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The Strategist Guide to Shopping at Skims

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailer

Anyone who has shopped at a retailer with few physical storefronts knows it can be hard to figure out where to begin. There are lots of options that all seem as worthy as the next, but the reality is that products from any given brand are not all created equal. When you shop as regularly as we do, you learn that many brands just do some things better than they do other things. Skims, the brand founded by Kim Kardashian and known for its drops that sell out in minutes, is no exception. Its expansive inventory needs to be carefully picked through to find gems like wireless scoop-neck bras, seamless bodysuits, and slippers. Here, we’ve compiled all of the products from Skims that our writers and editors — plus the fitness gurus and other cool people they’ve interviewed — have recommended on the Strategist.

Tops

Strategist contributor Rio Viera-Newton “simply couldn’t resist” buying the brand’s scoop-neck bra because so many of her bra-snob friends vouched for its combination of ample support and extreme comfort. She describes it as a “superspecial, dreamy bra” since it’s “totally wireless, incredibly supportive, and great for loafing around the house.” We’ve since named it one of the best wireless bras and one of the best scoop-neck wireless bras for large breasts, in part because it comes in one of the largest size ranges we’ve seen: XXS to 5X.

When Strategist writer Lauren Ro wanted to feel cute during her second pregnancy, she would turn to her Skims bras, which she reports are “well made, have a really nice hand-feel to them, are supportive, and are quite sexy for being minimal in design.” She recommends sizing up when using the bras as maternity clothes.

Freelancer and Strategist contributor Brodie Lancaster has been working from home for a while now and turned us to some of her favorite WFH bras. Skims is one of her go-tos for comfy underwear and loungewear, she says, pointing us to the brand’s “supersoft and stretchy” sculpting bralette: “After wearing one, you understand why the brand’s drops sell out so quickly.”

When we spoke to Claudia Soare, president of the makeup brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, about the things she can’t live without, the Skims Cotton Jersey T-shirt was at the top of her list. A fan of Skims’s basics, Soare especially likes the shirt’s quality and fit. “It stays perfectly stretchy and doesn’t get loose around your waist after wearing it for a while. It stays tight and doesn’t shrink either … This is just the perfect cut. I look really cute in it, and it can be dressed up or dressed down,” she says.

For another closet staple, try this cotton tank, which made our list of best women’s tank tops. It comes recommended by Delia Cai, senior correspondent at Vanity Fair, who is “truly annoyed by how dependable they are.” Unlike other, more expensive tanks she owns, this option hasn’t stretched or shrunk after multiple wears and washes. Plus it goes up to size 4X.

Skims’s sculpting bodysuit is our top pick for a piece of stylist-approved, fairly priced shapewear, and it comes highly recommended by Strategist fashion writer Ambar Pardilla, who found it “contours curves and sculpts your shape while still being comfortable.” Factor in the inclusive sizing and the bodysuit checks all of Pardilla’s boxes. Plus, she says, “you’re getting a good piece of shapewear that also happens to enhance your butt instead of flattening it.”  

Skims’s bodysuit selection doesn’t stop with shapewear. We initially recommended this high-neck style in a list of very timely Halloween-costume ideas, specifically to imitate the pink unitard that Sha’Carri Richardson, the fastest woman on Earth, wore to victory. But the bodysuit is also suitable for everyday wear thanks to its soft, breathable fabric that stretches with you.

Bottoms

These skintight mid-thigh shorts were recommended by stylist Kelly Augustine because they “help to create a contour by smoothing the upper leg and lifting the butt” while also protecting against thigh chafing. While they’re more compressive than other shapewear shorts, Augustine says they’re light enough that it doesn’t feel like the fabric is sticking to you. They’re size inclusive, too, and go from XXS up to a 4X.

Strategist deals editor Sam Daly, who recently purchased a pair of her own, adds, “They may look about ten sizes too small, but they’re deceptively stretchy — you just have to believe. I bought a size L/XL, and they smooth everything out in a natural way without pinching.”

Fitness guru Tracy Anderson, who is a fan of Skims’s loungewear and bodysuits, told us she’s obsessed with this pair of leggings. “I wear them with a cashmere sweater — that’s my uniform,” she revealed when we talked to her about the things she can’t live without.

When we surveyed 18 cool women about their favorite PJs, this pair of knit pants was recommended by Michelle Li, fashion and beauty editor for Teen Vogue and freelance stylist. Before buying the pair, she didn’t wear long pants to bed because “my legs get too hot, and they end up crumpled at the end of my bed.” But these plush Skims pants changed her mind. “On cold winter nights, I’ll slip these on for some extra-toasty-ness,” she says, adding that they have “a really fun and cute texture for lounging around the apartment.”

If you’re looking for an upgrade to your top drawer, consider our favorite pair of affordable women’s underwear. Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell recently purchased some and hasn’t observed any panty lines or riding, whether it be up or down. They offer fairly full coverage and a sleek fit — “Right under my bellybutton without feeling like I’m in granny panties,” Milliner-Waddell says.

Sets

Full of “teddy-bear-like energy” because of its bouclé texture, this bathrobe is a favorite of Grace Lee, founder of bridesmaid-dress brand Birdy Grey. During her pandemic work-from-home era, Lee wore it all day every day around the house, calling it a “wearable throw blanket.” She bought it after seeing it on Kardashian’s Instagram Stories and says it was her ultimate pandemic purchase.

Although Skims’s Cozy Knit robe is also available in a classic buffalo-plaid pattern, Frankie Grande skipped the robe in favor of a onesie “because fashion, darling.” He initially bought the onesie for the holidays, but he now wears it year-round and says “it’s the most comfortable, softest thing I’ve ever put on my body … And, of course, who doesn’t love a onesie?” 

Content creator Kelsey Kotzur recommended this very on-trend rhinestone bikini that fits right into the resurgence of early-aughts style. Along with being “supersoft and comfortable” and washing well, Kotzur’s suit hasn’t lost any rhinestones. It’s available in two colors: a ruby red and a wine-inspired burgundy.

When we asked nine coaches, triathletes, swim instructors, and other water-adjacent folks about their favorite swimsuits, Paulana Lamonier, CEO and founder of Black People Will Swim, told us she’s been wearing Skims for the past year. “I’m looking for suits where I’m not compromising style,” she says, praising this one-piece’s cute and functional front zipper. “From a plus-size point of view, Skims was the best option for me,” she adds, noting that the suit is available in sizes XXS to 4X.

We first heard about these dresses in 2022 when folks were eager to get out of pandemic-dressing mode without rushing back to “hard pants.” Back then, it seemed almost impossible to find this dress in stock. Now, Skims has a bountiful supply of styles and colors, including one with luxurious long sleeves and a particularly cute option with a lacy neckline.

Accessories

Inspired by her cultural upbringing and messy college roommates, “I’m extremely averse to setting my feet against anything,” says Bling Empire star Christine Chiu, who turns to slippers as a solution. She likes this versatile pair from Skims because “the fuzziness in the slippers keeps me warm, and the thong keeps my foot exposed. I get the best of both worlds.”

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Strategist Guide to Shopping at Skims