The Most Diverse Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Sports Illustrated is making waves with the choices of cover models for the 2021 Swimsuit Issue. One of the cover models is Megan Thee Stallion, and she is the first rapper ever to model on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. Another cover model is the tennis champion Naomi Osaka, who is the first Haitian and Japanese cover model for the magazine’s swimsuit issue. Actress Leyna Bloom is also making history, as she is the first transgender woman to model on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. All three of these women look very stylish in their swimwear for the cover shoots.

Styled by Eric Archibald, the queen of the “hot girl summer” sported a beige monochromatic bikini. The bikini has a triangular shape covering her breasts, and the bottom piece has a triangular design pattern as well. Some cutouts emphasize her cleavage even more so that her natural shape already, and a flossing detail under the chest draws more attention to her figure. According to Megan Thee Stallion’s Instagram, many of the swimsuit designs she wears are available on her Fashion Nova swim collection.

Following Megan, was the future of tennis herself Naomi Osaka. Styled by Karla Welch, Naomi Osaka rocks an asymmetrical one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit designed by Norma Kamali. Some of the swimsuit is opaque, while there are some sheer sections for a peek-a-boo look to show some skin. She completed the look with huge statement shell-inspired dangly earrings by Beads Byaree.

Styled by Hayley Atkin, Leyna Bloom created an elegant staple in a simple, chic one-piece swimsuit designed by Gil Rodriguez, making her the first transgender cover model for SI. The monochromatic white swimsuit features dainty, thin straps and a sexy deep V-neckline. The tie at the middle also adds a playful touch to the overall look. Megan Thee Stallion, Naomi Osaka, and Leyna Bloom all look stunning on their Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers. The swimsuit issue is on newsstands on July 22, and we are excited, not only for the magazine but to see what is next for all three of these beautiful, inspiring women.