger, Tom}}</ref> Since 1997, the swimsuit issue has been a stand-alone edition, separate from the regular weekly magazine.<ref>{{cite web|last=Isidore|first=Chris|title=Bikini empire: Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has spawned spin-off products worth $10 million a year|publisher=CNNMoney|date=February 16, 2005|url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/02/15/news/fortune500/swimsuit/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050221093837/http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/15/news/fortune500/swimsuit/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2005|access-date=June 25, 2016}}</ref> Its best selling issue was the 25th Anniversary Issue with Kathy Ireland on the cover in 1989.<ref name="SI50" />

Through the years, many models, such as Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley, Paulina Porizkova, Elle Macpherson, Kathy Ireland, Rachel Hunter, Rebecca Romijn, Petra Nemcova, Valeria Mazza, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Marisa Miller, Brooks Nader, Irina Shayk, Brooklyn Decker, and Kate Upton have been featured on the cover.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} Other models within its pages, but not on its cover, include Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Ella Halikas, Niki Taylor, Angie Everhart, and Naomi Campbell.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} The eight models featured on the cover of the 2006 issue were featured in a coffee-table book called ''Sports Illustrated: Exposure''. Photographed by Raphael Mazzucco and produced by Diane Smith, the unprecedented "reunion shoot" featured 139 pages of previously-unpublished images. In 2006, the issue expanded publishing to handheld devices.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/13/business/media/13sports.html|title=So Many Models in Bikinis, So Many Ways to See Them|author=Miller, Lia|date=February 13, 2006|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 10, 2007}}</ref> In 2007, the swimsuit issue first became available in China.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/04/weekinreview/04barboza.html|title=The People's Republic of Sex Kittens and Metrosexuals|author=Barboza, David|date=March 4, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2007}}</ref>

The 2008–2013 covergirls were announced on ''Late Show with David Letterman''.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 12, 2008|title=Marisa Miller: SI Covergirl Unveiled On Letterman|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/12/marisa-miller-si-covergi_n_86204.html|access-date=February 8, 2009|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=February 4, 2009|title=Letterman to unveil S.I. Swimsuit cover|url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/02/04/Letterman_to_unveil_SI_Swimsuit_cover/UPI-17861233776578/|access-date=February 8, 2009|publisher=United Press International, Inc.}}</ref> The 2014 and 2017 covergirls were announced on ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Oldenburg|first=Ann|date=February 13, 2014|title=Jimmy Kimmel to unveil 'SI' swimsuit cover|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/02/13/jimmy-kimmel-to-unveil-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-cover/5447443/|access-date=February 13, 2014|work=USA Today}}</ref> The 2015 cover model was announced on ''The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon''.<ref>{{cite web|last=The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon|date=February 4, 2015|title=Jimmy Unveils the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w0hMZWR75g |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/2w0hMZWR75g |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=March 5, 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> MJ Day became the issue's top editor in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mj-day-si-swimsuit-issue-career-2015-3|title=The woman who runs the SI swimsuit issue started as an assistant who spent 8 hours a day organizing bikinis|date=2015-03-03|last=Manfred|first=Tony|website=Business Insider|access-date=2024-12-26}}</ref>

The 2019 covers were exclusively announced on ''Good Morning America'' with Tyra Banks and Camille Kostek both appearing on the show on May 8, 2019.<ref>{{Citation|last=Good Morning America|title=2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover stars revealed! l GMA|date=May 8, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65bJMwCJ3BA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/65bJMwCJ3BA |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=May 20, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Tyra Banks, Alex Morgan, Camille Kostek cover 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/tyra-banks-alex-morgan-camille-kostek-cover-2019/story?id=62890099|access-date=May 20, 2019|website=ABC News|language=en}}</ref> The 2019 issue leaned towards diversity and inclusivity with models representing different body types.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Hays|first1=Kali|date=May 8, 2019|title=Is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Still Relevant?|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/media/is-the-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-tyra-banks-alex-morganstill-relevant-1203125840/|access-date=May 27, 2019|website=Women's Wear Daily |language=en}}</ref> It also tackled ageism, body image and the Me Too movement.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Paulina Porizkova on ageism and the SI Swimsuit issue|url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/2019/03/25/paulina-porizkova-battles-ageism-si-swimsuit-issue|access-date=May 27, 2019|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit goes #MeToo. Not everyone is happy|date=February 13, 2018 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-goes-metoo-not-everyone-happy-n847566|access-date=May 27, 2019 |publisher=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>

