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

Skims’ Cotton Rib and Cotton Jersey collections both offer high-quality, comfortable basics, but they cater to very different preferences in feel and fit. The key difference lies in the texture and construction: Cotton Rib features a textured, vertical-striped knit that creates a body-hugging, sculpted fit with excellent shape retention, while Cotton Jersey is a perfectly smooth, flat-knit fabric prized for its incredible softness, breathability, and relaxed drape.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which premium cotton fabric from Skims is right for your wardrobe.

Skims Cotton Rib

The Skims Cotton Rib collection is designed for those who love a perfectly snug, form-fitting silhouette. Made from a stretchy, breathable cotton blend with a distinct ribbed texture, these pieces are known for their ability to hug your curves and maintain their shape all day long. The fabric provides a supportive and lightly compressive feel without being restrictive.

• What it is: A collection of basics made from a textured, ribbed cotton blend fabric known for its body-contouring fit and excellent recovery.
• Key features: Fine ribbed texture, superior stretch and shape retention, form-fitting and supportive feel, and a breathable cotton blend.
• Price: Ranges from approximately $28 for underwear to $68 for leggings.
• Materials/Construction: A blend of cotton and spandex, featuring a raised vertical knit that provides structure and flexibility.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed for a snug, close-to-the-body fit. Most find it true to size, but the compressive nature means it will feel more fitted than the Cotton Jersey pieces.
• Pros: Excellent shape retention (doesn't stretch out), provides a flattering and sculpted look, textured fabric adds visual interest, and feels supportive.
• Cons: The body-hugging fit may not be comfortable for those who prefer loose loungewear, and the texture is more pronounced than a flat jersey.

This fabric is ideal for anyone seeking a structured, supportive base layer or a set that looks put-together while still feeling comfortable.

Shop this fabric: skims.com/collections/cotton-rib

Skims Cotton Jersey

The Skims Cotton Jersey collection is the go-to for ultimate softness and relaxed comfort. This fabric is perfectly smooth, lightweight, and drapes beautifully against the body for a casual, effortless feel. It's designed to feel like your favorite, perfectly worn-in t-shirt, making it an excellent choice for sleepwear, lounging, and everyday wear.

• What it is: A line of sleepwear and loungewear made from a smooth, lightweight, and ultra-soft cotton-modal blend fabric.
• Key features: Flat and smooth surface, exceptional softness, lightweight and breathable feel, and a relaxed, comfortable drape.
• Price: Ranges from approximately $32 for a tank to $72 for sleep sets.
• Materials/Construction: A premium blend of cotton and elastane, creating a flat-knit jersey that feels incredibly soft against the skin.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a more relaxed, gentle fit compared to the Ribbed collection. It follows the lines of the body without compressing it, providing a more casual silhouette.
• Pros: Extremely soft and comfortable, highly breathable, drapes beautifully, and offers a classic minimalist look perfect for lounging.
• Cons: Prone to losing its shape slightly after extended wear compared to the ribbed fabric, the looser fit offers less support or sculpting.

This fabric is perfect for those who prioritize a cloud-like soft feel and a relaxed fit for their sleepwear and loungewear.

Shop this fabric: skims.com/collections/cotton-jersey

Cotton Rib vs. Cotton Jersey Comparison

Texture & Feel

The most immediate difference is the texture. The Cotton Rib fabric has a tangible, raised vertical pattern that provides structure and a slightly thicker hand-feel. It creates a feeling of being securely held in.

In contrast, the Cotton Jersey is entirely smooth and flat. Its primary characteristic is its buttery softness, which feels exceptionally gentle against the skin. It's lightweight and has more of a "barely-there" cooling sensation, making it exceptionally comfortable for sleeping or relaxing in warm environments.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is the second major differentiator. Cotton Rib offers a compressive, body-hugging fit that sculpts and outlines your silhouette. Thanks to its excellent stretch and recovery, it snaps back into place and retains its shape throughout the day, never looking baggy.

Cotton Jersey has a much more relaxed fit. While it's not oversized, it drapes rather than clings, providing more room to move without restriction. This pliable nature makes it comfortable for sleeping but also means it may stretch out slightly until its next wash, unlike the ever-snug Rib.

Style & Aesthetic

The different fabrics lend themselves to distinct styles. Cotton Rib's textured look and form-fitting nature give it a more refined and athletic appearance. It feels intentional, works great as a base layer under clothing, and can easily be dressed up as a simple top for a casual outing.

Cotton Jersey’s aesthetic is pure comfort. Its smooth finish and soft drape look understated and effortless, making it perfect for pajama sets, loungewear, and simple everyday basics where comfort is the main objective. It has a classic, minimalist appeal that is timelessly casual.

Durability & Shape Retention

Both fabrics are high-quality, but they excel in different areas. The structured knit of the Cotton Rib ensures superior shape retention over the long term. It's resilient and less likely to sag or become misshapen after multiple washes and wears.

While still durable, the looser knit of the Cotton Jersey is more focused on softness than structure. As with most soft jersey fabrics, it may show more wear over time or slightly lose its initial shape more quickly than the ribbed alternative. Proper care (washing cold, gentle cycle) is key to preserving its fit and softness.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your ideal choice depends entirely on your personal preference for fit, feel, and function.

Choose Cotton Rib if:

• You love a body-hugging, sculpted fit that flatters your curves.
• You want a fabric with excellent shape retention that won't bag out.
• You prefer a more structured, textured look in your basics.
• You plan to use the pieces as layering PJs or even as a simple top for outfits.

Choose Cotton Jersey if:

• You prioritize supreme softness above all else.
• You want a relaxed, breathable fit for lounging and sleeping.
• You prefer a smooth, classic, and minimalist aesthetic in your loungewear.
• You're looking for something lightweight that will keep you cool.

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 a textured fabric with a tight, body-hugging fit that sculpts your shape. Cotton Jersey is a completely smooth fabric with a soft, relaxed fit that drapes loosely.

Which fabric is more comfortable?

Comfort is subjective. If you find comfort in a very soft, breathable, and slightly loose fabric, Cotton Jersey is more comfortable. If you find comfort in a supportive, body-hugging fit that holds you in, you will likely prefer the Cotton Rib.

Does Skims Cotton Rib stretch out with wear?

No, one of the main benefits of the Cotton Rib fabric is its excellent recovery. It's designed to hold its shape throughout the day and snaps back after washing, so you don't have to worry about it becoming baggy or loose.

Which fabric is better for sleeping?

Most people prefer the Cotton Jersey for sleeping due to its exceptional softness, breathability, and relaxed fit, which allows for effortless movement.

Are the lighter colors of these fabrics see-through?

Skims fabrics are generally high-quality and opaque. However, as with any light-colored fitted clothing, the tightest-fitting rib items in white or bone might show outlines of darker undergarments. The Cotton Jersey is a bit more forgiving with its looser drape.

How should I wash my Skims cotton pieces?

For both fabrics, Skims recommends machine washing on cold and tumble drying on low. To best preserve the softness and shape of the Cotton Jersey, you may consider a gentle cycle and/or laying it flat to dry.

Do Skims Cotton Rib and Cotton Jersey run true to size?

Yes, both collections are generally considered true to size. However, the fit is intentionally different. Your usual size in Cotton Rib will be very form-fitting and compressive, while the same size in Cotton Jersey will offer a more relaxed, gentle drape.

Which fabric is more flattering?

This depends on what you consider flattering. The Cotton Rib is flattering if you want to emphasize your curves with a sculpted, bodycon silhouette. The Cotton Jersey is flattering in an effortless, understated way, gently draping over the body rather than clinging to it.