Why This Former Sports Illustrated Model Is Making More Modest Swimsuit Choices

Published: June 10, 2026

By Kayla DeKraker

Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Kim Alexis is choosing more modest swimsuit options after wearing bikinis early in her career.

“I’m not sure if I have the confidence to wear any swimsuit,” Alexis admitted on the “Unexpired” podcast about changing up her wardrobe. “I am 65 years old. I think there comes a grace period where you say, ‘I don’t need to wear that’ and be comfortable in my skin. I now have a grandson, so I am not going to wear a thong to the beach. I’m just not doing it. It’s OK to change the swimsuits that you enjoy wearing.”

She added, “I think it’s OK to evolve and change. And there are different suits for different body types. Figure out what works best for you and what you feel comfortable with on the beach. Now, some people are very comfortable with things I wouldn’t think they should wear on the beach.”

Alexis emphasized, “I don’t think you’re going to find me in those little skimpy bikinis anymore.”

In addition to making more modest choices, Alexis also prioritizes her health.

“I believe that we have either too many toxins or we don’t have enough certain minerals or vitamins, and there are some supplements [we need],” she said.

“Sometimes it’s detoxing, and I don’t believe we do enough detoxing in this country. Detoxing is very important to me, and it’s not something I do daily, but it is something I incorporate, [like] an Epsom salt bath with baking soda in it,” she said. “And sometimes I even put seaweed in my hot bath or use bentonite clay in it. It helps pull out certain toxins. I also go to my infrared sauna.”

She continued, “I’m a big believer in keeping your body moving, maintaining healthy digestion and being as efficient as possible. I’m such a big believer in clean living, clean eating. I think we need to focus more on getting fruits and vegetables into our diet. I think many of us in America here do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.”

In fact, Alexis is so passionate about health that last year, she decided to study to become a certified Integrative Health Practitioner.

“After 20 years of exploring wellness and natural healing, I’m finally doing it. This journey is all about finding the root cause, not masking symptoms,” she posted on Facebook. “Real health starts with lowering stress and taking a proactive approach to wellness.”

Nobody’s health journey will look the same, though, so Alexis encouraged listeners to “find what works for you.”

“It may be going for a walk or a class with the same friend, and it’s the same class every single day at the same time. Other people, like me, you have to mix it up and keep it exciting, and that works,” she said. “Just get out there, do something.”