The 2020 issue was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stagnitta|first1=Ali|date=April 22, 2020|title=Model Hunter McGrady Assures Fans That 'SI: Swim' 2020 Issue Is Coming Despite Pandemic|language=en|work=Hollywood Life|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/04/22/hunter-mcgrady-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-2020-issue-interview/|access-date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> and was released on July 13, 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Giunta|first=Joanna|title=Your Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2020 Cover Models Are Kate Bock, Jasmine Sanders and Olivia Culpo|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com |url=https://swimsuit.si.com/swim-daily/2020/07/13/si-swimsuit-2020-cover-kate-jasmine-olivia|access-date=2020-07-13|publisher=Swimsuit {{!}} SI.com|language=en-us}}</ref> Valentina Sampaio became the swimsuit issue’s first openly transgender model in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Rasha |title=Valentina Sampaio makes history as first openly transgender Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/07/10/valentina-sampaio-first-trans-model-sports-illustrated/5412980002/ |access-date=10 July 2020 |work=USA TODAY}}</ref> The first openly transgender covergirl for the magazine was Leyna Bloom in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-19|title=Leyna Bloom is Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue's first trans cover star|url=http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/jul/19/leyna-bloom-sports-illustrated-transgender-cover-star|access-date=2021-07-20|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

In May 2022, Yumi Nu became the first plus-size model of Asian descent to be featured on the cover of the magazine.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Justich |first1=Kerry |title=Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Maye Musk, Yumi Nu turn heads on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kim-kardashian-ciara-maye-musk-yumi-nu-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-covers-170033926.html |date=May 16, 2022}}</ref> Also in May, Maye Musk became the oldest model to feature on the Swimsuit cover, appearing at 74 years old.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Orie |first1=Amarachi |title=Maye Musk becomes oldest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model |url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/maye-musk-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-intl-scli/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=May 17, 2022}}</ref>

==Non-models in the magazine== Female athletes have appeared in swimsuit shoots. Steffi Graf appeared in 1997. In the 2003 issue, tennis player Serena Williams and figure skater Ekaterina Gordeeva were featured inside the magazine. In 2016, UFC fighter Ronda Rousey became the first female athlete to appear on the cover. However, Anna Kournikova appeared in an inset on the 2004 cover, and had a photo spread within its pages.

In 2005, Olympic gold medalists Amanda Beard and Jennie Finch, along with Lauren Jackson and Venus Williams, were featured. Maria Sharapova appeared in an inset on the 2006 cover and had a spread inside. In spring 2006, ''Sports Illustrated'' chose music as the theme for the 2007 issue. Swimsuit editor Diane Smith<ref>"Masthead". ''Sports Illustrated''. September 5, 2011: 14. Print.</ref> wanted Grammy-winner Beyoncé Knowles to pose.<ref>''Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue'', Winter 2007, p. 15, Diane Smith, senior editor</ref> In 2006, Beyoncé launched a swimsuit line under her House of Deréon clothing label. Beyoncé Knowles became the first singer, and first non-model non-athlete, to appear on the cover in 2007.

In 2008, NFL cheerleaders appeared for the first time. Teams include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Washington Commanders and Houston Texans.<ref name="foxbusiness.com">{{Cite web |title=Supermodel Marisa Miller Adorns the Cover of the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue on Newsstands Today! |website=Fox Business |url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/article/supermodel-marisa-miller-adorns-cover-2008-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue_475383_1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217150055/http://www.foxbusiness.com/article/supermodel-marisa-miller-adorns-cover-2008-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue_475383_1.html |archive-date=February 17, 2008}}</ref>

Race car driver Danica Patrick appeared in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, she was featured in a four-page spread set in Singer Island, Florida.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=SI Swimsuit 2008 & 2009: Danica Patrick |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/photos/2015/04/27/si-swimsuit-2008-danica-patrick |access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref>

For the 2010 issue, four female Winter Olympians appeared in swimsuits: Clair Bidez, Lacy Schnoor, Hannah Teter, and Lindsey Vonn. They were joined by tennis player Ana Ivanovic. Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke appeared in the 2013 issue after having gained notoriety for her warm-up dance routine, which went viral on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 13, 2013 |title=Michelle Jenneke's viral dance paves the way for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2013-02-13/michelle-jenneke-dance-video-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-si-2013 |access-date=March 5, 2018}}</ref>

