5 Timeless SI Swimsuit Styles Inspired by Megan Thee Stallion’s Vintage Vacation Look

From classic patterns to vintage vibes, these swimsuits channeled the same energy as the rapper’s recent seaside look.

Jessie Murph was photographed by Derek Kettela in Key Biscayne, Fla. Swimsuit and hat are vintage. Heels by Saint Laurent. | Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Over the weekend, Megan Thee Stallion took a break from teasing fans with the highly anticipated return of her alter ego, Tina Snow, to instead take them on holiday as she celebrated a close friend’s birthday.

Sharing a look at the festivities on Instagram, the Grammy Award-winning rapper and SI Swimsuit cover star—who appeared on the front page of the annual issue in 2021 as one of three cover models alongside Leyna Bloom and Naomi Osaka—also showed off a twist on her signature seaside style, instead embracing a full-on vintage vibe. In a video that has since gone viral with over 6 million views in under 24 hours at the time of this article’s publication, Megan strutted her stuff in a high-waisted pink polka dot two-piece with a matching headscarf that channeled pretty pin-up girl energy.

Megan Thee Stallion | Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images/Hot Girl Summer Swimwear

“I knew pink was my favorite color for a reasonnnn 💞,” model Tess Holliday wrote in the comment section while another fan quipped, “Oh, to be a polka dot.” To view Megan Thee Stallion’s video on Instagram, click here.

Of course, it’s well documented that we here at SI Swimsuit love a polka dot moment, as well as a dreamy pink look. Still, this stunning style was so timeless, we couldn’t help but venture back into the SI Swimsuit archive to highlight some of our favorite vintage-inspired ensembles from over the years that share the same aesthetic of pure pin-up perfection as Megan Thee Stallion’s latest ensemble!

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom was photographed by Yu Tsai in Belize. Swimsuit by Miesis Swimwear. Earrings by 8 Other Reasons. Bracelets by Viktoria Hayman. | Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Bloom took our breath away during her sophomore shoot in 2022, photographed by Yu Tsai. Taken a year after she shared cover model honors with the rapper, the model posed on the beaches of Belize in this unforgettable navy and white polka dot bikini by Miesis Swimwear. Merging vintage style with modern flair, this two-piece set is still one of our favorite examples of polka dot perfection. To view Bloom’s full 2022 SI Swimsuit gallery, click here.

Leyna Bloom was photographed by Yu Tsai in Belize. Swimsuit by Miesis Swimwear. Earrings by 8 Other Reasons. Bracelets by Viktoria Hayman. | Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Jessie Murph

Jessie Murph was photographed by Derek Kettela in Key Biscayne, Fla. Top by Adriana Degreas. Swimsuit by Juicy Couture. Heels by Jeffrey Campbell. | Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

It’s impossible to think about vintage-inspired SI Swimsuit styles without immediately going back to Murph’s dazzling digital debut with the magazine in the summer of 2025. Her entire feature, photographed by Derek Kettela in Key Biscayne, Fla., channeled radiant retro vibes, and this sweet cherry number by Adriana Degreas and Juicy Couture made for a cover-worthy ensemble. To view Murph’s full 2025 SI Swimsuit digital gallery, click here.

Jessie Murph was photographed by Derek Kettela in Key Biscayne, Fla. Top by Adriana Degreas. Swimsuit by Juicy Couture. Heels by Jeffrey Campbell. | Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz. Necklace and body chain by Jacquie Aiche. | Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Hayek Pinault also channeled some pretty pin-up poses for her cover moment on the 2025 print issue when she ventured to Mexico with the magazine and photographer Ruven Afanador. While several of her looks embraced throwback details, her shimmering green two-piece by Johanna Ortiz is still a personal favorite of ours to this day (and will be for years to come!). To view Hayek Pinault’s full 2025 SI Swimsuit gallery, click here.

Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz. Necklace and body chain by Jacquie Aiche. | Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Beach Riot. | James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Two years earlier, Chan also channeled vintage vibes while looking gorgeous in green for her SI Swimsuit debut in the Dominican Republic, photographed by James Macari. The high-waisted cut of her eye-popping Beach Riot two-piece in particular demonstrated why this throwback silhouette will always be a go-to, and the unique texture added extra edge to an already striking style. To view Chan’s full 2023 SI Swimsuit gallery, click here.

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Beach Riot. | James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by White Shore Swim. | Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

And finally, when brand staple Kostek stepped on set in St. Croix with photographer Derek Kettela in 2022, the aesthetic was absolutely Old Hollywood. Her all-white ensemble by White Shore Swim made for a particularly memorable moment, as the resulting snapshots looked like something plucked out of a Marilyn Monroe film. To view Kostek’s full 2022 SI Swimsuit gallery, click here.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by White Shore Swim. Top by Cult Gaia. | Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

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