My guide to shopping at Skims and the products worth buying
There are few brands quite as internet-famous as SKIMS. Contentious? Yes. Under fire a little-too-regularly for its “contribution to relentless, ridiculous beauty standards aimed exclusively at women” (read also: SKIMS face wrap controversy)? Absolutely. The nipple bra and the faux hair micro thong have hardly been inoffensive. Yet, the entire site remains almost constantly sold-out. NikeSkims practically vanished from digital shelves within hours of launching, while only a few sizes of SKIMS X The North Face remain after this week's drop. So, what's the deal?
I've tried quite a few of the brand's bestsellers, and despite originally not wanting to love another celebrity-founded brand – especially not SKIMS, TBH – I found myself impressed. Granted, I tried to veer away from the ridiculous, testing the lesser-controversial launches of leggings, long-sleeve tops, knitwear, basic lingerie and pyjamas. But yes: I was pleased by the quality, size inclusivity, skin tone range and impressive durability. Wash after wash.
Knowing how often I'd been reaching for my new-found favourite pieces, my friends began asking me what to buy from the brand. So, I decided to chat to fellow SKIMS-loving Glamour editors and pull together this guide. Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd raved about the Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Above The Knee Shorts which she wore to her Christmas party, while Commerce Writer Shani Cohen told me that she can't stop wearing the Cotton Jersey Wide Leg Pants (which are selling out in the sale as we speak).
- ROMINA INTROINI
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Georgia says: “I've worn them under a stretchy bodycon dress and silk slip dress recently and they were completely invisible. They didn't roll down, cause any chafing or bulges, or dig in and bunch up whatsoever. My favourite feature, albeit an odd one, was what the brand calls an ‘open gusset’ – because after a few drinks, let's face it, no one has the energy to act like a contortionist each time they go to the toilet.” And the only thing I would like to add after trying this same pair, is that I suggest sizing up as they do take some wiggling to get into.
Elsewhere, I'm personally a big fan of the crew neck T-shirts that are tight fitting with a bit of stretch, the long sleeve T-shirts you'll want to layer under every jumper and hoodie at this time of year and I've also tried the thongs which are so damn comfy. If you're not in the market for solution-wear, SKIMS also has an impressive edit of cashmere and wool pieces (the V neck jumper and long sleeve cashmere crewneck being my firm favourites). And in the interest of Christmas gifts, I've also picked out the feather-trimmed pyjama set you'll want to wear with heels for an upcoming Xmas party, a cable knit onesie to wear on the sofa and a leggings and long top duo that will upgrade your loungewear collection.
Ahead, the very best pieces you can shop at Skims.
Why we love it: It's not just any T-shirt, it's a Skims T-shirt – meaning, it's cropped, fitted and made from a super soft and slightly stretchy material. The brand is well-known for its tees, so of course Kim Kardashian has created the same style in 11 different shades that'll end up being your go-to base to any outfit.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: 5 classic colours and 6 limited edition.
- Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane.
Why we love it: The ‘Fits Everybody’ collection is what Skims is most-known for. Inclusive when it comes to size and skin tones, they're the everyday basics team Glamour now can't get dressed without. “I practically live in Skims underwear, but my favourite by far is the Fits Everybody T-shirt bra, which is perfect under camis/camisoles. The material feels incredibly soft on my skin, it's true to size, and the flexible underwire and lightly lined cups strike the perfect balance between comfort and support. Plus, the adjustable straps make it a great fit for everyday wear.” – Mayola Fernandes, Glamour's Commerce Writer.
- Sizes: Cups A-H, band band 30-40.
- Shades: 8 classic and 2 limited edition.
- Fabric: 76% polymide, 24% elastane.
Why we love it: I automatically think of shapewear, underwear, loungewear and leggings when it comes to Skims, but there's so much more. The wool cashmere collection has luxury knits that'll be a mainstay in your wardrobe for years to come, and I completely get the TikTok hype when it comes to how cosy and soft these V-neck jumpers are.
- Sizes: XXS-5X.
- Shades: Onyx, linen.
- Fabric: 30% cashmere, 45% wool, 13% nylon, 12% viscose.
Wool Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Why we love it: I've tried the Skims long sleeve tops before, and they're the perfect all year-round layer. But for winter, I'll be investing in the crew neck wool cashmere version that's bound to become one of its bestsellers.
- Sizes: XXS-5X.
- Shades: Onyx, linen.
- Fabric: 30% cashmere, 45% wool, 13% nylon, 12% viscose.