In 2012, Alex Morgan first appeared in a body paint swimsuit.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://swimsuit.si.com/swimnews/6-incredible-photos-of-olympian-alex-morgan-in-body-paint#:~:text=Alex%20Morgan%20made%20her%20SI,in%20a%20New%20York%20studio. | title=6 Incredible Photos of Olympian Alex Morgan in Body Paint | date=April 4, 2023 }}</ref> In 2014, she made her second appearance this time in an actual swimsuit.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2014/02/19/alex-morgan-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-photos/ | title=Alex Morgan appears in 2014 SI Swimsuit Issue – Equalizer Soccer | date=February 19, 2014 }}</ref> In 2019, she appeared for her third appearance alongside her USWNT teammates, Megan Rapinoe, Crystal Dunn and Abby Dahlkemper all joined her in two-piece swimsuits.<ref>{{cite news |title=USWNT's Alex Morgan One Of Three '19 SI Swimsuit Cover Models |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2019/05/08/Media/SI.aspx |access-date=2023-08-18 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=8 May 2019}}</ref>

Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki appeared in the 2015 issue. She is an active player, formerly world number one, and was photographed at Captiva Island in the Gulf of Mexico by Walter Iooss, Jr.<ref>{{Cite news |last=DeMarzo |first=John |date=February 9, 2015 |title=Caroline Wozniacki's latest success: SI Swimsuit model |work=New York Post |publisher=NYP Holdings, Inc. |url=https://nypost.com/2015/02/09/caroline-wozniackis-latest-success-si-swimsuit-model/ |access-date=February 11, 2015}}</ref> Top ranked Canadian tennis player Eugenie Bouchard appeared for the first time in the 2017 issue. She is an active player who has achieved a top five rank in tennis in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2017 |title=Eugenie Bouchard Makes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Debut |url=http://m.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/02/16/eugenie-bouchard-sports-illustrated-swimsuit_n_14797248.html |access-date=March 5, 2018}}</ref>

In 2021, Naomi Osaka became the first black athlete to appear not only inside but also on the cover of the SI swimsuit Issue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Naomi Osaka first Black athlete on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2021/07/19/Naomi-Osaka-named-Sports-Illustrated-cover-model-tennis/3741626711124/ |agency=UPI}}</ref>

In 2023, Martha Stewart, at the age of 81, became the oldest model on the cover of the SI swimsuit Issue.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Sian |last=Cain |date=2023-05-16 |title=Martha Stewart, 81, becomes oldest Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/16/martha-stewart-81-becomes-oldest-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-cover-model |access-date=2023-05-16}}</ref> Also in 2023, Kim Petras became the second openly transgender woman to appear on the cover.<ref>{{Cite news |work=People Mag |url=https://people.com/style/kim-petras-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-cover-2023/ |title=Kim Petras Says Modeling for 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' Cover 'Was a Huge Confidence Boost' (Exclusive) |date=May 15, 2023 |access-date=16 May 2023 |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516034759/https://people.com/style/kim-petras-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-cover-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Olivia Dunne, the NCAA gymnast, appeared in the ‘23 edition. Also, Olympic medallists Simone Biles and Aly Raisman in ‘17 and ‘18.

The 2024 60th Anniversary publication included reappearances by athletes Paige Spiranac, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Olivia Dunne, and Brenna Huckaby. Olympian rugby player Ilona Maher, collegiate diver Alexa Massari, collegiate softball player Jas Williams, and collegiate basketball player Jillian Hayes all made their debut in the issue as well.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 - Swimsuit {{!}} SI.com |url=https://swimsuit.si.com/model-years/2024 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Weasel|date=April 2021}} Bryan Curtis of ''Slate'' argued that the magazine is an acceptable exhibition of female sexuality not out of place on a coffee table.<ref name=Slate/> However, the swimsuit edition has proven controversial both with moralists who subscribe for sports news content as well as with those who feel that the focus on fashion and swimsuit modeling is inappropriate for a sports magazine. Feminists have expressed that "the Swimsuit Issue promotes the harmful and dehumanizing concept that women are a product for male consumption".<ref name='now_si'>''[http://www.now.org/issues/media/roundup/20020222.html Feminist Media Round-Up: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719181507/http://www.now.org/issues/media/roundup/20020222.html |date=July 19, 2008 }}.'' Lisa Bennett, Communications Director, National Organization for Women. February 22, 2002.</ref>

