Alix Earle just leveled up — and her 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut proves she was born for this moment. The TikTok-turned-everything creator showed up to Botswana's Okavango Delta draped in a custom pearl bikini that had the internet completely losing it, and honestly? We get it.
Photo via Yahoo Entertainment / The Sporting News
Her Third Year — and Her Best One Yet
This is Earle's third consecutive year with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, but nothing before quite compares. For the 2026 issue, shot in the breathtaking Botswana wilderness alongside photographer Ruven Afanador and the adventure specialists at Abercrombie & Kent, Earle wore a custom halter bikini top by Audrey Blake — hand-set with hundreds of shimmering white pearls and a delicate pearl fringe that moved with every step. The bottoms? Khaki micro-shorts from MIKOH. The boots? Olive green combat boots by Seychelles Shoes with thick cream socks. Tough meets soft. Wild meets polished. It's the kind of look that tells you exactly why she's become one of the most influential voices in fashion for the 18-25 crowd.
"It's surreal," Earle told the magazine, reflecting on her SI Swimsuit journey. "Each year I feel more comfortable in my skin and more confident about who I am." And it shows — the Botswana photos have that effortless-but-electric quality that only comes when someone is completely in their element.
The Yacht Day That Broke the Internet (Again)
If the SI Swimsuit reveal wasn't enough, Earle also dropped a yacht day series wearing a Tropic of C Solanas Top and Bottom in Chestnut — a bandeau with wide elastic ties and low-rise bottoms with gold ring hardware. She layered on a Bydee crochet maxi skirt and carried a Bottega Veneta clutch in Amber. The look was equal parts resort-chic and effortlessly cool, and her followers immediately went into detective mode hunting down every piece.
Photo via Reality Tea
Oh, and She Might Be in Baywatch 2026
As if the SI Swimsuit debut and yacht content weren't enough buzz, Earle's name has been swirling around the Baywatch 2026 casting conversation — which, if you've seen either of her SI Swimsuit looks, makes total sense. She's already got the energy, the confidence, and clearly the beach wardrobe for it. Watch this space.
Get the Alix Earle Look for Under $55
Obsessed with Alix's pearl bikini energy? You don't need a custom Audrey Blake design to channel it. The string triangle top + high-cut bottoms combination is the foundation of any great beach look — and Audi Swim's Sky Blue Bow Babe Top ($17.99) and Sky Blue Bow Babe Bottoms ($17.99) have that same "effortless beach girl" energy at a fraction of the price. The contrast trim and adjustable ties let you dial in the perfect fit, and the sky blue colorway is giving very coastal-luxury vibes.
And since we're deep in the pearl moment — don't sleep on the Starfish and Pearls Earrings ($14.99). They're the kind of accessory that makes a simple bikini look like it was styled by a fashion editor. Layer them with the Sky Blue set and you've got a full Alix Earle moment ready to go.
For a full breakdown of how to style your string bikini for every beach occasion — from yacht days to actual SI Swimsuit-level resort vibes — check out our guide: String Bikini: The Complete 2026 Style & Fit Guide. And if you want to stay on top of every swimwear trend Alix and her crew are setting this season, our 2026 Swimwear Trends Guide covers it all.
The Bottom Line
Alix Earle's 2026 SI Swimsuit debut is exactly what we needed heading into spring — a reminder that confidence, a great bikini, and a little pearl energy go a very long way. Whether she ends up in Baywatch or not, she's already writing her own story. And we'll be watching every chapter.
Want to nail Alix's look this spring? Browse Audi Swim's full collection — bold, adjustable, and built for your kind of beach day.
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