‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Issue: 13 Most Iconic Covers Ever (Photos)

1979: Girl-next-door supermodel Christie Brinkley made the first of three consecutive appearances.

1980: Christie Brinkley returned the following year, this time in a skimpier bikini.

1983: Cheryl Tiegs, who debuted as an SI cover model in 1970, returned for her third time.

1986: Elle Macpherson launched her own trifecta in the Reagan era with this striking pose.

1987: Elle Macpherson returned the following year.

1989: Kathy Ireland made her SI debut in the yellow number.

1992: Kathy Ireland returned three years later, arms crossed.

1994: Kathy Ireland, Elle Macpherson and Rachel Hunter tripled up for this cover.

1997: Tyra Banks became the first black model to grace the cover of the issue.

1998: Heidi Klum made her first appearance.

2006: Veronica Varekova, Elle Macpherson, Rebecca Romijn, Rachel Hunter, Daniela Pestova, Elsa Benítez, Carolyn Murphy, and Yamila Diaz-Rahi led an all-star lineup.

2007: Beyonce became one of the rare non-model (and non-athletes) to land the cover — to help promote her swimsuit line.

2013: Kate Upton bundled up for her second cover.