In 1997, sports sociologist Laurel R. Davis published ''The Swimsuit Issue and Sport: Hegemonic Masculinity'' in Sports Illustrated, examining the societal implications of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Davis analyzed editions of the magazine from its inception in 1964 through the 1990s and conducted interviews with producers and readers. Her research suggested that the swimsuit issues reinforced traditional gender roles and perpetuated a "climate of hegemonic masculinity." Davis also argued that the magazine marginalized people of color, non-heterosexual individuals, and residents of lower-income countries. Additionally, Davis critiqued the magazine’s portrayal of models, suggesting it emphasized notions of femininity over athleticism by depicting them as dependent, emotionally vulnerable, and disconnected from the sporting context.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The swimsuit issue and sport: hegemonic masculinity in Sports illustrated |date=1997 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-7914-3392-8 |editor-last=Davis |editor-first=Laurel R. |series=SUNY series on sport, culture, and social relations |location=Albany}}</ref>

Despite the success of the swimsuit edition, hundreds have cancelled their subscriptions due to it. The 1978 edition, remembered for its fishnet bathing suit made famous by Cheryl Tiegs, resulted in 340 cancellations.<ref name=Slate/> ''Sports Illustrated'' makes the controversy a form of entertainment with the issue two weeks after the swimsuit edition packed with complainants such as shocked parents and troubled librarians.<ref name=Slate/> As of 2005, the number of cancellations has reportedly declined.<ref name=Slate/> Nonetheless, to avoid controversy, ''Sports Illustrated'' has, since 2007, offered its subscribers the option of skipping the swimsuit edition for a one issue credit to extend their subscription.<ref name=TSWSbtMWI>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/12/business/media/12mag.html |title=The Swimsuits Were Skimpy, but the Magazine Was Invisible |access-date=November 10, 2007 |work=The New York Times |author=Aspan, Maria|date=March 12, 2007}}</ref>

