Brooks Nader’s Best SI Swimsuit Moments

Taking a look back at the model’s impressive seven-year-long journey with the brand.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Lybethras. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

From her 2019 open casting call win to her latest feature in the 2025 magazine, Brooks Nader is a seven-time SI Swimsuit model who has become a staple of the brand over the years, even earning the status of “Legend” as part of the 2024 60th Anniversary issue. This Baton Rouge native has had a long and storied history with SI Swimsuit—which means she also has a treasure trove of “best moments” to choose from!

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look back at Nader’s incredible history with the magazine, highlighting her best moments in print and digital.

1. 2019 debut: Paradise Island, Bahamas
2. 2020 shoot: Bali, Indonesia
3. 2021 shoot: Hollywood, Fla.
4. 2022 shoot: Montenegro
5. 2023 cover shoot: Dominican Republic
6. 60th Anniversary issue: Mexico & Hollywood, Fla.
7. 2025 shoot: Bermuda

2019 debut: Paradise Island, Bahamas

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Nader’s first-ever feature with the brand took place on Paradise Island in the Bahamas in 2019. There, the newcomer sparkled and shined for her debut photo shoot while sporting an array of classic swimwear looks from beloved designer brands.

From one-pieces to bikinis and beyond, Nader quickly demonstrated that she was destined for a spot in the magazine.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Swimsuit by Beach Bunny. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Photographed on the sun-soaked sands of the island by Yu Tsai, Nader was a natural—and thus, naturally, she took home the 2019 Swim Search open casting call win, alongside some expert-level modeling advice from SI Swimsuit icon Christie Brinkley.

“[Brinkley told me] ‘Show up with a smile on your face. Show up on time. Be nice to everybody. It’s not easy. You will be in two-degree weather in a bikini. You’ll have bad conditions, you’ll be tired, you’ll be jet-lagged, but always have a smile on your face. Always work extremely hard and always be grateful,’” Nader told SI Swimsuit in 2024 while reminiscing about her career-changing debut. “I was like ‘That’s all I need.’ And, to this day, [Brinkley] is never not smiling. She’s always on time. She’s always hardworking. And, that’s probably why—besides being drop-dead gorgeous—she has gotten so far in her life and career. I took [that advice] with me forever.”

You can view her full 2019 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

2020 shoot: Bali, Indonesia

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Bali, Indonesia. Swimsuit by KRAHS. Belt by B-Low The Belt. Earrings by Machete Jewelry. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

The rising star followed up her winning shoot in the Bahamas with a change of scenery: a stunning shoot in Bali, once again posing in front of Tsai’s lens. On the beach, she was the star of every snapshot, quickly reminding readers of her incredible ability to find her best angles, whether she was photographed playing in the waves or riding around on a sleek moped.

There was clearly no “sophomore slump” when it came to the model’s follow-up—instead, the dynamic shots only further cemented her place on the pages.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Bali, Indonesia. Swimsuit by Rudi Gernreich. Sunglasses by Versace. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Bali, Indonesia. Swimsuit by Gigi C Bikinis. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

In designer pieces from brands like Broaching, Rudi Gernreich and KRAHS, Nader made her day on the Indonesian shoreline look sleek, sultry and chic.

You can view her full 2020 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Bali, Indonesia. Swimsuit by Broaching. Earrings by Machete Jewelry. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

2021 shoot: Hollywood, Fla.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by Sports Illustrated Swim. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

And the third time around was definitely charming for Nader, who joined the brand for photo shoot number three in 2022, this time taking to the Sunshine State in a bright yellow one-piece to rep the brand’s name.

The model’s third shoot was also notable, as it was her first time working apart from Tsai, this time posing for photographer Ben Watts.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by Gabriela Pires Beachwear. Earrings by Electric Picks. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by Frankies Bikinis. Earrings by Electric Picks. Bracelets by Cartier. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Stepping away from the hectic Florida beaches for some cozy snapshots by a relaxing pool, the Louisiana native modeled some incredible looks. Featuring many unlikely patterns and vibrant colors, one-of-a-kind swimwear was clearly the name of the game for her styling.

You can view her full 2021 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by NHall Resort Wear. Top by ARE YOU AM I. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

2022 shoot: Montenegro

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Ola Vida. Earrings and bracelets by IPPOLITA. Ring by SOKO. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

If only one word could describe Nader’s 2023 photo shoot in Montenegro, it would be “golden.” From the sun to the sands to her skintone, the model was pure gold for her fourth time in the fold.

