Ellie Thumann Reveals Her Favorite Look From Her SI Swim Photoshoot

The 2023 rookie had no trouble choosing from her denim-inspired feature.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico.Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Ellie Thumann was featured as a rookie in this year’s SI Swimsuit Issue, accompanying photographer Derek Kettela to Puerto Rico. The tropical Caribbean photoshoot sported “For the Love of Denim” styling, and thus, Thumann donned looks that included denim bucket hats, jean corset tops and light-washed mini skirts.

The resulting images were all incredible, but the 21-year-old had a clear favorite when it came to her unique swimwear outfits. During a friendly game of giant Jenga with fellow SI Swim rookie Sixtine, the seasoned model revealed which of the blue looks was her absolute favorite.

After taking a moment to deliberate—and we don’t blame her, all of the looks were incredible—Thumann admitted that the outfit featuring the chaps had to be the best she sported for the trip to Puerto Rico.

“I had never worn chaps, let alone with a swimsuit,” she admitted in the clip. But although the style was new for Thumann, she looked comfortable and fabulous in the unique pairing.

“You pulled off the Western look really well,” Sixtine replied, acknowledging the YouTuber’s ability to rock a good, oceanside denim look.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

“I was so happy that everything was Western themed,” Thumann remarked, proving that the look was exactly her style. “It was perfect.”

Thumann knocked her feature in the issue out of the park, and we can’t wait to see what iconic looks the model sports in the future.

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