==Locations== The swimsuit issue was once predominantly shot in one country per year. As the issue has grown in size, the number of locations has also risen. {{div col|colwidth=22em}} * 1964: Cozumel * 1965: Baja California * 1966: Bahamas * 1967: Arizona * 1968: French Polynesia * 1969: Puerto Rico * 1970: Hawaii * 1971: Dominican Republic * 1972: Marina del Rey * 1973: Bahamas * 1974: Puerto Rico * 1975: Cancún * 1976: Baja California * 1977: Maui * 1978: Brazil * 1979: Seychelles * 1980: British Virgin Islands * 1981: Florida * 1982: Kenya * 1983: Jamaica * 1984: Netherlands Antilles * 1985: Australia * 1986: French Polynesia * 1987: Dominican Republic * 1988: Thailand * 1989: Mexico, Seychelles, Kenya, Lake Powell, Kaua{{okina}}i, St. Barts * 1990: The Grenadines, Windward Islands * 1991: Cruise theme – Turks & Caicos, Bali, St. Barts * 1992: Spain * 1993: Alaska, Florida Keys, Mackinac Island, Martha's Vineyard, Oahu * 1994: Pool theme – Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Bali, Pantelleria, Sardinia, St. Maarten, Mexico, Hong Kong * 1995: Bermuda, Costa Rica * 1996: South Africa * 1997: Bahamas, Monaco, Venezuela, Mexico, Malibu * 1998: Equator theme – Maldives, Kenya, Indonesia, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador * 1999: Necker Island, Guana Island * 2000: Pacific theme – Malaysia, Oahu, Maui, Mexico * 2001: Tunisia, Greece, Italy, Bahamas, Las Vegas * 2002: Latin theme – Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, Spanish Harlem * 2003: Barbados, Kenya, Turkey, Florida Keys, Colorado, Vietnam, Grenada * 2004: Montauk, New York, Saranac Lake, New York, Mississippi, Wyoming, Arizona, Bouton, Iowa, Perry, Iowa * 2005: Exuma, Bahamas, Pico Bonito National Park, Honduras, Korčula, Croatia, Laguna Beach, California, Bora Bora, Portillo, Chile, Hua Hin, Thailand, Papgayo Peninsula, Costa Rica, Placencia, Belize, Fajardo, Puerto Rico<ref>[http://honeymoons.about.com/od/uncommonplaces/tp/si_locations.htm Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Travel Locations 2005]. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2006: Hollywood, Huahine, Las Vegas, Cartagena, Colombia, Cat Island and Harbour Island, Bahamas, Palm Springs<ref>[http://honeymoons.about.com/od/uncommonplaces/tp/si_locations.htm Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Travel Locations 2006]. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2007: Music theme – Memphis, Tennessee, Negril, Jamaica, Bahia, Brazil, Maui and Lahaina, Hawaii, Grambling and Shreveport, Louisiana, Los Angeles, Tucson, Arizona, Cleveland, Ohio<ref>[http://honeymoons.about.com/od/uncommonplaces/tp/swimsuitedition.htm Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Travel Locations 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407063455/http://honeymoons.about.com/od/uncommonplaces/tp/swimsuitedition.htm |date=April 7, 2014 }}. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2008: St. Petersburg, Russia, Discovery Cove, Orlando and Singer Island, Florida, Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kaanapali, Hawaii, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos, Caesarea, Israel and the Dead Sea, Israel<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/swimsuit-2008/photo/2008/02/15/bar-refaeli-2008-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-edition-si-com|title=Bar Refaeli - 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com}}</ref><ref>[http://honeymoons.about.com/od/uncommonplaces/tp/swimsuitedition.htm Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Locations 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407063455/http://honeymoons.about.com/od/uncommonplaces/tp/swimsuitedition.htm |date=April 7, 2014 }}. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2009: Riviera Maya, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, Teneriffa, Canary Islands, St. George's, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Naples, Italy, Cappadocia, Turkey, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090213124723/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009_swimsuit/onlocation/ On Location]. . CNN Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 27, 2019.</ref> * 2010: Whistler, Canada, Atacama, Chile, Rajasthan, India, Veligandu, Maldives, Palm Springs, California, Lisbon, Portugal<ref>[http://honeymoons.about.com/od/sportsillustratedlocales/tp/sports_illustrated_2010_travel.htm Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Travel Locations 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407065154/http://honeymoons.about.com/od/sportsillustratedlocales/tp/sports_illustrated_2010_travel.htm |date=April 7, 2014 }}. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2011: Peter Island, British Virgin Islands, Nanuya Levu, Fiji, Boracay Island, The Philippines, Sentosa, Singapore, Maui, Hawaii, Laguna Beach, California, Banff National Park, Canada<ref>[http://honeymoons.about.com/od/sportsillustratedlocales/tp/sports_illustrated_2011_travel.htm Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Travel Locations 2011] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407064651/http://honeymoons.about.com/od/sportsillustratedlocales/tp/sports_illustrated_2011_travel.htm |date=April 7, 2014 }}. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2012: Bondi Beach, New South Wales and North Narrabeen, Australia, Apalachicola, Florida, Gulf Coast of the United States, Bocas del Toro Province and San Blas Islands, Panama, Desroches Island, Seychelles, Victoria Falls, Zambia<ref>[http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/photos/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-destinations Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit Destinations]. Retrieved April 3, 2014</ref> * 2013: Antarctica, Hayman Island, Australia, Guilin, China, Exuma, Bahamas, Easter Island, Chile, Etosha National Park and Swakopmund, Namibia, Seville, Spain<ref>[http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/hot-topics/photos/sports-illustrated-2013-swimsuit-destinations Sports Illustrated 2013 Swimsuit Destinations]. Retrieved April 3, 2014</ref> * 2014: Aitutaki, Cook Islands, Cape Canaveral, Florida, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil, Zermatt and Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Nosy Be, Madagascar, Congress Hall, Cape May, New Jersey, St. Lucia, Fiji, Guana Island, British Virgin Islands<ref>[http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/hot-topics/photos/sports-illustrated-2014-swimsuit-destinations Sports Illustrated 2014 Swimsuit Destinations]. Retrieved April 3, 2014.</ref> * 2015: American issue: West Coast California, Oregon, Washington; Blackberry Farm, Tennessee; Route 66 (Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona); Parks - Monument Valley - Utah, Bryce Canyon - Utah, Yellowstone - Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Kaua{{okina}}i, Hawaii; Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; Captiva, Florida * 2016: Bora Bora; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Malta; Tahiti; Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; Petit Saint Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Exuma, Bahamas<ref>{{cite news|url=http://honeymoons.about.com/od/sportsillustratedlocales/ss/2016-Sports-Illustrated-Swimwear-Edition-Resorts-amp-Locations.htm|title=2016 Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition Resorts & Locations|last=Breslow Sardone|first=Susan|date=February 22, 2016|access-date=February 19, 2017}}</ref> * 2017: Fiji; Sumba, Indonesia; Tulum; Turks and Caicos; Saariselkä, Finland<ref>[http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-edition-2017 The Gorgeous Locations Where Sports Illustrated Photographed the 2017 Swimsuit Edition]. Retrieved February 19, 2017.</ref> * 2018: Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf, Aruba; Haute Harbour Island, Bahamas; Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Belize; Hermitage Plantation Inn, Nevis<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-locations-4128827|title=2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Locations|date=February 16, 2018|publisher=Trip Savvy|access-date=March 14, 2018|author=Susan Breslow Sardone}}</ref> *2019: Costa Rica, Great Exuma, Kangaroo Island, Kenya, Paradise Island, Puerto Vallarta, St. Lucia{{Div col end}}

