Skims Cotton Rib vs. Cotton Jersey: What's the difference?

The Skims Cotton Rib fabric is defined by its soft, stretchy ribbed texture that provides a body-hugging, slightly compressive fit, while the Cotton Jersey offers a classic, smooth t-shirt feel that's lightweight, breathable, and drapes more loosely on the body. Essentially, Cotton Rib sculpts and holds its shape, whereas Cotton Jersey prioritizes a relaxed, soft-to-the-touch comfort.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Skims cotton fabric for your wardrobe.

Skims Cotton Rib Collection

The Skims Cotton Rib collection is designed for those who love a snug, textured feel. Made from a stretchy cotton blend, these pieces feature a distinctive vertical rib that creates a body-conscious silhouette perfect for layering or wearing on its own. The fabric has excellent shape retention and offers a more structured, yet incredibly comfortable, feel compared to standard cotton.

• What it is: A collection of body-hugging basics, including tanks, briefs, and loungewear, crafted from a distinctively textured, stretchy ribbed cotton.
• Key features: Vertical ribbed texture, stretch elastane for a compressive fit, excellent shape retention, and a modern aesthetic.
• Price: Pieces typically range from $30 to $50.
• Materials/Construction: A blend of cotton and elastane, creating a durable fabric that molds to the body while remaining breathable.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size but is designed to be snug and form-fitting. The stretch makes it forgiving, but expect a body-conscious silhouette.
• Pros: Flattering and shaping fit, versatile enough to be worn as cute tops or underlayers, texture adds visual interest, retains shape extremely well wash after wash.
• Cons: The snug fit may feel too compressive for those who prefer relaxed loungewear, the texture is noticeable against the skin, and it can be a little warmer than jersey.

This collection suits those who want supportive basics that can hold their own as part of a styled outfit.

Shop this product: skims.com/products/cotton-rib-collection

Skims Cotton Jersey Collection

The Skims Cotton Jersey collection delivers the timeless comfort of a classic, high-quality t-shirt. This line focuses on super-soft, smooth, and breathable fabric that drapes effortlessly for ultimate comfort. Items like t-shirts, tank tops, and briefs are made from a lightweight cotton jersey ideal for lounging, sleeping, or simple everyday wear.

• What it is: Everyday essentials made from a classic, smooth, lightweight cotton fabric known for its exceptional softness and breathability.
• Key features: Smooth, non-textured surface, lightweight and breathable feel, relaxed drape, and a timeless, minimalist look.
• Price: Slightly more accessible, with pieces usually priced between $25 and $45.
• Materials/Construction: Made primarily from cotton with a touch of elastane for stretch, providing a standard, comfortable t-shirt feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to have a more relaxed, true-to-size fit. While some styles are fitted, they lack the compressive feel of the Cotton Rib collection.
• Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin, highly breathable, classic and versatile staple, drapes nicely without clinging too tightly.
• Cons: May not hold its shape as well as ribbed fabric over time, simpler aesthetic without a textured finish, may be slightly less opaque in lighter colors.

This collection is perfect for anyone prioritizing cloud-like softness and a relaxed feel for all-day comfort.

Shop this product: skims.com/products/cotton-jersey-collection

Skims Cotton Rib vs. Cotton Jersey Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The most significant difference is the fabric's texture and feel. The Cotton Rib has a prominent vertical ribbed texture that you can see and feel. It creates a structured and snug sensation against the skin, offering a supportive hug that moves with you.

In contrast, the Cotton Jersey is perfectly smooth, like your favorite worn-in tee. It's softer and lighter, prioritizing breathability and a gentle drape over the body. Where Rib feels like a secure second skin, Jersey feels like a soft, easy layer.

Fit & Sizing

Both collections offer inclusive sizing, but the fit is fundamentally different. Cotton Rib is engineered for a close, body-conscious fit. The ribbed construction pulls the fabric in, creating a slight compression that smooths and shapes. While it’s true to size, it is intended to be tight.

Cotton Jersey offers a more traditional, relaxed fit. Even in fitted styles, it doesn't have the same compressive quality, allowing for more ease of movement. It follows the body’s natural shape without the same degree of sculpting. This makes it a go-to for those who value freedom of movement over a contoured silhouette.

Style & Aesthetic

From a style perspective, Cotton Rib serves a dual purpose. Its textured finish and sleek fit make it polished enough to be worn on its own as a tank top or layered piece in an outfit. The ribbing adds visual interest, elevating it beyond basic underwear.

Cotton Jersey embodies a more classic, understated aesthetic. Its simplicity makes it the perfect foundational piece - ideal for lounging at home, sleeping, or wearing discreetly under other clothes. It prioritizes function and pure comfort over being a style statement.

Price & Value

The two collections are similarly priced, falling into the accessible luxury category for basics. The Cotton Rib pieces often have a slightly higher price point, likely due to the more complex ribbed construction of the fabric. Cotton Jersey is marginally more affordable, reflecting its classic, simpler build. Both offer good value, as Skims is known for quality materials that hold up well over time, the better value simply depends on whether you prefer the sculpting texture of Rib or the classic softness of Jersey.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections deliver on comfort and quality, but the best one for you depends on your preferred fit, feel, and style.

Choose the Cotton Rib Collection if:

• You prefer a snug, body-hugging fit that provides a bit of support.
• You appreciate a textured fabric that adds visual interest to your basics.
• You want pieces that can double as standalone tops or layering essentials.
• Shape retention is important to you, and you want pieces that won't lose their form.

Choose the Cotton Jersey Collection if:

• You prioritize a super-soft, smooth-against-the-skin feel.
• You prefer a more relaxed, t-shirt-like fit for loungewear.
• Your main goal is breathability and pure, uncomplicated comfort.
• You're looking for timeless, simple basics primarily for undergarments, sleep, or casual wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Skims Cotton Rib and Cotton Jersey?

The main difference is texture and fit. Cotton Rib is textured, stretchy, and provides a snug, body-hugging fit. Cotton Jersey is smooth, soft, and has a more relaxed, traditional t-shirt fit.

Which fabric is more comfortable?

Comfort is subjective here. If you find comfort in a gentle, breathable, soft drape, Cotton Jersey will be more comfortable. If you find comfort in a secure, snug, second-skin fit that moves with you, you'll likely prefer Cotton Rib.

Do these collections run small?

No, they both generally run true to size. However, the Cotton Rib collection is designed to be very form-fitting, so it will feel much tighter on the body than the more relaxed-fitting Cotton Jersey collection. Stick to your usual size in both for the intended fit.

Does Skims Cotton Rib stretch out?

Thanks to its material blend and ribbed construction, the Cotton Rib fabric has excellent stretch recovery. It is known for maintaining its shape well and not stretching out, even after repeated wear and washes.

Which fabric is better for wearing out?

While both can be styled, the Cotton Rib collection is better suited for wearing out. Its textured appearance and shaping fit make pieces like the tanks and bodysuits look more like intentional fashion tops rather than just underwear.

Are the lighter colors see-through?

Skims fabrics are generally high-quality and opaque. However, as with any lightweight fabric, the lighter colors in the Cotton Jersey collection may be slightly less opaque than the more structured Cotton Rib pieces. Wearing nude-colored undergarments is recommended.

How do you wash Skims cotton clothing?

For both collections, it is generally recommended to machine wash on a cold cycle and tumble dry on low heat. This will help preserve the fabric's softness, shape, and color over time.

Do these collections come in plus sizes?

Yes, one of the signature features of Skims is its inclusive sizing. Both the Cotton Rib and Cotton Jersey collections are typically available in sizes ranging from XXS to 4X.