Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Shapewear: Brutally Honest Reviews From Real Women
We put Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS shapewear to the ultimate test by letting real women share their unfiltered opinions across all sizes.
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Shapewear: Five Women Put It to the Test
Kim Kardashian, a cultural icon famous for her defining fashion choices, sculpted silhouette, and social media presence, is as closely associated with shapewear as she is with her signature bodycon looks. After wearing a variety of constrictive and sometimes uncomfortable garments for years, it comes as no surprise that she launched her own shapewear brand: SKIMS Solutionwear. But does Kim’s take on shapewear rise above the competition, and more importantly, does it work for real women with diverse body types?
To find out, Cosmopolitan recruited five women—each with different shapes and sizes—to try four core SKIMS pieces: the Bodysuit, Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, Bra, and Above-the-Knee Shorts. Their mission: give brutally honest, unfiltered feedback on the fit, comfort, and effectiveness of each garment. If you’ve ever felt skeptical about shapewear, this deep-dive review is for you.
The SKIMS Solutionwear Launch: Background
Kim Kardashian’s approach to shapewear quickly stirred conversation both in fashion circles and mainstream media. The brand initially launched as Kimono, drawing criticism for cultural insensitivity and prompting a widespread debate. After a public apology and comprehensive rebranding, SKIMS emerged, promising much more inclusive sizing and shades for women of every background and body shape. Fans and critics alike flooded social media, eagerly awaiting SKIMS’ debut.
- Original Name: Kimono (later changed following backlash)
- Focus: Emphasis on inclusivity – more shades and sizes than most competitors
- Celebrity Endorsement: Kim Kardashian’s own ‘snatched’ silhouette positioned as the gold standard
Meet the Real-Life Reviewers
Five non-Kim women, all with unique builds and perspectives, agreed to break down their experiences piece by piece. These reviewers ranged from petite to plus size and included various core concerns: comfort, support, ability to smooth or snatch, and whether the product truly suits a range of body types.
First Impressions: Unboxing SKIMS Shapewear
All testers noted one shared reaction: the pieces are tiny. Straight out of the packaging, SKIMS items looked so compact they could fit an American Girl doll. Skepticism reigned. Could these garments actually stretch to fit, and would they do so without feeling suffocating?
- Initial skepticism about sizing and stretch.
- Packaging did little to ease fears that ‘snatched’ had gone too far.
- Comparison to childhood toys was common in early comments.
Piece #1: SKIMS Bodysuit
The first test item was the classic Bodysuit. After a strenuous process of getting it on—likened by several reviewers to a “full-body workout”—testers focused on several metrics:
- Fit: Very snug but surprisingly stretchy, accommodating each person’s shape after a few minutes
- Comfort: More comfortable than expected once on, though not as breathable as some hoped
- Smoothing Effect: Provided a subtle smoothing, but not a dramatic change in silhouette
- Wearability: Some testers felt secure; others found it restrictive, especially over long periods
What others are reading
Key feedback: While not the magic sculptor the marketing promises, the Bodysuit did help smooth lines under tight dresses. Most considered it suitable for special occasions rather than daily wear.
Piece #2: SKIMS Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Next up was the Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. Testers considered comfort, support, and how well the garment stayed in place throughout movement:
- Fit: Hugged curves closely, sometimes excessively at the thighs
- Smoothness: Did a good job under bodycon dresses, especially at midsection and hips
- Thigh Cut: Some reviewers noted digging or marks where the material ended
- Support: Provided moderate lift and shaping, better for certain outfits than others
Key feedback: Most testers liked the smoothing properties, but multiple women wanted a “pee hole” for convenience, echoing the most-requested shapewear upgrade.
Piece #3: SKIMS Bra
Bras are notoriously challenging to design for diverse shapes. The SKIMS bra earned praise for its softness and some criticism for inconsistent support:
- Softness: Extensively noted; several testers called the fabric “dreamy”
- Coverage: Ranged from moderate to good depending on breast size
- Support: Some testers felt adequately lifted; others needed more firmness for larger busts
- Underwire: Absent in most models, giving a less structured feel
Key feedback: More comfortable than many traditional bras, but not everyone was convinced it sufficed for everyday support.