==In other media== [[File:Camille Kostek in California, September 2017 2.png|thumb|Camille Kostek won the first ever ''Sports Illustrated Swim Search'' in 2018, eventually landing a solo cover the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/style/camille-kostek-covers-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-as-a-rookie/|title=Model Camille Kostek Lands Her First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover — as a Rookie!|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|access-date=2019-05-08}}</ref>|alt=|229x229px]] * Beginning in the late 1980s, ''Sports Illustrated'' allowed television specials to be aired which were later released as video versions of its ''Swimsuit Issue''. The first releases were available on VHS or Laser Disc (LD), and later releases have been available on DVD.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on IMDB | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=%22sports+illustrated%22+swimsuit | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref> * In 1989, ''The Making of the Sports Illustrated 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue'' was a television documentary by HBO which later became available on VHS by Maysles Films.<ref>{{cite web | title = Making of the Sports Illustrated 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue (1989) (TV) | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340784/ | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref> * In 1992, a behind-the-scenes made-for-HBO special documentary was released on VHS as the ''Sports Illustrated Behind the Scenes: Official Swimsuit Video''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sports Illustrated Behind the Scenes: Official Swimsuit Video (1992) (TV) | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216233/ | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref>

* In 1993, ''Sports Illustrated: The 1993 Swimsuit Video'' was released by HBO films.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sports Illustrated: The 1993 Swimsuit Video (1993) (TV) | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216234/ | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref> * The ''Sports Illustrated 1994 Swimsuit Issue Video'' was released on video by Dakota North Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sports Illustrated 1994 Swimsuit Issue Video (1994) | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216232/ | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref> Since then, the annual video version of the ''Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue'' has been called the ''Swimsuit Video''. * In 1995, ''Sports Illustrated'' began distributing television specials based on the issue, titled ''Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Special''. The hour-long specials have aired on Spike TV and TNT and Minisodes of several specials from 2002 to 2004 are available on Crackle.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/01-06-2005/0002773487&EDATE= | title = Spike TV Highlights – February 2005 | publisher = PRNewswire | date = January 6, 2005 | access-date=February 25, 2009}}</ref> * In 2004, the ''Sports Illustrated 40th Anniversary Swimsuit Special: American Beauty'' featured videos of the swimsuit beauties at various US locations, some of which are not usually thought of as beaches: e.g., the host Melissa Keller and Marisa Miller at the grain elevator in Bouton, Iowa, and on a farm near Perry, Iowa. The more recent videos have included some "uncensored" scenes.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sports Illustrated 40th Anniversary Swimsuit Special: American Beauty (2004) | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413304/ | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref> * For January 2005, NBC produced the ''Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search'', a reality TV show documenting twelve previously unknown fashion models as they competed against one another over five weeks for the grand prize: a pictorial in the 2005 edition of the ''Swimsuit Issue'' and a modeling contract with NEXT Model Management worth one million US dollars. Alicia Hall won the competition.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search (2005) TV series | publisher = IMDb | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443407/ | access-date = December 13, 2009}}</ref> * Prior to the release of the 2011 issue, DirecTV aired a preview special on the 101 Network, revealing the models in that year's edition. The show was hosted by Dan Patrick and Mallory Snyder. * In 2017, the issue hosted its first ever open casting call where aspirants were asked to submit a 60-second video on Instagram.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/2017/03/24/si-swimsuit-open-casting-call-models|title=SI Swimsuit to host open casting call|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com|language=en|access-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref> The three-part series ''Sports Illustrated Swim Search'' which documented the first ever open casting call with Camille Kostek as a winner (becoming a cover model in 2019) was made available on SI TV and Amazon Prime Video.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/2018/02/23/model-search-free-preview-SI-TV|title=Watch a free preview of SI Swimsuit Model Search show|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com|language=en|access-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref> The following year, the model search held an in-person open casting call in Miami, and has been held annually since.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/2018/06/18/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-open-casting-call-miami-july-2018|title=SI Swimsuit to host open casting call in Miami!|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com|language=en|access-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/swim-daily/2019/04/15/si-swimsuit-open-casting-call-miami-july-2019|title=SI Swimsuit to host third-annual open casting call in Miami|newspaper=Swimsuit | Si.com|language=en|access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref> *In 2019, the magazine held a two-day exhibition in Miami which gave "fans the chance to experience the world of ''SI Swim'' like never before through an array of one-of-a-kind installations, photo experiences," panels and talks among others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/style/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-launches-exhibition-miami/|title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Announces Its First-Ever Exhibition Experience for Fans|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|access-date=May 8, 2019}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist|2}}

