Happy Birthday to Ellie Thumann: SI Swimsuit Star, YouTube OG and Fashion Icon

The three-time brand star and content creator turns 24 today.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Ellie Thumann turns 24 today, and she’s already had a year to remember. From major brand deals and runway shows to back-to-back fashion week slays, the SI Swimsuit model has fully stepped into her supermodel era—and fans are loving every second of it.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. Necklace by Lele Sadoughi. Bracelet by Lizzie Fortunato. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

She’s been serving golden hour goddess energy, cowgirlcore moods and corset-coded city girl glam all season long. But today, we’re celebrating the timeless elegance, unwavering authenticity and joyful spirit that have made Thumann one of the most beloved rising stars in the franchise.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Rings by Chikahisa Studio. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

An unforgettable SI Swimsuit journey

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Lybethras. Socks by Adidas x Wales Bonner. Sneakers by Salomon. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Thumann made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2023, when she traveled to Puerto Rico for her first-ever shoot with the brand. That year, she walked the runway during Swim Week in Miami and was quickly embraced by the SI Swimsuit community for her warmth, honesty and infectious energy.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Agent Provocateur. Bracelet by Karine Sultan. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

She returned for the 2024 magazine, this time posing for photographer Yu Tsai in Mexico. She then posed for Ben Watts in Bermuda for her third consecutive feature in 2025. Thumann’s recurring presence in the issue is a testament to her versatility: she can just as easily rock a sleek black one-piece in the sand as she can lounge in white lace on a yacht or strike a moody pose in a fringe skirt with downtown cool-girl confidence.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by ELSE Lingerie. Chaps by Denimcratic. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

“Everything is hard before it’s easy, and I’m entering a stage in my life where I’m finally witnessing the results of this and embracing my most confident self,” she gushed while on set this year. She later added on Instagram: “My @si_swimsuit family has helped me grow as a woman and challenged me out of my comfort zone in so many beautiful ways.”

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by SAME. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

YouTube icon to global fashion girlie

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Chloe Rose. Belt by KATE CATE. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Longtime fans know Thumann’s rise began a decade ago on YouTube, where she built a tight-knit audience through relatable lifestyle vlogs, back-to-school hauls and candid chats about self-image and mental health. While she’s since evolved into a full-time model and fashion content creator, that genuine, girl-next-door vibe still shines through in everything she posts.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit top by Nué Studio. Swimsuit bottom by Oséree. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

“Block out any noise on the outside,” the Arizona native shared as one of her best tips for aspiring creators. “Do it for yourself and show up as yourself because it reads so much better. [Do] what you want to do and people will love that and you’ll find your people that support and appreciate you for doing that.”

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit top by Andi Bagus. Swimsuit bottom by Lybethras. Shorts by KSUBI. Hat by Eugenia Kim. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Today, she lives in Charleston, S.C., and splits her time between cozy home life and global fashion events—from New York to Milan to Paris. She’s walked in shows, attended exclusive front rows, partnered with brands like Alo Yoga and BAEskin, and recently debuted a new role as global ambassador and investor.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by OYE Swimwear. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrate

Happy birthday, Ellie—we can’t wait to see what you do next.

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Ellie Thumann Content. https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1747144548/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si_swimsuit/01jv4yw6zjqdryam4cnf.jpg. https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1746135944/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si_swimsuit/01jt6wzwdzf0dd0rwc50.jpg. Her Return to the Fold. https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1747144787/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si_swimsuit/01jv4z3fe96jv15sg7ms.jpg. View the Full 2025 Gallery. More Ellie Thumann