Skims Cotton vs. Skims Stretch: What's the difference?

The Skims Cotton collection is defined by breathable, ultra-soft natural fabrics for a relaxed, everyday feel, while the Skims Stretch collection uses sleek, elastic-rich synthetic blends for a form-fitting, second-skin contouring feel. Essentially, Cotton prioritizes casual comfort and a lightweight classic fit, whereas Stretch is designed for sculpting, support, and creating a smooth silhouette under clothing.

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

Skims Cotton Collection

The Skims Cotton collection is your go-to for classic, everyday staples that feel incredibly soft and breathable. Centered around natural fibers, these pieces include tees, tanks, and underwear designed with laid-back comfort in mind. It's the ideal choice for anyone seeking simple, high-quality basics for lounging, layering, or casual all-day wear.

• What it is: A line of loungewear and underwear crafted from soft, breathable, cotton-ribbed fabric for ultimate comfort.
• Key features: Natural fiber construction, relaxed fit, classic minimalist design, and an exceptionally soft hand-feel.
• Price: Generally ranges from $20 to $50.
• Materials/Construction: Main fabric is a blend of high-quality cotton with a small amount of elastane (around 5%) for a touch of stretch and shape retention.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to have a comfortable, relaxed fit that runs true to size. It's designed to skim the body rather than compress it.
• Pros: Exceptionally breathable and great for sensitive skin. The minimalist design is timeless and versatile. More affordably priced. Feels lightweight and airy.
• Cons: Offers minimal shaping or support. Can stretch out after prolonged wear more easily than synthetic fabrics. Limited moisture-wicking properties, making it unsuitable for intense workouts.

This collection suits those who value natural fibers and a relaxed, comfortable fit for their daily essentials over compressive shaping.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/cotton

Skims Stretch Collection

The Skims Stretch collection is engineered for a seamless, body-hugging fit that sculpts and defines your silhouette. Made from high-performance elastic materials, these pieces - like bodysuits, leggings, and bras - offer a second-skin feel with just the right amount of support and contouring. This line is for those who want a smooth, sleek foundation under other clothes or a form-fitting look on its own.

• What it is: A collection of body-contouring basics made from highly elastic synthetic fabrics for a shaping and supportive fit.
• Key features: Second-skin feel, excellent stretch recovery, seamless design elements, and the ability to smooth and sculpt.
• Price: Typically ranges from $30 to $70.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from a high-performance blend of synthetic materials, usually nylon and spandex.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed for a very snug, body-hugging fit. Most find it runs true to size for its intended compressive feel, but it will fit very tightly.
• Pros: Smooths and shapes for a flattering silhouette. Excellent shape retention after many washes. Creates a seamless look under fitted clothes. Fabric is very durable.
• Cons: Less breathable than natural cotton. The compressive fit can feel restrictive to some. Higher price point. Made from synthetic, petroleum-based materials.

This line is ideal for creating a perfectly smooth base layer under close-fitting outfits or for those who appreciate a secure, body-contouring sensation.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/stretch

Skims Cotton vs. Skims Stretch Comparison

Materials & Feel

The most immediate difference between the two collections lies in their feel. The Skims Cotton fabric is soft, slightly textured from the ribbing, and unmistakably breathable. It feels like your favorite high-quality, lived-in t-shirt - warm, familiar, and easy to wear all day without a second thought.

In contrast, the Skims Stretch fabric is sleek, smooth, and cool to the touch. It has a distinctly synthetic and elastic quality that hugs your body with gentle compression. The feeling is one of being held-in and supported, designed to work invisibly beneath other garments rather than stand out as a cozy layer.

Fit & Sizing

Skims Cotton pieces are designed with a more forgiving, relaxed fit. While true to size, they offer room to breathe and move without restriction. They follow the body's natural shape without constricting it, prioritizing pure comfort over anything else.

