Alix Earle Shines on the Cover of SI Swimsuit 2026
Back in May, Alix Earle was unveiled as one of four cover stars for the 2026 issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, alongside recording artist Hilary Duff, comedian Tiffany Haddish and model Nicole Williams English. Traveling to Botswana, the content creator and Earle Meets World star embraced her adventurous side in a dazzling designer wardrobe, posing among lush greenery and breathtaking wildlife for an unforgettable shoot.
From Digital to Print: Earle’s SI Swimsuit Journey
While the moment marked Earle’s first in‑print cover with the magazine, it wasn’t her first front‑page rodeo. In 2024, the model made her official SI Swimsuit debut as the inaugural digital issue cover star, posing for dual shoots in Miami with photographer Yu Tsai. For her Sunshine State snapshots, she channeled ultimate after‑party energy both on the shoreline and in a luxe hotel room.
Golden Hour in Jamaica: A Look Back
Still, one of the favorite SI Swimsuit shoots featuring Earle was sandwiched smack dab between these moments: her sophomore shoot in Jamaica. Reuniting with the SI Swimsuit team and photographer Yu Tsai in 2025, the shoot occurred right at golden hour, creating a final feature so warm you could almost feel the sunrays coming through the photos.
Fashion Highlights from the Jamaica Shoot
Her fashion for the stylish shoot was inspired by colors often found in the tropical location, embracing warmer tones for an unexpected aesthetic merging summer and autumn trends like playful patterns and crocheted fabrics. Per the SI Swimsuit team, “Earle’s swimsuits were fun, eccentric and well‑designed to ensure that she served a unique mix of high fashion and comfort for a day under the Caribbean sun.”
- Swimsuit by Lybethras with body chain by Jacquie Aiche
- Swimsuit by Anna Kosturova
- Swimsuit by Akoia Swim paired with a hat by Ruslan Baginskiy
- Swimsuit by Bamba Swim and body chain by Jacquie Aiche
- Swimsuit by DEPAREL with necklaces by Joie DiGiovanni
Behind the Scenes: Earle’s Emotional Reaction
The content creator also captured several standout moments from her time in Jamaica for her popular YouTube blog series, taking fans along for a behind‑the‑scenes look at the experience. “Halfway through, I was in the tent changing, and I just started tearing up. I was like, ‘Okay, like, can’t cry right now.’ I was just like, ‘What, like, is my life? Like what am I doing?’” The model said of her emotions on set, adding, “Like, this is just insane. […] It was just a lot of fun. I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
The Botswana Cover Shoot
The 2026 cover was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Botswana. Earle wore a swimsuit by Andi Bagus, posing among lush greenery and wildlife, highlighting her adventurous spirit.
The 2024 Digital Cover
Her first SI Swimsuit appearance was the 2024 digital issue, shot in Miami by Yu Tsai. The images conveyed an after‑party vibe on the shoreline and in a luxury hotel room.
The 2025 Jamaica Shoot
The Jamaica feature, shot at golden hour, remains a fan favorite. The combination of warm lighting, tropical location, and Earle’s expressive styling created an unforgettable visual story.
So, as we say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn, we’re looking back at a handful of our favorite snapshots from Earle’s glorious golden hour shoot in Jamaica—which is still a total mood, even over a year later!
Entertainment, Sports, People, Travel, Beauty, Online, News, Leisure, Society, Alix Earle, Sports Illustrated, Swimsuit, Model, Influencer, YouTube, Fashion, Botswana, Jamaica
