Madelaine Petsch Hits The Deck In A Barely-There Bikini

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on January 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST

Madelaine Petsch takes a selfie
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Madelaine Petsch continues to prove that effortless moments can still stop the scroll. The "Riverdale" star has been lighting up social media feeds for years, and a recently resurfaced photo shared by a fan account is reminding social media users exactly why Petsch has such a strong following. In the fan-shared snap, Petsch is seen lounging across a wooden deck while soaking up the sun in a sleek black bikini. Lying back with her eyes closed, the actress appears completely at ease, letting her iconic red hair fan out beside her as sunlight highlights her toned frame. The minimalist two-piece keeps the focus on the shot's relaxed nature, while a white towel beneath her adds a casual, intimate feel.

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Madelaine Petsch Lets The Sun Do The Talking In Laid-Back Bikini Snap

Her ease in the moment reflects a confidence that’s been built over time, one she’s spoken candidly about developing through both personal growth and public scrutiny. “I’ve been lucky and haven’t had too many issues with body image, but when I was younger there were definitely times when I had some body dysmorphia,” Petsch admitted in years past. “I think a lot of young girls go through that but don’t quite understand it.”

She’s also been open about how fame intensified those feelings early on in her career. “And when 'Riverdale' first came out, there would be these crazy people, fans who called me a whale,” she shared. “And to be honest, there were times when I would question myself, like why do people hate me?”

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Ultimately, Petsch said she learned to reframe the noise. “You have to take a step back and realize that all that matters is feeling good about yourself, knowing that you’re a good person, loving, and taking care of yourself," the actress admitted.

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Petsch Lets The Moment Speak For Itself

In another fan-favorite snap, Petsch was captured mid-laugh in a leopard-print bikini while soaking up the sun on the water. With her red hair blowing freely in the breeze and one hand lifted to her face, the candid moment felt effortless and carefree. Perched on what appears to be a boat, with turquoise water and an open sky behind her, Petsch radiated relaxed confidence, while the natural lighting, minimal accessories, and unfiltered joy in the shot gave the shot a spontaneous feel.

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Madelaine Petsch Turns Poolside Into A Power Move

In another throwback snap that fans still obsess over, Petsch served poolside heat while posing in a plunging white swimsuit. Shot from a slightly tilted angle, the selfie highlighted her red hair cascading over her shoulders, tortoiseshell sunglasses shielding her eyes, and a confident, unbothered expression that instantly caught the eyes of her fans.

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Petsch’s Cherry Blossom Era Still Has Fans In A Chokehold

A fan-shared throwback reminded everyone just how unforgettable Petsch was as Cheryl Blossom. In the snap, Petsch is seen in Cheryl's iconic red lingerie, standing confidently in a locker room that instantly transports fans back to some of "Riverdale"’s most talked-about moments. Even years after the episode aired, the image continues to circulate across fan pages, proving that Petsch’s portrayal left a lasting impression.

Madelaine Petsch Keeps It Casual With A Low-Key Summer Mirror Moment

In another fan-favorite throwback, Petsch showed off a more relaxed side with a simple mirror selfie. Wearing a tiny black bikini top paired with a sheer mini skirt, Petsch snapped the photo inside a minimalist, sunlit space, letting the understated setting keep the focus squarely on her laid-back summer look.

Whether she’s lounging poolside or snapping a simple mirror selfie, Madelaine Petsch continues to gain attention.

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