Shapermint vs. Spanx vs. Skims: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Shapermint is an affordable online marketplace for shapewear, Spanx is the premium-performance pioneer known for its high-compression technology, and Skims is a modern, fashion-forward brand focused on inclusive sizing and skin-tone shades. Shapermint offers variety on a budget, Spanx delivers durable, powerful shaping, and Skims prioritizes comfort and a stylish, minimalist aesthetic.

Let's compare these three shapewear leaders to help you find the perfect option for your needs and budget.

Shapermint: The Affordable Shapewear Marketplace

Shapermint is an online retailer that curates shapewear from various brands, positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for accessible and comfortable solutions. Their core mission is to empower women through body positivity by offering a wide selection for all body types. Shapermint is the go-to for shoppers new to shapewear or those looking to build their collection without a significant investment.

• Product mix: Acts as a marketplace for several shapewear brands, featuring high-waisted briefs, bodysuits, shaping shorts, camisoles, and leggings.
• Price point: Highly affordable, with most pieces ranging from $15 to $40. They are known for frequent sales events and bundle deals that offer even greater savings.
• Quality & Materials: Primarily uses comfortable blends of nylon, spandex, and cotton. Quality can vary since they host multiple brands, but the focus is consistently on everyday comfort over extreme compression.
• Style & Aesthetic: The style is functional, practical, and straightforward. The designs prioritize smoothing and support over intricate details or fashion-forward elements.
• Sizing/Fit: Very inclusive, with sizes often ranging from XS up to 4X or 5X. Products generally run true to size, aiming for a supportive but comfortable fit.

Shapermint is an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want a wide variety of comfortable, everyday shapewear options.

Shop Shapermint: shapermint.com

Spanx: The Original Shapewear Innovator

As the brand that brought shapewear into the mainstream, Spanx is celebrated for its innovative designs, durable construction, and powerful shaping capabilities. Founded in 2000, it remains a leader in performance shapewear, appealing to shoppers who want high-quality, long-lasting products that deliver visible results. Spanx is often considered an investment piece for special events or for those who want smooth lines under fitted clothing.

• Product mix: Offers a full suite of shaping garments including shaping panties, high-compression bodysuits, leggings, and control camisoles. They also have a popular line of apparel like pants and skirts.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium brand with prices typically ranging from $30 to $80 for core shapewear items.
• Technology/Innovation: Known for its high-quality, durable fabrics and shaping technology, including targeted compression panels and seamless construction for a flawless finish.
• Style & Aesthetic: The look is sleek, modern, and sophisticated. While focused on function, the designs are polished and created to be undetectable under clothing.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a consistent fit from XS to 3X or 4X. Spanx pieces are designed for firm compression, so they will feel snug but should align with their detailed size guides.

Spanx is ideal for anyone seeking high-performance shapewear with proven technology for significant slimming and smoothing effects.

Shop Spanx: spanx.com

Skims: The Fashion-Forward & Inclusive Option

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims quickly became a dominant force in the intimates world by focusing on inclusivity, comfort, and style. The brand offers an extensive range of sizes and shades to match different skin tones, revolutionizing the idea of "nude" shapewear. Skims blends the line between undergarments and outerwear, creating pieces that are meant to be both functional and seen.

• Product mix: A broad collection of shapewear, loungewear, bras, and underwear. Many pieces, like their bodysuits and tees, are designed to be worn on their own.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-to-high range, with items generally costing between $20 and $70.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes exceptionally soft, stretchy, and breathable fabrics with seamless construction for a smooth, second-skin feel that prioritizes comfort.
• Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist, modern, and very trend-aware. The aesthetic is defined by neutral color palettes, clean lines, and a body-conscious fit.
• Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusive sizing, offering products from XXS to 4X. Skims is also known for its incredible range of shades to suit a variety of skin tones.
• Sustainability & Ethics: The brand emphasizes an effort towards sustainability with eco-friendly packaging and transparent manufacturing information.

Skims is the top choice for consumers who value style, comfort, and inclusivity, offering versatile pieces that feel good and look great.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Shapermint vs. Spanx vs. Skims Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price and value proposition between the three brands. Shapermint is the most budget-friendly, with most items falling under $40, making it accessible for shoppers on a strict budget or those who want to buy multiple pieces. Known for sales and bundle deals, you can often get shaping shorts or a cami for around $25.

Spanx occupies the premium end of the market. Its products, ranging from $30 to $80+, are priced a bit higher due to the proprietary shaping technology and highly durable materials. You are paying for longevity and high performance. In the middle is Skims, which balances quality materials and a strong brand identity with moderate pricing, typically from $20 to $70. Its prices reflect its status as a high-demand, fashion-forward brand.

