Knix vs. Skims: Which brand should you buy?

Knix focuses on functional, high-performance intimate apparel, building its reputation on comfortable essentials like leak-proof underwear and seamless bras. In contrast, Skims is known for its fashion-forward, sculpting shapewear and loungewear that often doubles as outerwear, emphasizing a minimalist, high-fashion aesthetic.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe and everyday needs.

Knix: The Leader in Functional Comfort

Knix is a Canadian brand that gained attention for creating highly functional intimate apparel that solves real-world problems. Originally known for its leak-proof technology, Knix built a loyal following among customers seeking comfort, reliability, and inclusivity without sacrificing style. Their products are designed for active, everyday life, prioritizing practicality and durability.

• Product mix: Their core offerings include leak-proof and absorbent underwear for periods and incontinence, seamless bras, activewear, and comfortable loungewear. Knix focuses on creating versatile wardrobe foundations rather than trend-driven pieces.
• Price point: Knix is positioned as an affordable option for high-quality basics. Leak-proof underwear typically costs $20-$30, while bras range from $30 to $50. The brand frequently offers bundles and sales that provide excellent value.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on high-performance fabrics like nylon, spandex, and microfiber that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and provide odor control. The materials are built for durability and to withstand regular wear and washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is inclusive, ranging from XS to 4X. The fit is generally true to size and designed for maximum comfort and support rather than aggressive shaping.
• Sustainability: Knix places a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing and using eco-friendly materials. They are transparent about their sustainability roadmap, making them a popular choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.

Knix offers reliable, practical, and comfortable essentials with innovative technology at an accessible price, appealing to shoppers who value function and sustainability.

Shop Knix: knixteen.com

Skims: Redefining Modern Shapewear & Loungewear

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims has become a dominant force in the intimates and loungewear market by offering solutions-oriented shapewear with a distinctively modern and minimalist aesthetic. The brand champions body diversity with an extensive range of sizes and skin-tone shades. Skims blurs the line between underwear and outerwear, creating pieces that sculpt the body while being stylish enough to be a part of an outfit.

• Product mix: Skims is best known for its wide array of shapewear, from light-smoothing pieces to high-compression garments. The brand also offers a popular collection of bras, underwear, bodysuits, and luxurious loungewear.
• Price point: Skims is a premium brand with higher price points. Shapewear pieces range from $42 to $78, bras typically cost $36 to $68, and sought-after loungewear items can be priced from $50 up to $150.
• Quality & Materials: The brand uses soft, luxurious fabrics like modal blends, nylon, and elastane. The materials are known for their exceptional stretch, second-skin feel, and strong, supportive compression for shaping silhouettes.
• Sizing/Fit: Inclusivity is central to Skims, with sizes from XXS to 4X. The fit is true to size but designed to be snug and body-hugging to provide its intended shaping and sculpting effects.
• Style: The aesthetic is chic, sleek, and minimalist. Featuring a vast palette of neutral and skin-tone colors alongside seasonal hues, the designs are made to look seamless under clothes or be worn on their own.

Positioned as a luxury-adjacent brand, Skims delivers high-fashion, high-performance shapewear and basics that focus on silhouette enhancement, quality feel, and style versatility.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Knix vs. Skims Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Knix is the more budget-friendly option, with individual items generally costing less and frequent opportunities for additional savings through bundles and promotions. Building a collection of everyday essentials from Knix is significantly more accessible.

Skims operates at a higher, more premium price point. While the quality justifies the cost for many, the investment for a single shapewear piece or loungewear set is considerably more than at Knix. Sales happen, but the brand’s high demand means discounts are less frequent or deep than those offered by Knix.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality garments, but their materials serve different purposes. Knix's fabric technology is centered on performance - think leak-proof linings, moisture-wicking capabilities, and odor resistance. The materials are chosen for resilience and everyday practicality.

Skims opts for a more luxurious feel. Their fabrics are exceptionally soft, stretchy, and focus on sculpting and smoothing. While durable, the primary goal is to create a seamless, beautifully shaped silhouette with a premium touch against the skin.

Style & Aesthetic

Knix's style is functional, simple, and sporty. The designs are straightforward and meant to be comfortable foundations that work for any activity. The color palette focuses on versatile neutrals and basics.

Skims’ aesthetic is sleek, modern, and driven by fashion trends. The brand’s extensive color palette, including a wide array of nudes, makes pieces virtually invisible under clothing. Many of their items, like the popular bodysuits and loungewear, are intentionally designed to be worn as visible parts of a stylish outfit.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands are celebrated for their inclusive sizing, which caters to a broad range of body types. Knix offers sizes XS-4X, with a fit that prioritizes comfort and freedom of movement. Customers report their items generally run true to size for a comfortable, everyday fit.

Skims provides sizes XXS-4X and is also known for being true to size. However, the fit is inherently compressive and body-hugging. You should expect a snug, shaping feel, which is the product's primary function, especially with their shapewear lines.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Knix brand identity. They are more vocal and transparent about their use of eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes, making them a clear choice for shoppers who prioritize environmental impact.

Skims has made strides toward sustainability by incorporating recycled materials into their products but is less focused on it in their overall branding. While they are improving, it is not a primary reason customers choose the brand.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you're looking for in your intimates and loungewear. Both brands excel in their respective areas.

Choose Knix if:

• You need functional underwear with leak-proof technology for periods or light bladder leaks.
• You prioritize all-day comfort, durability, and practicality for an active lifestyle.
• You are budget-conscious and appreciate value through bundles and frequent sales.
• Shopping sustainably and supporting brands with transparent ethical practices is important to you.

Choose Skims if:

• You are looking for high-performance shapewear to smooth, lift, and sculpt your silhouette.
• You want a sleek, fashion-forward aesthetic and versatile pieces that can be styled as outerwear.
• You value a luxurious, second-skin feel in your intimates and loungewear.
• You need a wide range of nude shades to match your skin tone for an invisible look under clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Knix or Skims more expensive?

Skims is definitively the more expensive brand. Its positioning is more premium, with higher prices across all categories, from underwear to loungewear. Knix is more affordable and offers better value, especially with their bundle deals.

Which brand is better for shapewear?

Skims specializes in shapewear and offers a much wider range of compression levels, styles, and solutions for sculpting the body. If your primary goal is body shaping, Skims is the leader in this category.

Is Knix good for periods?

Yes, Knix is excellent for periods. Their leak-proof underwear is one of their flagship products, designed with patented technology to absorb moisture and prevent leaks, making it a very popular choice for menstrual care.

Does Skims run true to size?

Yes, Skims generally runs true to size. However, because it's shapewear, it is designed to be very snug and compressive. If you are between sizes or prefer a less constricting fit, some customers suggest sizing up.

What are Knix and Skims made of?

Knix uses functional, high-performance fabrics like nylon and spandex, often with special features like cotton gussets and moisture-wicking and anti-odor technology. Skims uses soft, stretchy, luxurious blends like polyamide and elastane that feel buttery soft and offer powerful shaping.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Knix has a stronger and more public commitment to sustainability. They are more transparent about their ethical manufacturing and use of eco-friendly fabrics, making them the better choice for the environmentally focused shopper.

Can you wear Skims as regular clothes?

Absolutely. Many Skims pieces, particularly their bodysuits, tees, and loungewear collections, are designed with a fashion-forward aesthetic to be worn as part of an everyday outfit, not just as undergarments.

Do Knix and Skims have sales?

Yes, both brands have sales. However, Knix runs promotions and bundle offers more frequently, which reinforces its positioning as a value-oriented brand. Skims sales are less frequent and typically happen seasonally.