Skims Review: We Tried the Viral Brand to See What's Worth Buying
The Kardashians' rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary, with their various business ventures capturing the attention of millions. From Kylie's lip kits to Kendall's tequila and Khloe's jeans, the family has built an impressive retail empire. However, it is Kim Kardashian's Skims brand that stands out as the most successful, valued at a staggering $4 billion.
Skims offers a wide range of inclusive sizes, catering to everyone from XXS to 4X. The brand specializes in intimates such as bras, underwear, loungewear, and their famous shapewear, which has taken the internet by storm. These smart solutions are designed to enhance your natural shape, working in harmony with your body. It all sounds incredible, but we were curious to see how the shapewear would look on real women, without any retouching or studio lighting.
To answer this question, we conducted a thorough evaluation of Skims products at our Textiles Lab in the esteemed Good Housekeeping Institute. Our experts tested each garment by stretching it for a specific duration and then assessed how well it recovered its original shape. Additionally, we subjected each piece to multiple washes to ensure it maintained its quality and durability.
But we didn't stop there. We also enlisted the help of consumer testers with diverse body shapes, who wore the Skims pieces in their everyday lives. Their extensive feedback allowed us to determine not only the comfort level of the shapewear, bras, and clothing but also their effectiveness.
Here's what we found.
Skims Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
During my time in the Lab, I had the opportunity to test out the Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit, and I must say, I was initially surprised by its small appearance. However, I soon discovered that despite its compact size, it has the ability to stretch and conform to your body shape.
At first, I found the material to be quite resistant when trying to stretch it out and put it on. However, in our tests, we found that it did eventually return to its original shape. Once I had the bodysuit on, I noticed a significant improvement in the smoothness of my waistline and a flatter tummy. Unlike other shapewear bodysuits I've tried, the compression at the bust was minimal, which prevented a flat look.
It's worth noting that this bodysuit does fit quite tightly, so if you're not accustomed to wearing shapewear, it may feel too snug for all-day wear. However, in our comprehensive review of Skims shapewear, this particular bodysuit emerged as the top performer. It's no surprise that it has become a best seller for the brand and gained viral attention on social media.
Our testers reported that the bodysuit runs true to size, which is a definite plus. Many of them even enjoy wearing it on its own as a top. However, if you plan on going bra-less, be aware that the lighter colors may be slightly see-through. Some testers with larger chest sizes recommended going up a size for a more comfortable fit.
Overall, the Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit has proven to be a popular and effective choice among our testers. Its ability to conform to your body size, along with its flattering waistline and minimal bust compression, make it a standout option.
Skims Long Slip Dress
This dress, a top-selling item, is crafted from an incredibly soft fabric that gracefully drapes around your body, accentuating your curves and creating an enviable hourglass silhouette. It is made from a blend of modal and spandex, which not only gives it a luxurious smoothness but also allows for a slight stretch, ensuring a snug fit that enhances your curves and exudes a seductive allure while providing utmost comfort. Due to its lightweight nature and delicate spaghetti straps, we recommend pairing it with a seamless thong and either going braless or opting for a strapless bra to maintain a discreet appearance of your undergarments.
One of our esteemed testers is the proud owner of the long sleeve version of this dress and has expressed her utmost satisfaction, proclaiming it as the finest dress she has ever possessed. She adores the "exceedingly soft and comfortable fabric" and praises its versatility, stating that it can be effortlessly dressed up or down. She has confidently worn it to both formal galas and casual dates, proving its adaptability and timeless appeal.
Skims Fits Everybody Thong
Skims thongs are a popular choice for GH editors due to their comfortable and reliable design. They offer a barely-there feel that is both breathable and lightweight, making them ideal for everyday wear. With ten nude shades available, it's easy to find a perfect match for your skin tone, ensuring that it remains hidden under clothing.
I've personally tested this thong during various activities, from Pilates classes to office work and even holiday parties. Unlike other thongs, this pair stays in place without riding up or bunching, providing a hassle-free experience whether I'm exercising or sitting down. While not completely seamless, it does have a 100% cotton gusset that helps prevent irritation, adding to its overall comfort.
Skims Cotton Ribbed Tank
This tank top is an essential item in my closet. I frequently wear this tank in the "bone" color, whether it's layered under sweaters, paired with suit pants, or simply as loungewear. Made from 100% cotton, it boasts a ribbed texture that adds to its appeal. However, it's worth mentioning that this tank is quite thin, lacking in support, and slightly see-through. On the positive side, it is incredibly soft and perfectly cropped.
While I personally find this tank to be a valuable addition to my wardrobe, I must admit that considering its higher price and thin material, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it over other more affordable tank options. Although the brand's cotton material is undeniably soft, I have noticed some pilling. In fact, online reviewers of the T-shirt in the same cotton rib material have mentioned significant pilling specifically under the arms.
Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Thigh Short
These shapewear shorts belong to the same collection as the featured bodysuit. They provide a snug fit around the waist for tummy control and offer extra compression along the back thighs. However, they have less compression on the booty to enhance your figure and give it a lifted appearance. The shorts feature an open gusset, allowing you to use the restroom without having to remove them completely.
One of our testers wore these shorts underneath her bridesmaid's dress at a wedding and expressed her satisfaction, stating, "It eliminates any visible lines and creates a beautiful shape on my body." She also mentioned that the fabric is soft and the fit is incredibly comfortable. She particularly appreciated the silicone grips that kept the shorts securely in place without any sticky sensation. Although the shorts are quite tight, she eagerly looked forward to taking them off at the end of the night. If you desire similar coverage with less compression, we recommend checking out Skims Everyday Sculpt shorts.
Skims has also introduced a solution for dresses or skirts with high slits: shapewear shorts with only one leg. This innovative design provides coverage and support without the concern of your shapewear being visible. The brand offers two versions, one with the right leg exposed and another with the left leg exposed.
Does Skims truly live up to its internet hype?
In our recent evaluation of 158 bras, underwear, and shapewear, Skims products stood out as some of the top performers. The shapewear offers a snug compression that creates a slimmer and smoother appearance under clothing. What impressed us the most was the brand's shapewear design, which includes targeted areas of compression to provide lift and sculpting. It's no wonder that Skims' everyday pieces have become essential items in the wardrobes of many GH editors.
Another aspect we admire about the brand is its commitment to inclusivity. Skims offers an excellent size range and provides options in 10 different nude skin tones, allowing customers to find a close match to their shade. Although the brand occasionally releases limited editions with bolder colors, they tend to sell out quickly. We appreciate Skims' innovative solutions to common shapewear concerns, such as their one-leg shorts and sculpted bottoms for a butt lift.
The final verdict
Skims shapewear is a top choice for those seeking high-quality shapewear that enhances your figure without compromising comfort. Our extensive testing has shown that Skims shapewear maintains its shape even after being stretched, ensuring long-lasting wear. Additionally, our wear tests have revealed the slimming effects of Skims shapewear, boosting confidence and adding a touch of allure to any outfit.
However, it is important to note that the initial fitting may require some effort, and prolonged wear may feel too tight. Nevertheless, as a textile product tester, I can confidently say that Skims is a brand worth considering, as their pieces are both fashionable and functional.