Piece #4: SKIMS Above-the-Knee Shorts
Rounding out the test set, SKIMS Above-the-Knee Shorts aimed to tackle thigh and hip smoothing:
- Fit: Like all other pieces, extremely snug initially
- Support: Did a credible job flattening the stomach and smoothing visible lines
- Comfort: Mixed: some testers found them wearable for hours, others cited digging at the thighs
- Style: Great for under dresses and skirts, less ideal if thigh marks are a concern
Key feedback: Generally more praised by those who wanted extra control in the hip/thigh area; best for formal event wear.
Size Inclusivity and Skin Tone Diversity
A major selling point for SKIMS is its broad size range and shade offering:
- Sizes: XXS to 5X, surpassing many traditional brands
- Shades: More skin tone options than most competitors
Testers and experts generally appreciated this commitment to diversity in SKIMS’ product lineup—though some reviewers wished for even more personalized fits, especially at the thighs and bust. The ability to choose a more customized shade for invisibility under clothing was frequently flagged as a valuable feature.
Comfort vs. Compression: Where Does SKIMS Land?
| Feature | Praise | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Stretchability | Items stretch much more than they appear | Initial difficulty getting pieces on |
| Softness | Notably softer than most shapewear brands | Some wished for more breathable fabric |
| Support | Good for smoothing, mild shaping | Not as dramatic in sculpting; some areas feel unsupported |
| Comfort Over Time | Suitable for short-term wear, especially formal events | Can get constrictive with prolonged use, minor digging at the edges |
| Inclusivity | Extensive shades/sizes offer flexibility | Some fit mismatches due to body diversity |
Honest Opinions: The Good, the Bad, the Wearability
- Most testers found SKIMS more comfortable than expected, especially once the item was on.
- Smoothing rather than radical shaping was the main result for most body types.
- Minor annoyances: Digging at the thigh or fabric rolling after hours of wear.
- Requests for improvements: More breathable material, easier bathroom access (especially for bodysuits).
- High marks for inclusivity and shade options.
Overall verdict? While SKIMS does not deliver a wild transformation, the line earns points for comfort, thoughtful sizing, and giving women of all shapes a seat at the table. For those skeptical of traditional shapewear, SKIMS presents a viable, fashion-forward option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What sizes are available for SKIMS shapewear?
A: SKIMS offers sizing from XXS to 5X, making it one of the most inclusive lines available.
Q: Is SKIMS shapewear comfortable for everyday use?
A: Most testers reported increased comfort once wearing SKIMS, though there are concerns about digging and constriction during prolonged use.
Q: Does SKIMS shapewear actually shape the body?
A: Testers found SKIMS excelled at smoothing rather than dramatically reshaping. It works well for streamlining curves under fitted clothes.
Q: Are there enough skin tone shades?
A: Yes, SKIMS offers an expanded lineup of shades designed to blend invisibly under clothing for many skin tones.
Q: Is SKIMS worth the price?
A: Given the inclusivity, soft fabrics, and performance for smoothing, many testers said it was worth the investment, especially for special occasions.
Final Thoughts: Is SKIMS Shapewear a Hit?
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS has injected new life into the sculpting garment market, especially in the context of inclusivity and thoughtful design. The real-world reviews highlight its strengths—comfortable fit, stretching fabric, and style options for every body type—while pointing out notable areas for improvement, primarily around bathroom access and long-term comfort.
The verdict from this diverse group of women? SKIMS is not a magic bullet, but it is a step forward for body positivity, transparency, and real-world function in an industry often shaped by unrealistic ideals. If you want smoothing, comfort, and a touch of Kardashian glam, SKIMS fits the bill. But like all shapewear, perfection is a work in progress—and feedback from real customers remains key to future evolution.
Related Style & Beauty Content
- Does Skims New Face Shapewear Actually Work?
- Best Bodycon Dresses for Every Body Shape
- A Guide to Inclusive Beauty Brands
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65563201/skims-face-shapewear/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a28987164/kim-kardashian-skims-shapewear-review/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plgmfl567Qg
- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7ktv0j
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtN9aKzROSI
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrx4fxhgMUOZCqM6–YWfOwNHHgNepf9l
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