Honestly, if you had told me a decade ago that the biggest "break the internet" moment of the 2020s would involve a 81-year-old lifestyle mogul in a plunging one-piece, I might have laughed. But here we are. When the Martha Stewart bathing suit photos first dropped for the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, it wasn't just another celebrity photoshoot. It was a cultural shift.
It basically challenged every boring, dusty rule we have about what "aging gracefully" is supposed to look like. People weren't just looking at a swimsuit; they were looking at a woman who refused to be sidelined by a number.
The Suit That Started the Conversation
Let’s talk about that cover shot. Martha didn't show up in some matronly, "age-appropriate" floral number with a skirt. No, she went for a white Monday Swimwear one-piece with a neckline that didn't play it safe. She paired it with a dramatic, burnt-orange cover-up by Torso Creations and some seriously heavy-duty jewelry from Jacob & Co.
It was bold. It was chic. It was peak Martha.
She looked fantastic, but she also looked real. She didn’t look like she was trying to be twenty; she looked like an eighty-one-year-old woman who takes incredibly good care of herself and actually enjoys her life. That’s the distinction. The shoot, captured by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic, featured ten different looks, ranging from a metallic silver Body Glove zip-up to a classic red Norma Kamali halter.
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What She Actually Wore (The Brand Breakdown)
If you’re trying to track down the exact pieces—because, let’s be real, we all kind of want that vibe—here is what made the cut:
- Monday Swimwear: The white plunging one-piece on the cover.
- Norma Kamali: A red halter-style "Mio" suit with a matching sarong. This one is a classic for a reason—it’s built to be flattering on basically everyone.
- Body Glove: A metallic silver suit from their '91 Collection. It was a bit of a throwback to her early modeling days.
- Isa Boulder: A champagne-colored, ruched one-piece that felt very high-fashion.
- Zimmermann: Known for those intricate prints and luxe textures.
How Martha Prepped for the "Challenge"
Martha didn't just wake up, throw on a bikini, and hop on a plane. She was invited to do the shoot in November 2022, and the photos were taken in January 2023. That’s a tight window for anyone.
She was pretty open about the work she put in. She didn't starve herself—that’s not her style—but she did cut out bread and pasta for a few months. "I went to Pilates every other day and that was great," she told the Today show. She still does it.
There's a lot of talk about her "clean life," which basically translates to a strictly healthy diet, regular exercise, and a skincare routine that probably costs more than my car. But beyond the physical, there was a mental prep. She admitted to being "sort of shaking" before the big reveal. Even Martha Stewart gets nervous.
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The Photoshop Debate and Real Beauty
Of course, the internet did what the internet does. People started screaming "Photoshop!" the second the images went live. Was there some retouching? Probably. It’s a magazine cover; they retouch twenty-year-olds until they look like smooth plastic.
But if you look at the behind-the-scenes videos, the "real" Martha isn't some filtered illusion. She has good genes—she often cites her mother, who wore two-piece suits well into her later years—but she also has a mindset that refuses to acknowledge "the whole aging thing." She finds it boring.
That’s the takeaway. The Martha Stewart bathing suit moment wasn't about vanity. It was about "successful living."
Why This Matters for the Rest of Us
We live in a culture that is obsessed with youth. We’re taught to fear every wrinkle and hide every gray hair. Then comes Martha, 81, standing on a beach in a swimsuit, telling everyone that "when you're through changing, you're through."
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It’s about being fearless.
She used her platform to show that your 80s don't have to be a slow slide into beige cardigans and knitting (though she’d probably knit a better sweater than any of us). It’s an evolution.
Actionable Takeaways from the Martha Effect
If you want to channel a bit of that Martha energy, you don't necessarily need a Sports Illustrated contract.
- Invest in "Power Pieces": Whether it's a swimsuit or a blazer, find brands that focus on cut and construction over trends. Norma Kamali and Monday Swimwear are great starting points for inclusive, well-made silhouettes.
- Consistency Over Intensity: Martha’s Pilates routine isn't about being an Olympic athlete; it’s about moving her body every other day. Find a movement you actually like.
- Skincare is a Long Game: You can’t start a "clean life" the week before a vacation and expect miracles. Focus on hydration and sun protection now.
- Adopt a "Yes" Mentality: Martha said she did the shoot because it was a challenge she’d never had before. Say yes to the things that make you a little bit nervous.
The reality is that age is powerful if you let it be. Martha Stewart didn't just wear a bathing suit; she redefined what it looks like to be an "older" woman in the public eye. She proved that style, confidence, and a little bit of bravado don't have an expiration date.
Next time you’re hesitant to wear something because you think you’re "too old" or it’s "not for you," remember Martha in that white one-piece. Then go ahead and buy the suit anyway. Focus on finding high-quality, structured swimwear—specifically looking for "Mio" styles or ruched designs—which provide support without sacrificing the aesthetic. Start a consistent, low-impact strength routine like Pilates to build functional longevity rather than just chasing a look. Finally, prioritize a "skin-first" approach by doubling down on moisture and barrier protection, which creates that natural glow Martha is known for.