Skims Swim vs. Kylie Swim: Which brand should you buy?
Skims Swim focuses on minimalist, high-quality swimwear with inclusive sizing and sculpting fabrics, reflecting a timeless and versatile aesthetic. In contrast, Kylie Swim offers trendy, bold, and more affordable designs with vibrant colors and statement cutouts aimed at a younger, fashion-forward audience.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right swimwear brand for your style and budget.
Skims Swim: The Minimalist and Inclusive Option
Launched by Kim Kardashian, Skims extends its shapewear and loungewear ethos into swimwear, prioritizing comfort, function, and a seamless fit. The brand targets consumers seeking high-quality, figure-enhancing pieces in neutral, sophisticated tones. The collection is designed to be timeless, durable, and comfortable enough for all-day wear, from lounging poolside to active swimming.
- Product mix: Bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups designed with a clean, sleek aesthetic. Styles are versatile, intended to be mixed and matched, and focus on providing great shape and support.
- Price point: Pieces are priced in a premium mid-range, typically from $48 to $98 for a single top or bottom. This reflects the investment in high-quality, innovative materials.
- Quality &, Materials: Known for its signature sculpting fabrics that smooth and support. The build quality emphasizes durability, with seamless construction to prevent digging and ensure a comfortable fit that lasts.
- Style &, Aesthetic: Minimalist and modern. The color palette revolves around neutral shades like black, nude, and white, making the pieces timeless wardrobe additions rather than seasonal trends.
- Sizing &, Fit: A key strength is its inclusive size range, running from XXS to 4X. The brand focuses on delivering a true-to-size fit designed to flatter a wide spectrum of body types.
- Sustainability: The brand is taking steps toward greater sustainability, using some eco-friendly fabrics and aiming for more transparent sourcing in its collections.
Skims is the ideal choice for those who want to invest in high-quality, minimalist swimwear that offers excellent support, an inclusive fit, and a timeless look.
Shop Skims Swim: skims.com
Kylie Swim: The Trendy and Bold Statement
Kylie Swim, from Kylie Jenner, is all about making a vibrant, fashion-forward statement. The brand targets a younger audience that values on-trend designs, bold colors, and an "Instagram-ready" look. The aesthetic is youthful and playful, with an emphasis on daring cutouts, cheeky cuts, and eye-catching silhouettes designed to stand out.
- Product mix: Bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups, and accessories featuring trendy details like high-cut legs, unconventional cutouts, and vibrant color-blocking.
- Price point: Sits at a much more accessible price point, with most items ranging from $30 to $70. This makes it a great option for those looking to experiment with trends without a big investment.
- Quality &, Materials: Uses standard swimwear fabrics like nylon and spandex blends that are comfortable and quick-drying. The quality is suitable for casual wear, but the focus is more on style than long-term durability or supportive technology.
- Style &, Aesthetic: Bold, bright, and unapologetically trendy. Expect vibrant colors, unique silhouettes, and styles inspired by current fashion moments, created to be seen.
- Sizing &, Fit: The size range is more limited, typically running from XS to L. Some shoppers note that styles, particularly those with cheeky or minimal coverage, can run small, so sizing up may be necessary for a comfortable fit.
- Sustainability: The brand's focus is currently more on affordability and rapid trend cycles rather than public-facing sustainability or ethical manufacturing initiatives.
Kylie Swim is perfect for shoppers seeking fun, affordable, and eye-catching swimwear for a season, vacation, or memorable social media post.
Shop Kylie Swim: kylieswim.com
Skims Swim vs. Kylie Swim Comparison
Price Comparison
There's a clear difference in pricing that reflects each brand's mission. Kylie Swim is positioned as an affordable, fast-fashion option, with individual pieces typically costing between $30 and $70. This makes it easy to grab a new suit for a specific event or to keep up with changing trends without breaking the bank.
Skims Swim sits in the premium space, with prices from $48 to $98 per piece. The higher cost is justified by the brand's use of signature sculpting fabrics, detailed construction, and a focus on durability. You're paying for a product designed to last multiple seasons, not just one.
Quality & Materials
Skims clearly leads in fabric technology and construction. Their swimwear often features supportive, compressive materials designed to shape and hold, similar to their famous shapewear. Seams are smooth, and the overall feel is durable and substantial.
