Dating Tips From Swimsuit Models

Dating Advice From 8 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models

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Under a white pop-up tent on the sands of South Beach, legions of locals shuffled themselves into single file lines to get a chance to meet their favorite Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. These body-baring beauties had caused a frenzy around town since their arrival, invading hot spots like the 1 Hotel South Beach and STK. Smiles in tow, despite their sure fatigue from the whirlwind surrounding the issue’s promotional tour, they arrived in rotation to greet their awaiting fans. Some rode solo while others encircled themselves with a publicist, an agent, makeup artists or a supportive beau.

Those beaus were what caught our attention. We got curious as to how they got there. How did these guys snag their jet-setting girlfriends? How do they maintain their lady’s attention when the whole world wants a piece of them? We decided it was time to find out.

In between autograph signings and photo opps, we somehow convinced a few SI faces to sit down with me to talk dating do’s and don’ts. In case you forgot, these girls have been linked to some of the biggest headliners in the world (Hannah Davis is engaged to Yankees legend Derek Jeter), but others are dating the everyday guy who doesn’t find himself splashed on gossip magazines. What was that guy’s juju? Their “it” factor? The SI ladies’ sugarcoat-less answers are simpler than one might expect. In fact, they’re valid for any man looking to get the attention of a busy, career-driven woman.

Lose the pick up lines and be natural about approaching them.
Rejection might happen, but if it doesn’t, you’re already ahead.

“A smile is important. [It’s good if] you’re not too pushy. Be nice, but not too aggressive.”
— Sofia Resing

“No pick up lines! Be yourself, be natural — don’t come with a script or something cheesy.”
— Hannah Davis

“I really appreciate a guy that comes up and says something to me. It takes a lot of courage to come and say something and have a nice conversation. I enjoy [a nice conversation]. If the girl likes you, it is a really good [move] — you’ll know if she likes you. You’ll feel the vibe, so keep it going. Otherwise, just walk away.”
— Chanel Iman

“I would just like for a guy to approach me like a ‘normal’ girl, for once. Just say, Hey, my name is...’ and ‘It’s nice to meet you’ and talk about your family. [I want to] get to know their world, too. It’s crazy out there and you don’t know who people are anymore, so it’s nice to have conversations and ease your way into [dating].”
— Samantha Hoopes

Don’t be cocky, but be confident.
These women — and many others — have it all. They don’t need you, but they want to like you.

“It is a fine line between being confident and cocky. Women do love confidence but not to be outshined. Let the woman be a woman. Don’t put her down to try make yourself seem smarter or wittier or all that.”
— Nina Agdal

“I’m all about a funny guy with personality. I don’t like it when someone shows off, or is just too much. At the end of the day, as a woman I have my own thing going on, so it’s not about what he can offer me. I think it’s more about personality and who you are.”
— Rose Bertram

Pick up the phone and call.
While keeping in touch via text throughout the day is fine, it’s important to rest those thumbs and flex those vocal chords.

“Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call. Do not text. I’m a caller. I have to text when I am not able to call, but especially in the beginning when you’re getting to know someone you absolutely have to pick up the phone. If you want to ask them out on a date, pick up the phone. Be a gentleman. Those old school things go a long way.”
— Hannah Davis

“I love a guy that can call me. I like to hear people’s voices. It’s more personal. But a sweet text throughout the day is nice, too. A good text message can make your whole day better.”
— Chanel Iman

“When I was shyer, I was more of a texter. Now, I’m more of a caller. When you get a text you can interpret it anyway. You never really know what the person means until you hear it.”
— Rose Bertram

“Call. I’m old fashioned. We can text throughout the day but you better call me!”
— Ashley Graham