In a groundbreaking move, Sports Illustrated has featured a curvy model on the cover of their swimsuit issue for the first time, and the reaction is nothing short of sensational. Stunning size 16 model Ashley Graham is one of the three women gracing this year’s cover, and the internet is buzzing with excitement.
Last year, Graham took part in the #curvesinbikinis campaign for Bikinis For All, which led to a significant buzz when Sports Illustrated allowed the brand to buy ad space in their swimsuit edition. This year, they’ve taken a bolder step, featuring Graham prominently—though it’s worth noting that she isn’t the first “plus-sized” model in their pages. The magazine previously included a size 12 model, Robin Lawley, which challenges the very definition of what “plus-sized” means.
While I’m thrilled for Graham—who is undeniably gorgeous and represents a refreshing change in an often narrow-minded industry—it’s disheartening that we still view curvy women as exceptions rather than the norm. The average woman is a size 14, making the term “plus-sized” not just outdated but absurd. Sports Illustrated didn’t make history; they simply opened their eyes to beauty in all its forms.
Ashley Graham herself has spoken about her journey to body acceptance, revealing that being labeled as a “plus-sized model” made her feel out of place in fashion. She prefers to think of herself as “my-sized.” In a TED talk, she expressed her frustration with the need to justify her career as a model by adding “plus-sized.” Her message of body positivity is crucial, and while we can appreciate her role as an advocate, it’s essential to recognize that she is simply a model—just like her thinner counterparts.
It may not be a standing ovation for Sports Illustrated just yet, but Graham deserves all the applause for breaking barriers and promoting the idea that beauty comes in many sizes. If you’re interested in more about home insemination and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on what to expect when you have your first IUI.
In summary, the inclusion of Ashley Graham on the cover of Sports Illustrated is a step toward broadening the definition of beauty in the fashion industry. While it’s a moment to celebrate, we must also question the need for labels that restrict and define women.