Ellie Thumann Stuns in Denim Pinstripe Corset Top in Puerto Rico

The model embraced a blue jean aesthetic at the beach for her rookie SI Swimsuit feature.

Cara O’Bleness | Jan 13, 2024

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

As a rookie in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, Ellie Thumann used the opportunity to promote her mental health messaging that her followers have come to know and love her for.

“I’ve gone through a lot of different changes with my own mental health, my own physical body and everything, but showing up as the healthiest version of myself is such a priority to me, especially after a time recently where I struggled with that,” the 22-year-old Arizona native said. “Feeling strong and healthy is most important to me inside and out and mentally and physically, and I finally feel like that, and so I’m very proud to show that.”

Thumann, who traveled to Puerto Rico with photographer Derek Kettela for her SI Swimsuit debut, is known for her YouTube channel, where she has more than two million subscribers and regularly vlogs about travel, beauty, lifestyle and fashion. She’s also worked with notable brands like Marc Jacobs, Levi’s, Kate Spade, Reebok and Coach.

While on location with the SI Swimsuit team, Thumann donned several denim-inspired swimwear looks, from blue jean bikinis to a dark wash pinstripe corset by Denimcratic.

“I’m very proud of myself because [modeling] can be a very intimidating, vulnerable thing, but everyone’s made me feel very comfortable and very confident in myself and [are] reminding me why I’m here,” she said of her time on set. “And it just means a lot to just have amazing people that are making me feel so good.”

Below are just a few of our favorite denim-inspired looks Thumann modeled in Puerto Rico, including that dazzling pinstripe corset.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Top by Denimcratic. Bottoms by netta.

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

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Top by Denimcratic. Bottoms by netta.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Matthew Bruch. Top by Denimcratic.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Top by Denimcratic. Bottoms by netta.

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Published Jan 13, 2024

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara O’Bleness is a writer and editor on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Prior to joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, O’Bleness loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.