Hilary Duff Becomes a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 Cover Star

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit announced on May 12, 2024 that 38-year-old actress-singer Hilary Duff will appear on the cover of its 2026 issue. Kat Irlin photographed Duff in South Caicos, where she wore a white OYE Swimwear one-piece among other designer pieces. The issue includes 34 models, with Duff joining Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish and Nicole Williams English as the four cover stars. The edition reaches select newsstands on May 14 and national retailers on May 26.

Sports IllustratedWWDHilary Duff, Tiffany Haddish Among Superstar Cover Girls for 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Duff’s cover follows a high-profile comeback: she released the album *luck…or something* in early 2024, her first studio record in over a decade, and will launch the Lucky Me Tour in June. The cover arrives as Duff reflects on a career that began with *Lizzie McGuire*, navigated body-shaming, and now embraces motherhood of four children.

In Touch Weekly

• Age: 38

Billboard

• Children: son Luca and daughters Banks 7, Mae 5, Townes 1

Billboard

• Issue models: 34 (four on the cover)

WWD

• Photographers: Kat Irlin (Duff), Ruven Afanador (Earle), Ben Watts (Williams English), James Macari (Haddish)

WWD

Editor-in-chief MJ Day said the 2026 lineup “redefines what you might expect from the Swimsuit Issue” and underscores the brand’s shift toward individuality. The magazine highlighted the all-female crew on Duff’s South Caicos set, calling the location “a pristine, private spot” that offered a safe, celebratory environment. Duff described the shoot as “empowering,” noting that it allowed her to honor her age and body while aligning with the issue’s goal of showcasing diverse women.

Sports Illustrated

• “I’m a mom of four, and I’m not a spring chicken.” — Hilary Duff, SI Swimsuit interview

Sports Illustrated

• “She went on to add, “I don’t typically frolic around in a bathing suit, so it was a little scary, but it was also incredibly empowering.” — Hilary Duff, SI Swimsuit interview

Sports Illustrated

• “Our four cover models redefine what you might expect from the SI Swimsuit Issue, and that’s exactly what makes this moment so exciting,” — MJ Day, editor in chief, SI Swimsuit

Sports Illustrated

• “We’re in heaven ... you can't beat it,” — MJ Day, editor in chief, SI Swimsuit (on set)

Sports Illustrated

Duff’s appearance expands the definition of beauty to include motherhood, mid-life confidence, and a renewed artistic presence. Featuring a 38-year-old mother on the cover challenges age-related modeling norms and signals the franchise’s broader commitment to representation across generations.

In Touch Weekly

After the cover release, Duff will begin the Lucky Me Tour, with two Madison Square Garden dates slated for August. The 2026 SI Swimsuit issue will be promoted through a media tour, a New York red-carpet event, and the return of the SI Swimsuit Social Club, extending the dialogue on body positivity and female empowerment.

WWD