You know that feeling when you realize something has been around longer than most of your friends? That's the vibe with the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar. It isn't just another collection of glossy beach photos to hang in a garage or a dorm room. Honestly, it's a massive, 60-year milestone that basically acts as a time capsule for how much the world has shifted since 1964.
I’ve been tracking these releases for years, and this one feels heavier. Not literally—it’s still paper and ink—but the cultural weight is there. It’s a 60th-anniversary celebration. That means the 2024 edition had to be more than just "pretty." It had to be legendary.
The Legends Return
When people talk about the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar, they usually start with the covers. This year, they didn't just pick one "it" girl. They went with a full-blown roster of icons.
We’re talking about Kate Upton, Chrissy Teigen, Hunter McGrady, and Gayle King. Yeah, that Gayle King. Seeing a 69-year-old broadcast legend on the cover of a swimsuit issue? That’s the kind of move that would have been unthinkable twenty years ago. It’s cool because it feels authentic, not like they're just checking a box.
The calendar itself features 13 high-quality images. It follows the standard 12-month format but usually tosses in a bonus page for the end of the previous year. Most fans grab these early—Trends International usually drops them around September—so you’ve probably seen them at places like Office Depot or Amazon.
Who actually made the cut?
The 60th-anniversary shoot wasn't just about the four cover stars. They brought back "The Legends." If you grew up with these issues, the names will hit you like a wave of nostalgia:
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- Christie Brinkley (The GOAT, seriously)
- Tyra Banks (The woman who broke the barrier as the first Black woman on the cover)
- Paulina Porizkova
- Molly Sims
- Martha Stewart (Back after her record-breaking 2023 cover)
It’s a weirdly emotional mix. You have Olivia Dunne, representing the new "NIL" era of college athletes, sharing space with women who were modeling before her parents probably met.
Locations That Make You Want to Quit Your Job
One thing about the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar photos is the "travel envy" they induce. The 2024 issue spanned several stunning locations, each with a different "flavor."
In Mexico, Yu Tsai—who is basically the visionary behind the modern SI look—shot several of the heavy hitters. The Mexican Caribbean backdrop provided that classic, high-contrast tropical vibe. Then you had the Belize crew, led by photographer Derek Kettela, which included Brittany Mahomes and Chanel Iman.
The Portugal shoot was different. It had a "balletcore" and "cottagecore" aesthetic in the Douro Valley. Think ruffles, floral prints, and vineyards instead of just sand and surf. It gave the calendar a softer, almost artistic edge that contrasts well with the high-octane beach shots.
Why People Still Buy Physical Calendars
You might think, "Why do I need a paper calendar when I have an iPhone?" Fair point. But the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar is a collector’s item. People buy it for the photography.
The 12x12 wall calendar is the standard. It opens to 12x24, giving you those big, vertical shots that look more like posters than a datebook. There’s also a mini version for smaller spaces, but if you're a real fan, the full-size one is the only way to go.
Wait, what about the "Legends" shoot?
That happened at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. It was a massive reunion. Imagine 27 of the most famous women in the world all in one room, wearing metallic dresses and swimsuits, celebrating six decades of work. The calendar captures pieces of that energy.
Getting Your Hands on One
If you're looking for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar now, you're likely hunting for a specific vibe or a gift.
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- Retailers: You can still find them on Amazon, eBay, or through Trends International.
- Versions: Look for the "Wall Calendar" for the best image quality. The "Mini" is okay, but you lose the detail.
- Paper Quality: They use a premium glossy stock. It’s thick enough that your ink won’t bleed through if you actually use it to write down appointments.
Actionable Tips for Collectors
- Check the ISBN: If you’re buying on a secondary market, ensure the ISBN matches the official Trends International release (usually starts with 978-14388).
- Storage: If you’re keeping this as a 60th-anniversary souvenir, don’t use tape on the pages. Use a frame or a clip-on hanger.
- Digital Backups: SI usually hosts the full galleries online. If you want to see the "outtakes" that didn't make the 13-image calendar cut, head to their official "Swimsuit" site.
The 2024 edition represents a turning point. It’s less about "looking at" and more about "celebrating with." Whether it’s Hunter McGrady’s advocacy for body neutrality or Gayle King’s sheer "why not?" attitude, this calendar isn't just about January through December. It’s about how far the brand has come from its 1964 "winter diversion" roots to a global icon of empowerment.
If you haven't picked up the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar yet, focus on finding the 12x12 Wall edition. It’s the best way to see the intricate styling from the Portugal shoot and the high-definition detail of the Mexico sessions. Keep an eye out for the 2025 previews, but don't sleep on the 60th-anniversary memorabilia—it's a piece of pop culture history that likely won't be replicated for another decade.