Ashley Graham is the ultimate beach beauty. The model, who found fame in 2016 when she was announced as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model – and became one of the first plus-size models to ever get the honor – is now known for her iconic swimwear photoshoots, whether they be for magazines or for social media.
"This is a dream come true," Ashley said in 2016 when being announced as a SI Swimwear Issue rookie. "Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves—our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year. Stay tuned for voting instructions #beautybeyondsize #siswim."
© Sports Illustrated via Getty ImaOver the last decade of swimwear pictures, the model has honed her skills at not only finding the best poses but also discovering the most gorgeous styles, from skimpy string bikinis to daring one-pieces.
And she has done it all while breaking barriers in the modeling and swimwear industry, embracing her cellulite and strech marks, and designing styles for her own brand that make every woman feel comfortable and sexy.
Yet even Ashley admits she still gets nervous when taking off a cover-up.
© Justin Ervin for Swimsuits For All"Of course, like any girl, when you get to the beach or the pool and you go, 'Oh, I have to take my cover-up off…,' and you feel like everybody’s watching," she told People magazine in 2017. "And then all of a sudden you get comfortable."
That even a model, known for her body confidence, feels that way made fans around the world feel more comfortable in their own bodies, but also highlighted the continuing societal idea ingrained in us all that there is only one way a body should look in a bathing suit when the truth is all bodies are beach bodies.
To celebrate Ashley's birthday on October 30, here are some of her best bikini pictures from the last decade…
Ashley in a deep red crochet bikini in 2013
In 2014, Ashley posed in a white crochet bikini, hinting at what was to come with Sports Illustrated
It was animal print for Ashley in 2015 during a stunning beach getaway.
Ashley, pictured in 2016, has long been a fan of skimpy string bikinis, believing they better highlight her curves.
In 2017, a year after being named a SI swimsuit rookie, Ashley highlighted her body in a stunning sequin bikini.
A floral print was Ashley's bikini of choice while on vacation in 2018.
2019 was also a year of florals, with Ashley wearing this style for a holiday with white sands, blue skies, and perfect company.
Even pregnancy wouldn't stop Ashley from being comfortable, and in 2021 she shared a series of gorgeous pictures, highlighting her baby bump.
In January 2022, she welcomed her twins. Malachi and Roman Ervin.
© Ashley GrahamClashing colors are nothing to Ashley, who pulled off this gorgeous look of a hot pink bikini and bright teal, sheer, cover-up in 2022.
© Ashley GrahamIn 2023, Ashley posed for a Sephora campaign and wore a classic structured one-piece that gave her a gorhous hourglass figure.
© Ashley GrahamNot many can pull off yellow, but Ashley nailed it in this stunning picture, taken on vacation in 2024.
