Kate Upton’s 4 Best Stringy Swimsuits From Her Photoshoot in Aruba

The SI Swimsuit legend most recently posed for the publication in 2018.

Cara O’Bleness | Oct 12, 2023

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Kate Upton is synonymous with SI Swimsuit, as the model is a legend of the brand. The Michigan native first posed for the publication in 2011, when she landed two features: a tropical photoshoot in the Philippines and a bodypaint studio session in New York City.

The Rookie of the Year made a major impression, as she not only returned to the fold the following two years, but appeared on the magazine’s cover in ’12 and ’13, first in Australia, then in Antarctica. Upton participated in the brand’s 50th anniversary legends photoshoot in 2014 and posed in zero gravity, then landed her third SI Swimsuit cover in ’17, after posing in Fiji. Her most recent feature with the publication was in 2018, when Upton traveled to Aruba with photographer Yu Tsai.

While we couldn’t possibly pick one favorite photoshoot of Upton’s, one thing is clear: the 31-year-old mom of one knows how to rock a swimsuit. And while she gets to try on some wild looks while on set, her own swimwear style is a bit more casual.

“My personal style for swimwear is more of a simple approach, either with like a beautiful poppy color... or with a little bit of interest, whether it’s like a cut-out or cool straps,” Upton said while on location with the SI Swimsuit team in Aruba.

Upton has done modeling work for Donna Karan, Tory Burch, Neiman Marcus and other major fashion brands. She also landed the No. 1 spot on Maxim’s “Hot 100 List” five years ago. In honor of her major career achievements, we’re throwing it back to a few of our favorite strappy looks from her SI Swimsuit feature in Aruba.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by Charmosa Swimwear by N Hall.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by PilyQ.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by Blue Life.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by Blue Life.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by PilyQ.

Kate Upton was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear.

Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.

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Published Oct 12, 2023

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.