Skims Stretch is purpose-built for a tight, compressive fit. It also runs true to size, but "true to size" here means a secure, second-skin feel. It's supposed to be snug to effectively smooth and sculpt. If you're between sizes or prefer a less-compressive sensation, you might consider sizing up, but that would defeat some of its shaping purpose.

Versatility & Style

The Cotton collection exudes a casual, effortless style. Its pieces are perfect as standalone basics for lounging at home, running errands, or as a simple layering piece where comfort is key. The aesthetic is timeless, minimalist, and functional for everyday life.

The Stretch collection is the workhorse of your wardrobe's foundation. Its primary function is to serve as an invisible base layer that perfects the look of your outer clothes. Bodysuits, bras, and briefs from this line are designed to layer seamlessly under dresses, blouses, and pants to create a smooth, lump-free silhouette. While some pieces like bodysuits can be worn alone for a body-conscious look, its main strength is in shaping.

Price & Value

Generally, the Skims Cotton collection is more affordable. With prices starting around $20, it’s an accessible entry into the brand's world of luxury basics for everyday comfort. The value comes from the high-quality natural fabric and classic design you'll wear constantly.

The Stretch collection commands a higher price, with pieces typically starting over $30. This price reflects the technical synthetic fabric, seamless construction, and performance-oriented design. The value here is in its function as shapewear - delivering a sculpted silhouette and long-lasting elasticity that premium contouring-wear demands.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections offer outstanding quality, but they serve entirely different purposes.

Choose an item from the Skims Cotton collection if:

• You prioritize the soft, breathable feel of natural fibers.
• Your primary goal is maximum comfort for lounging and casual, everyday wear.
• You prefer a classic, relaxed fit over a compressive one.
• You're looking for simple, versatile basics like tees and underwear with a timeless look.

Choose an item from the Skims Stretch collection if:

• You want to create a smooth, sculpted silhouette under your clothing.
• You love a secure, form-fitting "second-skin" sensation.
• Your main goal is shaping and light support rather than just casual comfort.
• You need a base layer that layers seamlessly without adding bulk or showing lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Skims Cotton and Skims Stretch?

The main difference is the fabric and purpose. Skims Cotton uses soft, breathable cotton blends for relaxed, everyday comfort. Skims Stretch uses sleek, synthetic blends for a compressive, second-skin fit designed to sculpt and smooth the body.

Is Skims Cotton stretchy at all?

Yes, the Skims Cotton collection's fabric blend includes a small amount of elastane (usually 5%) which provides a comfortable stretch for ease of movement. However, it's not designed to be compressive or shaping like the Stretch collection.

Which collection is better for everyday wear?

This depends on your definition of "everyday." For lounging at home, running errands, and prioritizing breathable comfort, the Skims Cotton collection is superior. For wearing under work outfits or fitted clothes to achieve a smooth line, the Stretch collection may be your everyday choice.

Which collection is more comfortable?

Comfort is subjective. Many find the soft, airy feel of the Cotton collection to be the peak of comfort. Others find the secure, held-in feeling of the Stretch collection comforting and confidence-boosting.

How should I wash my Skims pieces?

For both collections, it's best to machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat to preserve the fabric's integrity. For the Stretch collection, avoiding high heat is especially important to maintain its elasticity.

Are the collections true to size?

Yes, both generally run true to size, but they fit differently by design. Order your usual size in the Cotton collection for a relaxed fit, and your usual size in the Stretch collection for a snug, compressive fit.

Is the Skims Cotton collection see-through?

Lighter colors like marble or bone can be slightly sheer, especially if they are stretched tight. Darker colors are typically opaque. Most pieces, like the t-shirts, are intended to have enough weight to not be see-through for casual wear.

Does the Stretch collection really provide shaping?

Yes, it's designed to offer light-to-medium compression. It's effective at smoothing lines, contouring curves, and providing a sleek base layer, but it is not considered rigid, high-compression shapewear.