NikeSKIMS Matte Square Neck Tank
As a big fan of Skims square neck tank tops (I wear them all summer), I'm of course keen to try this chocolatey version fresh from the second collaboration collection with Nike. Feeling similar to the brand's shapewear, it has that little bit of stretch that makes it comfy for everyday outfits or loungewear.
Why we love it:
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Dark sepia, obsidian, currant, dark teal.
- Fabric: 83% polyamide, 17% lycra.
Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve T-shirt
Why we love it: This is the long sleeve T-shirt I've tried from Skims, and I wear it on heavy rotation around this time of year under knitwear and hoodies. The scoop neck, buttery-soft fabric and inclusive sizing and shade range is one thing, but the fact it makes your boobs look great and has a similar feel to the sculpting bodysuits is another.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: 5 classic, 3 limited edition.
- Fabric: 90% cotton, 10% elastane.
Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Above The Knee Shorts
Why we love it: After Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd put these to the test, she's their biggest fan: “I can't believe how much of a difference these shapewear shorts make. They lift my bum and make it look 10x perkier, which is a huge bonus for me, and are slightly longer in design (they reach my knees and I'm 6ft, for reference), which makes everything all the more seamless.”
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Sand, mica, clay, ochre, sienna, jasper, cocoa, onyx.
- Fabric: 82% nylon, 18% elastane.
Why we love it: Tight season is upon us, so we may as well embrace it and buy a decent pair that isn't going to snag or rip as soon as you pull them on. I prefer not to wear shapewear, but these shaping tights still make me feel supported around the tummy, thighs and bum. And yep, there's still the inclusive size range we all know and love from Skims.
- Sizes: XXS-5X.
- Shades: Onyx, cocoa, sienna, clay.
- Fabric: 26% polyethylene, 60% nylon, 13% elastane, 1% polyester, powered By Sheertex.
Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
Why we love it: The thong bodysuit is one of those Skims products everyone raves about. Avoiding VPL, the all-in-one shapewear has strong hold so it gives an all-over smoothing effect. As part of the seamless sculpt collection, you can wear a Skims bra underneath (or without) and it looks sleek underneath one of the brand's long sleeve dresses.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Sand, mica, clay, ochre, sienna, jasper, cocoa, onyx.
- Fabric: 82% nylon, 18% elastane.
Cotton Fleece Straight Let Pants
Why we love it: I spend the majority of my life in loungewear (as someone who wfh a lot) so I'm all for the cosiest soft lounge separates I can find – enter: the cotton fleece collection. With a cami, cotton jersey T-shirt or one of the cashmere knits, trust me, you'll wear this on repeat.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: 2 classic, 3 limited edition.
- Fabric: 76% polymide, 24% elastane.
The Essential Collection High-Waisted Leggings
Why we love it: Just like the shapewear and loungewear, the Skims leggings are a bestseller for good reason. In black or brown, the timeless pair will be your go-to with hoodies and trainers for errand running days or even dressed up (Kardashian style) with heels and a blazer for after-dark.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Obsidian, cocoa.
- Fabric: 68% rayon, 27% nylon, 5% elastane.
Sheer Seamless High-Waisted Mid Thigh Short
Why we love it: If you love the shapewear shorts but prefer ones that don't go right down your leg – or you're just shorter, like me at 5' 4" – then you'll be interested in the sheer seamless mid thigh shorts. Not as long as the bestselling above the knee styles, these ones are better suited to shorter dresses, skirts and shorts.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Sand, mica, clay, ochre, sienna, jasper, cocoa, onyx.
- Fabric: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane.
Why we love it: If you've ever wondered if you can get away with wearing pyjamas out of the house, Kim Kardashian has confirmed you can. Creating this too-good-to-stay-at-home pair in silk with feather details, I'm imagining them for party season with heels, sparkly earrings and a silly little bag.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Cherry blossom, mirror, onyx.
- Fabric: Body: 92% silk, 8% elastane; Trim: 100% feather.
Cotton Rib Henley Leggings Set
Why we love it: During the cold months, there's no way I'll be chilling at home in a skimpy bralette or cotton rib tank. Instead, I'm all about the Skims long sleeve tops and I love that this one comes in a set with matchy-matchy leggings. Considering my loungewear usually has holes or food down it, I'll be investing in these as a much-needed upgrade for the new year.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Brick, candle marble heart print.
- Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane.
Fits Everybody Dipped Thong 5-Pack
Why we love it: While I knew Skims has shapewear and bras, I didn't actually know they were a go-to when it comes to everyday underwear sets. Who knew? Anyway, these panties are the perfect stocking filler and I'm adding them to my wish list.
- Sizes: XXS-4X.
- Shades: Candy heart multi, periwinkle foil multi.
- Fabric: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane.
