When Christen Goff stepped back in front of the camera for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's February 2026 digital cover, she was just six months postpartum. And the result? One of the most talked-about swimsuit moments of the entire spring cycle — a stunning blue string bikini shoot on Captiva Island that's part body confidence anthem, part NFL love story, and 100% the energy we're all taking into spring.
Photo via Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Six Months Postpartum, One Iconic Cover
Christen Goff — you might know her better as Christen Harper, the model and actress who married Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff — just landed her sixth consecutive SI Swimsuit shoot, and this one hits different. Shot on location at South Seas resort on Captiva Island, Florida, by photographer Katherine Goguen, Goff wore a mix of looks including a textured blue string bikini by Andi Bagus and custom pieces in the Detroit Lions' signature Honolulu blue, silver, and white palette.
She opened up about the experience on social media in a way that immediately resonated with her millions of followers: "It was a little daunting deciding to step back in front of the camera 6 months postpartum but I knew this was going to be such a special shoot." The result? Completely breathtaking — and completely relatable in the best way.
This wasn't her first rodeo with SI Swimsuit. Goff was named co-winner of the Swim Search in 2021 and co-Rookie of the Year in 2022, making her a franchise staple. But her February 2026 digital cover marks a new chapter — first time as a cover girl, and first time shooting just months after welcoming her daughter with Jared.
The Body Confidence Message That's Going Everywhere
Photo via Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
The caption that went viral wasn't just a cute bikini post — it was a full moment. Christen wrote: "I look at every little soft spot on my body with a lot of love... Proud of myself and all of the moms out there learning to love their body each step of the way." That's the kind of energy SI Swimsuit has been doubling down on lately, and it absolutely lands.
She shot alongside fellow NFL WAGs Brittany Mahomes and Claire Kittle, plus Ronika Love, Haley Cavinder, and Normani — making this the most star-studded February digital issue in the magazine's history. But honestly? Christen's postpartum confidence arc is the story everyone is still talking about heading into spring.
The Look: Blue String Bikini Energy
Photo via Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
The styling team leaned into Christen's NFL connection in the best way — custom swimwear in Honolulu blue, silver, and white to match the Detroit Lions' colors. But beyond the fun team spirit angle, the shoot shows off exactly why string bikinis are having their biggest moment in years. Clean lines, adjustable fit, and an effortlessly confident silhouette that flatters every body. No exceptions.
Christen's blue bikini looks are already inspiring spring break wishlists everywhere. And honestly? You don't need an NFL deal or a magazine shoot to wear them. You just need the right piece.
Get the Look: Christen's String Bikini Vibe for Under $50
Audi Swim's Bow Babe collection is built for exactly this energy — adjustable triangle tops, cheeky or thong bottoms, and a fit that feels as confident as it looks. The sky blue colorway is giving major Captiva Island vibes, and the all-black option matches Christen's sleek editorial story from the same shoot.
- Bow Babe Contrast Top - Sky Blue ($24.99) — That Captiva Island blue energy, right here.
- Bow Babe Contrast Bottoms - Sky Blue ($24.99) — Cheeky, adjustable, beach-ready.
- Bow Babe Contrast Top - Black ($24.99) — For Christen's sleek all-black editorial vibe.
The full Bow Babe set comes in at under $50 — and with Audi Swim's adjustable string ties, you get the same figure-flattering silhouette that made Christen's shoot so striking. Want to know more about styling string bikinis for every body type? Our No-Rules Confidence Guide to Thong Bikinis 2026 has everything you need.
And if you want to dial in your color game the way Christen did with that Honolulu blue, check out our 2026 Guide to Bikini Colors for Every Skin Tone — it'll change the way you shop forever.
Why This Moment Matters
Celebrity bikini shoots happen constantly — but Christen Goff's 2026 SI Swimsuit cover hits differently because it's honest. Six months after having a baby, stepping back in front of the camera for a major magazine cover takes something real. And she looked stunning while being completely transparent about the journey. That's the kind of confidence that resonates well beyond spring break.
Whether you're headed to the Florida Gulf Coast, Miami Beach, or just your apartment complex pool this spring — confident energy is the only accessory that never goes out of style. Christen clearly agrees. Now it's your turn.
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