We All Need a Reminder About These Stunning SI Swimsuit Covers From the 2000s

A decade full of bold colors and cuts, striking poses and sizzling on the sand.

Ananya Panchal | Feb 27, 2024

Veronica Varekova, Elle Macpherson, Rebecca Romijn, Rachel Hunter, Daniela Pestova, Elsa Benitez, Carolyn Murphy and Yamila Diaz-Rahi were photographed by Raphael Mazzucco in the Bahamas.

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Decade after decade, SI Swimsuit proves its unique, important place in the industry: as a trailblazing publication that is constantly challenging the stereotypical, idolized (and often unrealistic) beauty and body standards.

Going back in time and reviewing some of SI Swimsuit’s old covers is one of our favorite activities, so we thought we would bring you along for the ride ahead of the magazine’s 60th anniversary in May.

Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic, fun and colorful cover pages from the 2000s. The decade will never be forgotten for its technology boom, eclectic fashion aesthetics and impeccable new music.

2000: Daniela Pestova in Malaysia

The Czech model, who starred in 10 separate SI Swimsuit Issues, landed on the front of the 1995 magazine during her debut with the brand in Bermuda. She served major racy futuristic vibes on her second cover in 2000, when she traveled to Malaysia with photographer Robert Erdmann, and started the decade off with a bang.

2001: Elsa Benitez in Tunisia

Six-time SI Swimsuit model Elsa Benitez mimicked the vibrant warm tones of the architecture in the North African country as she posed in a little orange string bikini for photographer Stewart Shining.

2002: Yamila Diaz-Rahi in Mexico

The Argentine model is amongst the ranks of the most photographed SI Swimsuit models, with 14 separate spreads over her 10 years with the brand. She landed on the cover of the 2002 magazine in the most beautiful plunging, ruby red swimsuit and colorful, unique accessories while posing for photographer Jeff Bark in Mexico.

2003: Petra Nemcova in Barbados

Crochet materials and shades of red were trending two decades ago, so clearly style really is a cycle. Nemcova, who starred in six consecutive issues from 2000 to ’06, returned for the 2014 legends photo shoot. She landed the cover in 2003, following her trip to Barbados with Walter Iooss Jr.

2004: Veronica Varekova in Montauk, N.Y.

The Czech supermodel posed in a patriotic red, white and blue printed bikini on the beaches of Montauk, N.Y. with photographer Walter Iooss Jr.for the special 40th anniversary issue in ’04. Varekova appeared in nine separate SI Swimsuit Issues, often double-dipping in certain years for additional features or unique bodypainting photo shoots.

2005: Carolyn Murphy in the Bahamas

The actress and four-time SI Swimsuit model traveled to the Bahamas for her beautiful beach feature with Jeff Olson, which landed her on the cover of the 2005 issue. She posed in the sand in a red two-piece and flaunted her super sculpted abs.

2006: All-star SI cover model beach party

2006 SI Swimsuit cover — Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Veronica Varekova, Elle Macpherson, Rebecca Romijn, Rachel Hunter, Daniela Pestova, Carolyn Murphy, Yamila Diaz-Rahi and Benitez worked with Raphael Mazzucco in the Bahamas for the ultimate girl gang power photo.

2007: Beyoncé in Miami

Queen Bey landed on the front of 2007 issue and served the most sizzling superstar vibes. The 32-time Grammy Award-winning artist was captured on the sandy shores of Key Biscane, Fla., by Cliff Watts.

2008: Marisa Miller in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Marissa Miller — Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Miller posed for the magazine eight separate years. In 2008, the mom of two landed the coveted cover. She posed for Mazzucco wearing a beaded necklace as a bikini top in front of a marvelous sunset in St. John. It truly is a moment we will never forget.

2009: Bar Refaeli on Canounan Island, the Grenadines

The six-time SI Swimsuit model showed off her impeccable figure and sun-kissed glow by the water on Canouan Island with Mazzucco.

Published Feb 27, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.