Setting up shop in front of photographer James Macari’s lens, Nader’s snapshots captured the soft and sensual vibes of a much-needed break from the quiet chaos of everyday life.

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by MESHKI. Earrings by Rue Gembon. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID. Bracelets by SOKO and provided by New York Vintage. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Her photos were a dynamic mix of poses, demonstrating just how much the model had grown her already impressive repertoire over the years. And, after seeing her breathtaking work in 2022, Nader upped the ante in 2023—and the payoff definitely matched her hard work.

You can view her full 2022 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Earrings by JustFab. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

2023 cover shoot: Dominican Republic

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Matthew Bruch. Bracelets by Noir provided by New York Vintage. Earrings by Electric Picks x Brooks Nader. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

In 2023—a mere four years after the model made her debut in the Bahamas—Nader graced the cover of the annual issue in a striking Baywatch-esque one-piece number by Matthew Bruch. Nader was one of four cover models that year, selected alongside heavy-hitters Martha Stewart, Kim Petras and Megan Fox.

“They popped out with my cover and then we were all crying and freaking—and I mean it because I was in complete shock mode,” Nader said of the moment she watched her cover feature dreams become a reality. “It was an insane shock. I literally almost fainted.”

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by NAU BIKINIS. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by It’s Now Cool. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and ring by Gorjana. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

And the Dominican Republic proved to be the perfect spot for this career-defining moment, with Nader posing in a bevy of unique pieces by fan-favorite designer brands, once again photographed by Macari.

When asked what her “favorite” swimsuit from the entire shoot was, Nader confirmed it was, in fact, the red-hot cherry one-piece she donned for her cover shot—because of course it was!

You can view her full 2023 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Earrings from model’s own collection. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

60th Anniversary issue: Mexico & Hollywood, Fla.

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

Two shoots in one year? Sure, why not! After all, nothing is too daunting for this SI Swimsuit staple.

Coming hot off her cover girl year and preparing to join the Season 33 cast of Dancing With the Stars, Nader had a full circle moment with the magazine: a reunion with Tsai, the first photographer she ever shot with for an SI Swimsuit shoot. The two worked together twice in 2024: once on the beautiful beaches of Mexico, where Nader strutted her stuff during golden hour, and once for another very special shoot...

You can view her full 2024 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. Bracelets by Johanna Ortiz Vacation. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Hollywood, Fla. Dress by Versace. Shoes by Gianvito Rossi. Jewelry by Charlie Lapson. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

...in Hollywood, Fla., where Nader officially became a brand “Legend” as part of the 60th Anniversary issue! There, she joined 26 other SI Swimsuit models who received the honor. Among them were the aforementioned Brinkley, as well as her fellow 2023 cover girl, Stewart.

“It’s surreal because I feel like I was just standing in line for the Swim Search, trying to be around the magazine and meet the team—and [back then] that to me seemed like such a far-fetched dream,” Nader told SI Swimsuit at the time. “To go from being told ‘no’ by my agents, who said I wouldn’t be a good fit for Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] and they wouldn’t like me, to actually winning the Swim Search and being in the issue, and then going on to be on the cover, to now being considered a legend, surrounded by actual legends like Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, Lily Aldridge and Maye Musk—I can’t even describe how incredibly special this moment is.”

You can view her full “Legends” gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Hollywood, Fla. Dress by Versace. Shoes by Gianvito Rossi. Jewelry by Charlie Lapson. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

2025 shoot: Bermuda

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Most recently, Nader reunited with Watts for her latest SI Swimsuit photo shoot in Bermuda for the 2025 issue.

And 2025 has proven to be an exciting year for the model all around. Aside from her continued reign over the fashion world—having been featured on the cover of magazines including Us Weekly and Maxim—Nader and her sisters also announced they’d be starring in their very own reality TV show, aptly titled Love Thy Nader. The show documents the sisters’ lives as they trade in their simple family life in Baton Rouge for the bright lights and big city energy of the New York modeling world.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Norma Kamali. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Elisabetta Franchi. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

After seven consecutive photo shoots, one thing remains certain: Nader is a staple of the brand and a SI Swimsuit “Legend” in every imaginable way—and if a picture is truly worth a thousand words, then Nader’s countless jaw-dropping snapshots certainly speak for themselves.

You can view her full 2025 gallery here!

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Top by JÉBLANC. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

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