Intimissimi vs. Skims: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Intimissimi is an Italian brand focused on classic, elegant lingerie and sleepwear with an accessible price point, while Skims is a modern, solutions-oriented brand known for its innovative shapewear, minimalist basics, and an extensive range of inclusive sizing. Key differences include Intimissimi's romantic lace and silk designs versus Skims' sleek, high-tech fabrics, and Skims' significantly broader size range from XXS to 5X.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your underwear drawer.

Intimissimi: The Classic Italian Lingerie Brand

Launched in 1996, Intimissimi delivers timeless Italian elegance and craftsmanship at an affordable price. The brand's target customer values both comfort and feminine style, seeking high-quality lingerie and sleepwear for everyday wear. With a focus on soft fabrics like cotton, silk, and delicate lace, Intimissimi combines comfortable essentials with sensual designs.

• Product mix: A wide selection of bras, panties, lingerie sets, sleepwear, camisoles, and basic apparel. The aesthetic is romantic and sophisticated.
• Price point: Very accessible for the quality. Bras typically range from $20 to $50, and panties are around $10 to $20.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes soft, comfortable materials like silk, lace, and cotton. The construction is solid for daily wear, focusing on classic comfort over high-tech shaping.
• Style & Aesthetic: Classic, feminine, and subtly sensual. Designs often feature intricate lace details, traditional silhouettes, and a romantic color palette.
• Fit & Sizing: Generally fits true to size with a standard range from XS to L or XL. Their sizing is reliable for those who fit within conventional dimensions.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales and promotional events, making their already affordable pieces even more budget-friendly.

Intimissimi offers affordable elegance for those who love classic lingerie made from comfortable, traditional fabrics.

Shop Intimissimi: intimissimi.com

Skims: The Modern Shapewear & Basics Innovator

Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims revolutionized the market with its focus on body positivity, inclusivity, and technical innovation. The brand appeals to a diverse, fashion-forward audience looking for solutions-based shapewear and minimalist loungewear that enhances natural curves. Skims is known for its proprietary fabrics that deliver superior support and comfort in a sleek, modern package.

• Product mix: Extensive line of shapewear, underwear, bras, bodysuits, sleepwear, and loungewear. Styles are generally minimal with a neutral color palette designed to suit all skin tones.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium, reflecting the innovative materials. Bras are priced from $30 to $70, while shapewear and loungewear can cost $40 to over $100.
• Quality & Materials: Known for its signature high-tech fabrics like the Sculpting Fabric, which offers support and shaping. Materials are durable, seamless, and designed to move with your body.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, minimalist, and body-conscious. The focus is on clean lines, seamless finishes, and a contemporary look that feels both functional and stylish.
• Fit & Sizing: A leader in inclusivity, offering an impressive size range from XXS to 5X to fit a wide spectrum of body types.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent than traditional retailers, often happening around major holidays or biannually, which maintains the brand's premium positioning.

Skims excels at creating modern, high-performance essentials with an industry-leading commitment to size inclusivity.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Intimissimi vs. Skims Comparison

Price Comparison

Intimissimi is the clear winner on affordability. With bras often under $50 and panties under $20, it provides excellent value for everyday lingerie and sleepwear without a major financial investment. Frequent sales make it even more accessible for shoppers on a budget.

Skims operates at a higher price point. Its pricing is justified by the use of innovative, proprietary fabrics, advanced construction techniques, and an unmatched size range. The value from Skims comes from its performance, fit, and inclusive mission, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking specific shaping solutions or sizes that other brands don't offer.

Quality & Materials

Intimissimi focuses on traditional, luxurious-feeling fabrics like breathable cotton, soft silk blends, and delicate lace. The quality is reliable for daily use, prioritizing classic comfort and a gentle feel against the skin. These pieces are beautiful and well-made but aren't designed for intense shaping or compression.

Skims stands out for its high-tech materials engineered for a specific purpose. Its signature Sculpting Fabric provides targeted support and smoothing, while other collections focus on buttery-soft textures for loungewear. The fabrics are generally more durable and hold their shape well, offering a different type of quality rooted in performance and longevity.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is night and day. Intimissimi champions a classic, romantic femininity. Think detailed lace, balcony bras, silky chemises, and a timeless European sensibility. It is lingerie that is meant to be elegant and pretty.

Skims embodies a modern, minimalist aesthetic. It favors neutral tones, seamless edges, and clean silhouettes. The style is less about traditional embellishment and more about creating a flawless, body-conscious foundation that looks chic and feels incredibly comfortable. It's the go-to for a "second skin" feel under any outfit.

Fit & Sizing

This is arguably the biggest point of difference. Intimissimi offers a standard size range, typically from XS to XL, which caters to a traditional segment of the market. Its fit is generally consistent and true to size for those who fall within this range.

Skims was built on size inclusivity. With offerings from XXS to 5X, Skims serves a much broader and more diverse customer base. This commitment means that individuals of many more shapes and sizes can find products designed to fit them perfectly, a standout feature in the lingerie and shapewear industry.

Shopping Experience

Intimissimi offers a more traditional retail experience. Customers can shop on its easy-to-use website or visit one of its many physical stores worldwide for a hands-on experience and professional fitting advice. Regular sales and promotions are a core part of their strategy.

Skims is a digitally-native brand, with most sales happening through its polished, user-friendly website. The online experience is smooth, with high-quality imagery and detailed fit guides. Scarcity and "drops" of new collections create excitement, and while they have limited retail partnerships, the primary experience is direct-to-consumer online.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your style, priorities, and body type. Both brands excel in their respective areas.

Choose Intimissimi if:

• Your personal style leans classic, romantic, and feminine.
• You are looking for affordable lingerie, basics, and sleepwear for everyday use.
• You love a good sale and are a budget-conscious shopper.
• Soft fabrics like lace and silk are your top priority over high-tech compression.

Choose Skims if:

• You need inclusive sizing that is difficult to find elsewhere.
• You want high-performance shapewear or supportive basics that smooth and shape.
• You prefer a modern, minimalist look with neutral colors and clean lines.
• You are willing to invest more in innovative fabrics that offer superior comfort and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Intimissimi or Skims more expensive?

Skims is consistently more expensive than Intimissimi. The higher price is due to its specialized materials, performance technology, and extensive size range, while Intimissimi focuses on providing affordable, everyday lingerie.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer good quality, but for different purposes. Intimissimi's quality is found in its beautiful, soft fabrics and delicate construction, perfect for everyday comfort. Skims' quality lies in the durability and performance of its innovative fabrics, which are designed to support, shape, and last.

Which brand is better for plus sizes?

Skims is significantly better for plus sizes. Its commitment to inclusivity with a size range from XXS to 5X is a core pillar of the brand, while Intimissimi offers a more traditional and limited size range.

Does Intimissimi run true to size?

Yes, Intimissimi generally runs true to size. Most shoppers find their sizing consistent within their standard XS to XL range, but it's always wise to check their specific size charts.

Does Skims offer shapewear?

Yes, shapewear is a foundational category for Skims. They offer various levels of compression and styles of shapewear designed to smooth and enhance your silhouette under any clothing.

What is Intimissimi known for?

Intimissimi is known for its classic Italian design, offering elegant, romantic, and comfortable lingerie, sleepwear, and basics at an accessible price point.

Is Skims worth the money?

For many, yes. If you need inclusive sizing, effective shapewear, or simply love the comfort and minimalist aesthetic of their high-tech fabrics, Skims is a worthwhile investment.

Can I shop for Intimissimi in-store?

Yes, Intimissimi has hundreds of physical stores globally, allowing customers to try items on and receive fittings in person in addition to shopping online.