Bikini modeling has grown into a commanding presence in the fashion world. Today’s top bikini models are more than just pretty faces; they are cultural icons setting trends and racking up extraordinary career achievements.  

Many of these models have gone beyond modeling and into acting, hosting, and entrepreneurship. The modeling industry has come a long way in the past few decades and is more inclusive now than ever.

So, here are the most popular 10 best bikini models. 

10. Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen is a former Sports Illustrated model turned TV host, social media icon, and entrepreneur. She is known and beloved for her wit, outspokenness, and honesty. She has been married to the famous singer and musician John Legend for over a decade now. 

After getting her start as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Chrissy Teigen used her trademark honesty and comedic timing in social media stardom and a multi-platform media career. 

She has shone as the host of the smash hit show Lip Sync Battle while building an online following of nearly 43 million who love her for speaking her mind. Teigen has also found major success as an author of 3 bestselling cookbooks.

9. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington Whiteley is famous for being a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She had a successful transition from Victoria’s Secret Angel to Actress. 

Rosie Huntington-Whitley embodies the modern 360-degree supermodel effortlessly between lingerie catalogs, blockbuster movies, and executive offices. She has won multiple Model of the Year industry awards, including the British Model of the Year award. 

She has built on her Victoria’s Secret fame by starring alongside A-listers in Hollywood movies like the Transformers series. Huntington-Whitley has also built her brand as an entrepreneur with a successful beauty business and perfume label.

Also Read: 10 Famous Plus-Size Models on Instagram

8. Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum is one of the most recognizable names in the fashion industry.  She was awarded “The World’s Top Supermodel” by Forbes in 2008. The case for Heidi Klum’s G.O.A.T. supermodel status begins with her achieving Victoria’s Secret’s longest Angel streak. 

But her impact extends far beyond the runway through mainstream hits like Project Runway that she created and hosted. 

She has one of fashion’s most recognizable global brands, a media and retail empire. After 25 years on top, Klum remains a bankable star that Forbes declared the world’s highest-paid supermodel back in 2008.

7. Tyra Banks

A ground-breaking model, Emmy Award-winning TV producer, accomplished businesswoman, and philanthropist…the list goes on and on for Tyra Banks’ excellent body of work. The barriers she tore down for models of color just scratch the surface. 

Tyra Banks was the first African-American SI Swimsuit cover model in 1996 and the first Solo African-American SI Swimsuit cover model in 1997.  She is also the creator and host of  America’s Next Top Model series. 

Banks carried her industry-leading fashion career into unprecedented television success. She’s lived up to her self-made title of “TyTy” by building companies and brands that will ensure her cultural legacy for generations.

Also Read: 30+ Must-Try Poses Every Female Model Should Master

6. Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson holds a record of modeling 5 covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Behind her record string of Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers lies the business skills helping Elle Macpherson ace at modeling. Sure, “The Body” has made history on the cover of every major fashion magazine. 

However, executive roles like CEO of the Wertheimer Family Trust portfolio display her talents in converting celebrity into boardroom success. She’s also founded several thriving fashion and wellness companies carrying her elite personal brand.

5. Gisele Bündchen

With over $500 million in career earnings, Gisele Bündchen stands out even on this list as fashion’s top dollar maker of the modern era. It’s only fitting that Forbes named her the world’s best-paid model for 15 years straight. 

The Brazilian icon has delivered staggering results: 3,700+ magazine covers, 100+ Vogue covers specifically. Demonstrating social conscience to match business drive, Gisele committed years as a Goodwill Ambassador advancing environmental protections.

Gisele Bündchen is also the founder of an eco-friendly skincare line. She was also associated with Dior’s Totale line in 2020. 

Also Read: 20 Short Models (Petite Models) Dominating the Fashion Industry

4. Adriana Lima

Adrianna Lima’s longevity in the field speaks for itself: 20 years as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, during which she’s gathered runway credentials second to none. Adrianna Lima has walked over 200 catwalks and counting. 

Decade after decade, she remains secure in her prime, sitting just behind Gisele for her net worth during recent years. She also serves the community by working as a Goodwill Ambassador to provide opportunities for at-risk women and children. She is also an advocate for Brazil’s native youth outreach. 

3. Kate Upton

Kate Upton entered the scene in 2011 and made the rare leap from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover darling to a household name across popular culture. She is known for her roles in movies like “The Other Woman” and “The Layover.”  

Blockbuster movie appearances, viral Internet clips, and influencing the modern ideals of feminine beauty, Upton’s impact radiates across modeling into mainstream celebrity at just the age of 31.

2. Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra Ambrosio has made Angels synonymous with Victoria’s Secret after a nearly 20-year run donning the iconic wings. During that tenure, she made the company’s now world-famous fashion show into a cultural phenomenon, drawing over 500 million viewers annually at its peak. 

She was also on the People Magazine’s “Most Beautiful People” List. Alongside her record-setting catalog of awards and magazine covers sit over 12 million Instagram fans looking to Ambrosio as the face of swimwear cool.

Also Read: Pose Like a Pro: Unleashing 30+ Must-Try Poses for Male Models

1. Candice Swanepoel

Candice Swanepoel leaves zero doubt by any metric used to define an elite bikini model. Through a heavenly vision of blonde hair and azure eyes, she’s stolen StyleCaster’s “Best Body” award and Askmen’s #1 bikini pick for multiple years now.

She has millions in annual earnings. Meanwhile, a Victoris’s Secret contract North of $5 million combined with over 13 million digital followers make sure that her influence will only grow. 

Conclusion

The rise of the bikini model proves society’s shifting attitudes toward beauty, empowerment, and inspiration. Where once two-piece swimsuits shocked mid-century sensitivities, icons like Tyra Banks now come from Sports Illustrated cover as aspirational embodiments of sensuality meeting strength.

The industry today is opening up to being more inclusive of all races, shapes, and sizes. The list of the best bikini models is not limited here. This is just the beginning.