If you’re in the market for some brand-spanking-new shapewear, it’s likely you’ll have a few brands in mind, such as Skims and Spanx.
When it comes to choosing between Skims and Spanx for shapewear, the decision hinges on several factors, including personal preferences, body shape, and specific needs.
While both brands have carved out niches in shape-enhancing clothing, choosing between them can be tricky. In this lifestyle blog, we compare the two brands to help you decide which shapewear brand is best for you.
Ready to feel confident in your clothing? Skims vs Spanx, let’s get it.
Skims: A Brief History
Skims was founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019 to address the lack of diversity in shapewear.
Inspired by her struggles to find products that fit her body and skin tone, Kardashian created a brand offering inclusive sizing (XXS to 5X) and a wide range of shades. Skims launched with a focus on innovative designs like the one-leg solution short and quickly gained popularity due to effective marketing and a loyal customer base.
Since then, the brand has expanded into menswear, loungewear, underwear, and bras, prioritising comfort, style, and inclusivity.
Spanx: A Brief History
Spanx was founded by Sara Blakely in 2000 after she cut the feet off her pantyhose to create a smoother look under white pants.
Investing her savings, Blakely developed a prototype and secured a patent.
An endorsement from Oprah Winfrey in 2000 significantly boosted Spanx's popularity. Known for contemporary shapewear that offers firm control and a smooth silhouette, Spanx has expanded its product line to include various styles, leggings, and activewear.
Spanx continues to lead the industry with targeted compression technology and a reputation for quality and effectiveness.
Skims vs Spanx: Comparison
Product range and variety
Skims
Skims takes a modern, minimalistic approach to design, focusing on inclusivity and versatility.
The shapewear comes in a wide range of colours to cater to various skin tones, and the designs are trendy enough to be worn as outerwear in some cases.
Skims’ styles are designed to enhance your natural shape without being too restrictive, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Spanx
Spanx tends to stick to classic, functional designs, prioritising effectiveness and support.
While Spanx’s colour range is not as extensive as Skims, it offers essential shades like black, nude, and white.
Spanx shapewear is designed to provide maximum support and sculpting, making it ideal for occasions when you need a more dramatic shaping effect. The products are reliable and deliver noticeable results under all types of clothing.
Skims score: 8.5/10
Spanx score: 8/10
Comfort and fit
Skims
Skims offers a host of styles and colours, with its range featuring shapewear, loungewear, underwear, and bras.
You can find supportive, sculpting pieces for any occasion, whether looking for something to wear under a dress, leggings, or even a pair of jeans. Skims is ideal for those who prefer a more natural shape and lighter compression.
Skims products like shorts and high-slit skirts are perfect for everyday wear. They provide a smooth appearance without feeling restrictive.
When she launched Skims, Kim Kardashian wanted to make shapewear suitable for more skin tones and sizes than were originally available. The brand’s products cater to sizes XXS up to 5XL, making them accessible to more people.
Spanx
Spanx also offers a wide range of products beyond traditional shapewear, including activewear, jeans, and bras.
Known for their durability and effectiveness, Spanx pieces provide firm control and targeted compression, making them great for flattening the stomach and sculpting the hips, legs, and waist.
Spanx’s classic designs focus on functionality and support, ensuring you look and feel your best in all types of clothing.
Compared to Skims, Spanx sells products sized XS to 3XL, meaning their shapewear may not be suitable for some people.
Skims score: 9/10
Spanx score: 8/10
Effectiveness and performance
Skims
Skims products are crafted with a solution-focused approach, designed to provide a smooth silhouette while enhancing your natural body shape.
The emphasis is on comfort and inclusivity, making Skims a great option for everyday wear.
Their shapewear offers light to medium shaping, perfect for those who want to feel supported and enjoy freedom of movement. Skims is particularly praised for its soft, breathable materials that ensure a snug yet comfortable fit.
Spanx
Spanx is renowned for its firm control shapewear, perfect for special occasions or when you need a more sculpted look.
The targeted compression technology works wonders for creating a flat stomach and sculpting the hips, legs, and waist.
Spanx shapewear, such as the Oncore mid-thigh bodysuit, provides a noticeable difference in your silhouette, making it a clear winner for those seeking dramatic results.
