I can’t tell you how much I love shapewear. I wear some form of it at least once a week: there’s something so comforting about a sturdy pair of control pants when you’re wearing a loose knitted dress. No? Just me? Well, it meant that when Kim Kardashian launched her underwear label Skims back in 2019, I was naturally all over it.
The brand claims it’s ‘solutions-oriented’, so underwear in skin tone shades (from fair to olive to deep) were covered. Seamless styles that work under different clothes – or in the case of the bodysuits, on their own paired with jeans were its forte. A range of knicker shapes (thong, full, shorts) were on offer to suit all needs. I was sold.
But being a shapewear and loungewear super fan (I have drawers and drawers of the stuff), I know what I’m looking for. And until I was 100% sure I trusted Kim in this area, I didn’t buy anything over £60. Though I’ve been slowly building up my Skims collection over the years, it dawned on me recently that I own most of the most affordable buys from the brand.
The best Skims buys
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So having sported some pieces for around two years, I can safely share my honest thoughts on the brand and its signature styles. Here’s my verdict:
The Fits EveryBody scoop neck bra
Price: £32
My rating: 4/10
This was the first Skims piece I acquired, and I’d almost go as far as to say it’s a fact that you won’t find a more comfortable bra than this. It’s super-soft, smooth and available in great colours, even if you don’t want to match to your skin tone. For working-from-home days with a T-shirt or light cardi on top, it’s perfect.
Does it actually do anything though? No. There’s no lift and no real support, so if you’re doing anything other than chores around the house and you’re above a c-cup, it doesn’t really count as a ‘bra’ per se.
The Fits EveryBody Thong
Price: £18
My rating: 8/10
This thong is from the same range as the bra above, and I’d say it’s a closer match to the ‘Fits EveryBody’ slogan. It’s unbelievably stretchy and soft. If you’re someone who loves a figure-hugging dress or white bottoms, this is a must have, as it truly looks ‘barely there.’ I’m not sold on the £18 price tag, but it definitely does solve a problem, as the brand aims to do.
Sculpting mid-thigh shorts
Price: £34
My rating: 7/10
I followed the sizing advice with this pair and sized up, and I’m pleased I did. The waistband is properly grippy (key when wearing shaping shorts as rolling is uncomfortable and annoying), and I imagine it would have felt like too much if I’d got my true size.
It means that they’re great for smoothing, and comfy enough to wear all day under a wedding guest dress (which I have, twice). In a size up, they definitely nip your waist in à la Kim K from the side, but they’re not as good at sucking in on the stomach as other brands I’ve tried. Still, if you don’t want to torture yourself, this is a great pair of shaping shorts, especially for the price.
The ribbed jersey mini dress
Price: £56
My rating: 6.5/10
This is a little left field as I know I promised shapewear and lingerie here, but I couldn’t resist adding this little dress in. It’s figure-hugging, soft and washes really well, so if you’re someone who wears jersey minis often, it’s a good investment, especially if Kim brings out more colours.
I’d tried to justify the price by convincing myself that since it’s quite short, I could tuck it into trousers and wear as a normal vest. This can’t be done, so it’s worth noting. I’ve still worn it lots (cost-per wear, etc) with white trainers and a cotton or denim shirt over the top. If you’re keen, sign up for wish list alerts on Net-a-Porter as it sells out *fast*.
The seamless sculpting bra
Price: £32
My rating: 8/10
Even though it’s not giving anything at all aesthetically, I promise this bra is top tier. Under a white T-shirt or shirt, it’s virtually undetectable, and it smooths your back nicely, so none of the uncomfortable digging into back fat that normal bras do.
I dithered for ages over the best shade and settled on ‘Oxide’ but a colour in between this and ‘Beige’ would be ideal for me (if you’re reading this, Kim). I took a size small/medium which is consistently sold out, so sign up for wish list alerts.
The thong bodysuit
Price: £58
My rating: 7/10
I wear this out at least once a month with a blazer thrown over the top, as it’s more like a top than shapewear. The cut can’t be faulted – it’s a thong but it’s not annoyingly small in that area, and the high cut legs really make a difference.
It does offer shaping thanks to its double layer, and since it has no VPL, it’s great if you want some support under a close-fit outfit.
At most, it’s a sturdy neutral bodysuit, which isn’t enough for £58, IMO, but I suppose given cost-per-wear, it’s made sense for me.
The Fits EveryBody boy shorts
Price: £22
My rating: 3/10
Boy shorts have never been the best cut of knicker for my body shape, so I was definitely expecting miracles when purchasing these. I envisioned wearing them under sheer dresses since they would be seemingly invisible, but it didn’t work out.
I’d rather the waist was higher, there wasn’t enough bum coverage for me as the cut ends mid-cheek, and I found my bum kept eating the material. Constant wedgie = not chic. I’m giving points to the softness and the softness only.
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