SI Swimsuit Models Take Off Their Bikini Tops (photos!)

Irina Shayk, SI's Swimsuit cover girl.

Irina Shayk, Brooklyn Decker and Cynthia Dicker are among     18 models who take off their bikini tops for this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, which is getting racier every year.

The now iconic issue, which was dreamed up in 1964 by editorAndre Laguerre to fill the winter months, a dead time for sports.

The first issue featured model Babette Marchand a five-page layout. Despite the popularity of the issue, it took the magazine 33 years to figure out that it should exclusively feature models photographed in skimpy swimsuits in exotic locals.

Over the years, landing the cover has been a major boon to any model’s career, and some of the world’s top models have had the honor, from Heidi Klum (98) and Christie Brinkley, a triple cover girl, to Elle Macpherson, who also had the honor three years running.

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Click here to see More Stunning Sports Illustrated Bikini Photos!

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As the issue soared in popularity, the photos also become more risqué, and models now typically pose for some photos topless, although strategically covered. Still the poses are undeniably hot.

Check out this sampling of models who take their bikini tops off. For more, check outSports Illustrate’s Web site.