The high-quality materials and strong control Spanx boasts ensure their products remain in place, providing support and shaping throughout the day.
Skims score: 9/10
Spanx score: 9/10
Value
Skims
Skims generally falls into the mid-range to high-end pricing category.
However, the products offer good value for the price, especially considering the quality materials and innovative designs the brand utilises. While some may find the prices a bit steep, many customers feel that the comfort and fit justify the cost.
For shapewear, Skims prices start at £28 for their Mid Waist Thong, while their most expensive piece, the Butt Lifting Open Bust Bodysuit, will set you back £78.
Skims pieces can be bought in a number of high-street retail stores, including END Clothing, Selfridges and Harrods, so you may be able to shop around for a deal during the sales.
Spanx
Spanx also ranges from mid-range to high-end in terms of pricing, with some more affordable options available.
Known for its durability, Spanx can make the higher price point more palatable.
While you can’t buy directly from the Spanx website and have your order sent to the UK, the brand is available in several UK stores, including Next, John Lewis and Asos, giving you the chance to compare prices.
On the Marks and Spencer website, Spanx shapewear ranges from £35 up to £132 for their Suit Your Fancy Medium Control Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit.
Although these prices are slightly more expensive than Skims, Spanx products are often viewed as a worthwhile investment due to their durability and effective shaping capabilities.
Skims score: 8.5/10
Spanx score: 7.5/10
Style and design
Skims
Skims takes a modern, minimalistic approach to design, focusing on inclusivity and versatility.
One key benefit of the brand’s shapewear is that it comes in a wide range of colours to suit various skin tones. In some cases, the designs are even trendy enough to be worn as outerwear.
Skims’ styles are designed to enhance your natural shape without being too restrictive, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Spanx
In terms of style and design, Spanx tends to stick to classic, functional designs that promote comfort and support.
While its colour range is not as extensive as Skims', Spanx products come in essential shades like black, nude, and white to help you style your outfits.
Spanx shapewear is designed to provide maximum support and sculpting, making it ideal for occasions when you need a more dramatic shaping effect.
Its products are reliable and focused on delivering noticeable results under all types of clothing.
Skims score: 8.5/10
Spanx score: 8.5/10
Skims vs Spanx: final scores
Both Skims and Spanx have made significant contributions to the shapewear industry, each with a unique history and approach to enhancing body confidence, but there has to be a winner, and our final scores are…
Skims final score: 43.5/50
Spanx final score: 41/50
Skims' emphasis on inclusivity, modern designs, and slightly more accessible price points give them the victory in our comparison!
With this being said, Spanx's pioneering innovations and firm control products set new standards in the shapewear market and paved the way for brands like Skims.
Whichever you choose, both brands offer high-quality shapewear to help you feel confident and supported in all your favourite clothing.
Whether you’re looking for something to wear under a form-fitting dress, leggings, or jeans, Skims and Spanx provide options that cater to different preferences and needs.
When buying shapewear, your choice should be the most comfortable and suitable product for you.
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FAQs About Shapewear Brands
What Is The Difference Between Spanx And Skims?
The main difference between Spanx and Skims lies in their approach to shapewear and the specific needs they cater to. Skims, founded by Kim Kardashian, focuses on inclusivity, offering a wide range of sizes and skin tones.
The products emphasise comfort, using soft, breathable fabrics that enhance your natural shape without feeling too restrictive. Skims is known for modern designs and innovative solutions, like the one-leg solution short for high-slit skirts.
Spanx, created by Sara Blakely, has led the shapewear industry since 2000. Its products are known for their firm control and targeted compression, which provide a noticeable difference in your silhouette.
For example, the Spanx bodysuit and Oncore mid-thigh bodysuit are designed to smooth and sculpt the body, offering robust support that stays in place. While Spanx provides firm shaping, it can sometimes feel tighter than Skims.
Do Skims Flatten Your Stomach?
Yes, Skims can help flatten your stomach. Skims shapewear is designed to smooth and support the midsection, enhancing your natural shape. While their compression is generally lighter than Spanx, Skims products like high-waist briefs and shorts can create a slimmer, more toned appearance.
They are particularly praised for providing a comfortable fit that is comfortable to wear all day, making them a popular choice for everyday wear.
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