Quality & Materials

Each brand approaches materials with a different priority. Spanx is the clear winner for durable, high-compression fabrics. Their garments use patented technology designed to snatch and smooth powerfully while retaining their shape wear after wear. They are built for long-term use and performance.

Skims focuses on a luxurious, soft, and stretchy feel. The materials are buttery and feel like a second skin, prioritizing all-day comfort over intense compression. While still shaping, the goal is a gentle hug. Shapermint, being a marketplace, offers products with a range of quality levels, consistently centered around breathable, flexible fabrics perfect for casual, everyday wear.

Style & Aesthetic

Skims leads the pack in style. With its minimalist aesthetic, vast range of neutral skin tones, and versatile designs, Skims products are often intended to be part of an outfit. Spanx offers a sleek, modern, and polished look aimed at performance and invisibility under clothes. Its aesthetic is more classic and functional. Shapermint's aesthetic is purely practical and utilitarian. The focus is on the shaping function, not on making a fashion statement.

Fit & Sizing

All three brands excel at providing inclusive sizing, but their fit philosophies differ. Spanx is engineered for a firm, compressive fit that holds you in tightly. It is true to size for its intended purpose, but expect it to be snug. Shapermint offers a more relaxed, comfortable fit that is generally true to size and great for everyday smoothing without feeling restrictive.

Skims stands out for its exceptional ranges in both size (XXS-4X) and color. Their fit is famously comfortable and true to size, designed to mold to the body without constricting it. The unmatched variety of "nude" shades makes Skims a top choice for finding a perfect skin-tone match.

Sustainability & Ethics

For shoppers prioritizing environmental impact, Skims demonstrates the strongest commitment. The brand is transparent about its efforts in responsible sourcing and uses eco-friendly packaging. Spanx has also started incorporating more sustainable practices but is less vocal about its initiatives. Because Shapermint is a marketplace for other brands, its sustainability profile is less clear and depends entirely on the specific product you purchase.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best brand for you depends entirely on what you're looking for in shapewear.

Choose Shapermint if:

• You are on a tight budget or want to buy several garments at once.
• You are new to shapewear and want to try different styles without a big upfront cost.
• You prioritize comfort for everyday, light smoothing over intense compression.

Choose Spanx if:

• You need powerful, high-compression shapewear for a special event or under a form-fitting outfit.
• You are looking for a long-lasting, durable product and see it as an investment.
• You value proven shaping technology from an industry pioneer.

Choose Skims if:

• Style and color matching are your top priorities.
• You want extremely comfortable, soft shapewear that feels like a second skin.
• You want versatile pieces that can be worn as both undergarments and clothing.
• Inclusive sizing and a wide range of nudes are important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand is cheapest?

Shapermint is the most affordable of the three. With frequent sales and prices typically between $15-$40, it is the best option for budget-conscious shoppers.

Which is better for high compression, Spanx or Skims?

Spanx is engineered for high compression and firm control. While Skims offers light to medium compression, Spanx is the superior choice if you need maximum shaping and a "held-in" feeling for a specific occasion or outfit.

Which brand is the most comfortable?

Skims is widely considered the most comfortable brand. Its fabrics are exceptionally soft and stretchy, designed to feel like a second skin rather than a restrictive undergarment.

Is Shapermint a legitimate brand?

Yes, Shapermint is a legitimate and popular online retailer. It is not a single manufacturing brand but a marketplace that sells its own line alongside other affordable shapewear brands. It is well-regarded for its customer service and easy return policy.

What sizes do these brands offer?

All three brands offer inclusive sizing. Shapermint generally offers sizes XS-4X or 5X. Spanx typically offers sizes XS-3X. Skims has one of the widest ranges, from XXS to 4X, and is particularly known for its extensive range of skin-tone shades across all sizes.

Which brand is best for everyday wear?

For everyday comfort and light smoothing, both Skims and Shapermint are excellent choices. Skims offers superior fabric softness and a more modern aesthetic, while Shapermint provides great value and variety for daily use.

Can you wear Skims as clothes?

Absolutely. Many of Skims' products, especially their bodysuits, tees, and leggings, are designed with a minimalist aesthetic that makes them perfect to wear as outerwear. This versatility is a key reason for the brand's popularity.

What are the return policies like?

All three brands have customer-friendly return policies. Shapermint offers free returns and exchanges. Spanx also allows returns on unworn items with tags attached. Skims provides a straightforward return process for items in their original condition.