Serena Williams doesn't just wear clothes. She makes statements that usually end up in a museum or a history book. Honestly, if you’ve been following her since the early 2000s, you know her relationship with fashion has always been a bit of a battlefield. From the 2018 French Open catsuit that got banned to those iconic tutu dresses, she’s used fabric to fight for her right to exist in a body that didn't fit the "traditional" tennis mold. But lately, the conversation has shifted toward the Serena Williams bathing suit choices she's making off the court. It’s not just about vacation vibes anymore. It’s about a 44-year-old woman who has finally stopped apologizing for having muscles, a butt, and a presence that takes up space.
The Porter Magazine Moment and the 31-Pound Shift
Recently, Serena basically broke the internet—again—with her cover shoot for Porter magazine. She wasn't just posing; she was towering. She wore this body-hugging black one-piece that was less "swimming laps" and more "architectural marvel." It had these massive, snaking cutouts that showed off a six-pack so defined it looked like it was carved from granite.
This shoot wasn't just for the aesthetic, though. It was the first time many fans saw the physical results of her journey with Zepbound, a GLP-1 weight-loss medication. Serena has been incredibly vocal about this. She’s told Vogue and Porter that after her second daughter, Adira River, was born in 2023, the weight just wouldn't budge. She lost 31 pounds and decided to be 100% transparent about it. Why? Because she has two daughters. She wants them to see that she struggled, that she used the tools available to her, and that she’s happy with the result. It’s a refreshing change from the "I just drink lemon water" lie we usually get from celebrities.
Why the Blue Bikini is More Than a Color Choice
You’ve probably seen the photos from her yacht vacation in July 2025. She was rocking a cobalt blue three-piece set from Monday Swimwear—specifically the Cala Roja top and Byron bottom. People went wild for it. But there’s a deeper layer to her love for blue.
For years, Serena was told her body was "too masculine" or "too large." She mentioned in her Porter interview that for the first 15 years of her career, she felt out of place. Her competitors were "super thin and flat," and she was... well, Serena. When she chooses a Serena Williams bathing suit in a bold, electric blue or a metallic leopard print, it’s a middle finger to those old insecurities. She’s not trying to blend into the sand.
The Evolution of the "Serena Signature"
If you look back at her fashion timeline, her swimwear choices mirror her life stages:
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- The Early SI Days: Back in 2003 and 2004, her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit appearances were about proving she belonged in the "beauty" conversation alongside traditional models.
- The 2017 Turks and Caicos Shoot: This was right before the world knew she was pregnant with Olympia. It was all about power, strength, and that "warrior" energy she’s famous for.
- The 2025 "Satin and Lace" Era: Recently, she’s been leaning into "hyper-femininity." Think baby blue satin swimsuits with intricate lace trim and diamond necklaces. It’s soft. It’s expensive. It’s a vibe she calls being "dressed to the nines on cloud nine."
The "S by Serena" Legacy and Brand Influence
A lot of people forget that she actually knows the technical side of this stuff. She studied fashion at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. When she wears a swimsuit with a specific cutout or a "cheeky" bottom, she knows exactly how it’s constructed to support a curve-heavy, athletic frame.
While her brand, S by Serena, has focused heavily on "greatest of all time" (GOAT) loungewear and vegan leather, her influence on the swimwear market is massive. She’s normalized the "sporty-sexy" look. Brands like Monday Swimwear and Off-White (she’s a huge fan of the late Virgil Abloh’s designs) have seen a "Serena Effect." When she wears that hot pink Off-White gown or a simple black-and-white striped suit, it sells out. Fast.
Dealing With the Trolls
It’s not all sunshine and yacht pics, though. Serena admitted that even now, she has to stay off the comments sections. Even though the world has moved toward body positivity—thanks in large part to her and athletes like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff—the internet is still a swamp.
She told People magazine that she made a choice at 17, after winning her first US Open, to never read articles about herself. That mental boundary is what allows her to post a photo in a tiny leopard-print bikini and feel "flawless" instead of self-conscious. She’s teaching her girls that their strength—the "Serena arms" that Olympia inherited—is a gift, not a flaw.
How to Get the Serena Look Without the Pro Athlete Budget
You don't need a custom Nike bodysuit or a diamond-encrusted necklace to channel this energy. Honestly, the "Serena Williams bathing suit" vibe is mostly about confidence and choosing the right silhouettes.
- Go for the Cutout: If you have an athletic build, asymmetrical cutouts (like the ones she wore for Porter) highlight muscle definition rather than hiding it.
- Satin is In: Satin-finish swimwear is a huge 2026 trend she basically started. It looks more like evening wear than beachwear.
- Don't Fear the Bold: Whether it's "fuchsia" (her favorite color) or "electric blue," choose colors that pop against your skin tone.
- Accessorize the Water: Serena almost always pairs her suits with a "poolside" piece—wide-leg trousers, a matching robe, or a silk headband.
The real takeaway from Serena’s latest fashion era? It’s okay to change. It’s okay to use GLP-1s if that’s your journey. It’s okay to be muscular and wear a lace bikini. She’s spent decades being the person everyone had an opinion on, and now, she’s finally the only one whose opinion matters to her.
Actionable Next Steps:
To replicate Serena’s "soft power" aesthetic, start by looking for "sport-luxe" brands that offer high-compression fabric with high-fashion details like lace or metallic finishes. If you're following her weight loss journey for health reasons, consult with a metabolic health specialist to see if GLP-1 medications are a safe fit for your specific biology. Most importantly, practice the "17-year-old Serena" rule: stop reading the "comments" from people who don't have to live in your body.