==Further reading== ; Criticism * {{cite book |title=The Swimsuit Issue and Sport: Hegemonic Masculinity in ''Sports Illustrated'' |last=Davis |first=Laurel R. |date=1997 |publisher=State University of New York Press |location=Albany, NY |isbn=9780791433911 |oclc=35620261 |series=SUNY Series on Sport, Culture, and Social Relations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0BrPJDsh3RsC}}

; Photography * {{cite book |editor1-last=Campbell |editor1-first=Jule |title=The Best of the Swimsuit Supermodels |date=1995 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781883013226}} Published in both hardcover and softcover editions. * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Around the World with the Swimsuit Supermodels |date=1997 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |lccn=99191547 |oclc=41211842}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=The Best of the Swimsuit Supermodels 1964–1999 |date=1999 |publisher=Time, Inc |location=New York}} Collector's edition magazine. * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Presents Ultimate Swimsuit 1964–2002 |date=2002 |publisher=Time, Inc |location=New York }} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Portfolio: Fantasy Islands |date=2011 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781603202091 |oclc=755072628}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Portfolio: Idyllic Shores |date=2014 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781618931214 |oclc=870199673}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Portfolio: Paradise Found |date=2010 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781603201537 |oclc=751578018}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Portfolio: The Explorers Edition |date=2009 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781603200899 |oclc=658199994}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 50 Years of Beautiful |date=2013 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=978-1618930811 |oclc=827082812}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: The Complete Portfolio |date=2008 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781603200417 |oclc=502263177}} * {{cite book |author=((Editors of ''Sports Illustrated'')) |title=Sports Illustrated: Exposure |others=Photography by Raphael Mazzucco |date=2006 |publisher=Time Home Entertainment |location=New York |isbn=9781933405858 |oclc=75397462 |lccn=2006900231}} * {{cite book |last=Gair |title=Sports Illustrated: In the Paint: The Complete Body-Painting Collection from the SI Swimsuit Issue: The Art of Joanne Gair |first=Joanne |others=Photography by James Porto |date=2007 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781933821207 |oclc=212375500 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/inpaintcomple00gair }} * {{cite book |last=Hoffman |first=Steven (executive director) |title=Sports Illustrated Knockouts: Five Decades of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Photography |others=Foreword by Frank Deford |date=2001 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |location=New York |isbn=9781929049479}} * {{cite book |last=Iooss |first=Walter |author-link=Walter Iooss |title=Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: Heaven |others=Introduction by Jimmy Buffett |date=2010 |publisher=Sports Illustrated Books |location=New York |isbn=9781603201162 |oclc=464590580 |lccn=2009940848}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{official website}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140518051953/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/swimsuit/home/index.htm SI.com – Swimsuit Collection] via the Wayback Machine * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110617050045/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20100213%2FSPORTS%2F100219910 "Bingham: A History of ''SI''{{-'}}s Swimsuit Issue"], ''Cape Cod Times'', via the Wayback Machine * [http://www.hulu.com/watch/133687/cnbc-originals-business-model-inside-the-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue (Video) CNBC Originals: Business Model inside the ''Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue'']. Reported by Darren Rovell. Season 2: Ep. 7. 43:23.

Category:Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Category:Magazines established in 1964