Brooks Nader Wowed in Itty-Bitty Leopard Print Bikinis in Mexico

The SI Swimsuit Legend and former cover girl posed for Yu Tsai in 2024.
Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico.
Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader has been setting the SI Swimsuit standard since 2019, when she won the brand’s Swim Search open casting call and earned a spot as a rookie in the magazine. Six years later, the Baton Rouge native continues to stun, bringing her signature confidence and sultry style to every shoot.

In 2024, the supermodel jetted off to Mexico for her most recent feature, where she posed for photographer Yu Tsai in a series of jaw-dropping looks—including a collection of barely-there animal print bikinis that showcased her sun-kissed glow and enviable figure.

Nader’s ability to command the camera has only grown stronger with each passing year. From her debut in the Bahamas to dreamy photo shoots in Bali and Montenegro, she has continuously delivered unforgettable moments. But her biggest milestone came in 2023, when she landed the cover of SI Swimsuit, marking a career-defining achievement in the Dominican Republic. Dressed in a Baywatch-inspired red one-piece, she exuded strength and poise, cementing her status as one of the franchise’s most memorable faces.

Beyond modeling, the 28-year-old has expanded her reach in the beauty and fashion industries, investing in DIBS Beauty and making waves at fashion weeks around the world. The oldest of four sisters, all of whom live in Manhattan, she’s built a reputation as a style icon, known for her fearless approach to fashion both on and off the red carpet.

She double-dipped in the magazine last year, also participating in an iconic “Legends” photo shoot alongside 26 fellow SI Swimsuit stalwarts in honor of the 60th anniversary issue. But the Dancing With the Stars alumnus’s solo feature in Mexico was simply unforgettable. As spring break approaches, there’s no better time to take inspiration from Nader’s sizzling selection of swimwear—starting with the itty-bitty leopard print bikinis that made waves in 2024.

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Ark Swimwear Leopard Triangle Bikini, $65 and Leopard Ruched Bikini, $65 (arkswimwear.com)

Brooks Nader
Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear. Necklace by Island Swim / Yu Tsai /Sports Illustrated

Made from ultra-soft, luxe fabric with an exclusive leopard print, this bikini features seamless, fully lined cups, adjustable spaghetti straps and a flexible, flattering fit with customizable coverage.

Andi Bagus Skipper Bikini, $69 (andi-bagus.com)

Brooks Nader
Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

This versatile two-piece features a triangle-cut top with adjustable shoulder ties and a moderate-coverage bottom that can be customized for fit. Made from stretch jersey or recycled eco-friendly fabric, it offers both comfort and sustainability.

Shop two more similar looks below.

Princess Polly Nevaeh triangle bikini top leopard, $39 and Glora tie-side bikini bottoms, $30 (us.princesspolly.com)

Princess Polly
Princess Polly

This affordable teeny tiny string bikini featuring a halter triangle top and tie-side cheeky bottoms is perfect for optimal tanning and minimal tan lines.

Strawberry Milk Mob Kit Kat Top, $32 and Kit Kat Bottoms, $32 (strawberrymilkmob.com)

Strawberry Milk Mob
Strawberry Milk Mob

Embrace your wild side with the Kit Kat Bikini, featuring a fierce bronze, brown and black leopard print. The triangle top boasts playful ruffle details and a heart-shaped charm, while the scrunched, ultra-stretchy bottom offers a flattering, adjustable fit with medium coverage.


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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.