Kylie Swim uses industry-standard swimwear fabrics like nylon and spandex. While perfectly functional for a day at the beach, these materials don't offer the same sculpting benefits or premium feel as Skims. The quality is in line with its affordable price point - good for seasonal wear but perhaps not a long-term investment piece.
Style & Aesthetic
Your choice here comes down to personal taste. Skims Swim embodies a minimalist "quiet luxury" aesthetic. Its clean lines, neutral color palette, and classic silhouettes make the pieces incredibly versatile and timeless. They are designed to enhance your shape subtly and sophisticatedly.
Kylie Swim is the opposite - loud, fun, and designed to grab attention. Its collections feature bright neon and pastel colors, daring cutouts, and trendy silhouettes like high-cut thong bikinis. This swimwear is for someone who sees the beach or pool as a runway and wants their outfit to be a centerpiece.
Fit & Sizing
Skims is built on a foundation of inclusivity. Offering sizes from XXS to 4X, the brand ensures a wide range of body types can find a flattering and comfortable fit. The styles are generally true-to-size and designed with coverage and support in mind.
Kylie Swim's sizing is much more limited, usually from XS to L, which caters to a smaller demographic. Due to its trendy and often minimal-coverage designs, pieces can run small. Shoppers on the curvier side or who prefer more coverage may need to size up or find certain styles less suitable.
Shopping Experience
Both brands offer a modern online shopping experience. Skims' website is clean and user-friendly, with detailed size guides, model photos across different body types, and clear product information about fabric and fit. The focus is on helping you make an informed purchase.
Kylie Swim's website is bright, visual, and heavily image-focused, mirroring its energetic aesthetic. The process is quick and geared toward a fast, impulse-friendly purchase, often driven by social media campaigns.
Sustainability & Ethics
For shoppers who prioritize environmental impact, Skims is the more conscious choice. The company has made public commitments to using more eco-friendly materials and improving the transparency of its supply chain. While not perfect, there is a clear effort in this direction. Kylie Swim has not made sustainability a primary public focus, aligning more with a fast-fashion model driven by affordability and trends.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to what you value most in swimwear: timeless quality or trendy affordability.
Choose Skims Swim if:
- You are looking for a high-quality, durable swimsuit that will last for years.
- You prefer minimalist, classic styles and neutral colors.
- Support and a seamless, sculpting fit are your top priorities.
- You need an inclusive size range to find your perfect fit.
- You are willing to invest more for superior materials and construction.
Choose Kylie Swim if:
- You want to experiment with the latest trends, bold colors, and daring cutouts.
- You are shopping on a budget and looking for an affordable option.
- Your swimwear is for a vacation, a party, or to get a great photo for social media.
- You fit within a standard XS-L size range.
- You prioritize eye-catching style over long-term durability and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skims Swim or Kylie Swim cheaper?
Kylie Swim is significantly cheaper. Its pieces generally range from $30-$70, while Skims Swim items cost between $48-$98 each, making a full Skims bikini set more than double the price of a set from Kylie Swim.
Which brand has better quality?
Skims has superior quality. Its use of innovative sculpting fabrics, seamless construction, and focus on durability make its swimwear a better long-term investment. Kylie Swim offers standard quality for its price point but is not designed for the same level of longevity.
Is Skims Swim sizing inclusive?
Yes, inclusivity is a core part of the Skims brand. Its swimwear is available in sizes XXS to 4X, catering to a much wider range of body types than most swimwear brands.
Does Kylie Swim run true to size?
Kylie Swim generally runs true to size, but some styles with more revealing cuts or minimal coverage may feel small. It's often recommended to read reviews or consider sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer more coverage.
Which brand is better for curvy bodies?
Skims is the better choice for curvy bodies due to its extensive size range, supportive and sculpting fabrics, and designs that prioritize a flattering, comfortable fit over trendy cuts.
Is Skims Swim suitable for active swimming?
Yes. The supportive materials and focus on a secure fit make many Skims styles very practical for swimming and other water activities, whereas Kylie Swim's cutout-heavy designs are better suited for lounging.
What is the biggest style difference between Skims and Kylie Swim?
The main difference is "timeless versus trendy." Skims offers minimalist, neutral styles meant to be chic for years. Kylie Swim is all about the "right now" - bright, bold, and fashion-forward styles perfect for the current season.
Who owns Skims Swim and Kylie Swim?
Skims was founded by Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Swim was founded by her sister, Kylie Jenner.
