Skims vs. Aerie: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Skims offers premium, minimalist shapewear and loungewear focused on sculpting the body with innovative fabrics, while Aerie provides affordable, comfortable basics and intimates with a playful, casual aesthetic centered on body positivity. The primary difference comes down to function and price: Skims is designed for a sleek, contoured silhouette at a higher price point, whereas Aerie is built for everyday comfort at a budget-friendly cost.

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

Skims: The Leader in Modern Shapewear & Loungewear

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims stormed the market in 2019 with a modern take on shapewear and loungewear. The brand is known for its inclusive approach, offering a wide range of sizes and shades to match diverse skin tones. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and high-tech fabrics appeal to those looking for functional undergarments that smooth and enhance without sacrificing style.

• Product mix: A focused collection including high-performance shapewear, seamless bras, a variety of underwear cuts, and body-hugging loungewear and dresses. The aesthetic is consistently minimalist and often features a neutral color palette.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-to-luxury range. Most core items are priced between $30 and $80. Expect to pay around $50-$70 for a piece of signature shapewear like a sculpting bodysuit or high-waisted brief.
• Quality & Materials: Skims is known for innovative, high-quality fabric blends that are both smoothing and breathable. Many products feature seamless construction and targeted compression zones designed for effective contouring and all-day comfort.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 5X. The fit is generally true to size for a compressive, body-contouring feel, though some customers recommend sizing up for a more relaxed fit in loungewear.
• Return policy: Skims offers straightforward returns on eligible items within a standard window, making it easy to find your perfect fit online.

Skims is the ideal choice for anyone prioritizing a sleek, sculpted silhouette and who is willing to invest in premium fabrics and innovative design for shapewear and basics.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Aerie: The Go-To for Comfort & Body Positivity

As a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie has been a champion of body positivity since 2006, famously promoting its products with diverse models and unretouched photos. It targets a younger demographic and budget-conscious shoppers looking for cozy, stylish, and comfortable intimates, loungewear, and activewear without a high price tag.

• Product mix: A broad range of intimates and apparel, including bras, bralettes, underwear, leggings, joggers, t-shirts, and sleepwear. The aesthetic is casual, youthful, and often features fun prints and bright colors alongside classic neutrals.
• Price point: Very affordable and accessible. Most items fall between $10 and $40. It's common to find multi-buy deals on underwear, and basic bras often cost under $20 during promotions.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on comfort. Aerie uses soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, modal, and recycled materials that feel good against the skin and are suitable for everyday wear.
• Sizing/Fit: An inclusive range from XS to 3X. Sizing is known for being consistent and true to size, with adjustable features on many items to help customize the fit.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales, promotions, and clearance events, offering significant discounts that enhance its excellent value.
• Return policy: Famous for its flexible and easy return policy, both in-store and online, allowing shoppers to buy with confidence.

Aerie excels at offering comfortable, stylish, and affordable daily basics for shoppers who value inclusivity, body positivity, and a great deal.

Shop Aerie: ae.com/aerie

Skims vs. Aerie Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a distinct price difference between the two brands. Aerie is the clear winner for affordability. With underwear bundles, bras often under $40, and frequent 40-60% off sales, it's designed for budget-friendly stock-ups. You can build an entire loungewear or underwear collection without a major financial commitment.

Skims operates at a premium price point, reflecting its focus on specialized fabrics and construction. A single Skims shapewear bodysuit ($68) can cost more than two or three bras from Aerie. While Skims holds occasional sales, its base prices are significantly higher. The value offered by Skims is in its performance and luxury feel, not in its low cost.

Quality & Materials

Skims prioritizes high-performance materials designed to sculpt and smooth. Its signature fabrics offer a unique blend of compression, stretch, and breathability, leading to a "second-skin" feel that holds its shape well over time. The construction is often seamless to remain invisible under clothing, making the quality ideal for its intended shaping function.

Aerie focuses on soft, cozy, and breathable materials like cotton, modal, and ribbed fabrics. The quality is reliable for everyday wear, emphasizing comfort above all else. While durable enough for frequent washing and wear, Aerie’s fabrics do not offer the same technical shaping or compressive qualities as Skims.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' aesthetics are worlds apart. Skims embodies a minimalist, modern, and sophisticated style. Its color palette is dominated by neutrals and tonal shades that are designed to be timeless and versatile. The silhouettes are clean and body-conscious, aiming for a sleek, elevated look whether worn as an undergarment or loungewear.

Aerie leans into a youthful, playful, and casual aesthetic. It freely uses vibrant colors, trendy patterns, and relaxed fits. While it offers plenty of neutral basics, the brand is better known for its fun, expressive styles that align with current Gen Z trends. The overall vibe is approachable, laid-back, and less formal.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands have built their reputations on inclusivity. Skims offers one of the most extensive size ranges in the market, from XXS to 5X, ensuring more people can find a precise fit, which is especially important for shapewear. The items are meant to be form-fitting, if you prefer less compression, sizing up is a common suggestion.

Aerie’s size range typically runs from XS to 3X and is praised for its consistency. The fit is generally geared toward comfort and a more relaxed feel. Shoppers rarely need to guess their size, as their standard size usually fits perfectly across different styles.

Shopping Experience

Skims provides a sleek, high-end online shopping experience through its direct-to-consumer website. The site is clean, easy to navigate, and uses high-quality imagery to showcase its products. As an online-first brand, the digital experience is highly polished.

Aerie offers both a vibrant and user-friendly online store and a widespread physical retail presence through American Eagle stores. This allows customers to try items on in person, which can be a major advantage. Aerie's online presence is known for its frequent promotions and easy-to-use filtering options.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are working toward better sustainability with initiatives like using recycled materials and more responsible packaging. Aerie has a slight lead in transparency and public-facing commitments, built on its long-standing "Real Power" campaign promoting authentic self-image. Its social campaigns supporting causes like mental health and body positivity are core to its brand identity.

Skims is newer to the sustainability conversation but has started to incorporate recycled fabrics and has been transparent about its efforts to improve its supply chain. Its primary ethical focus has been on representation and inclusivity through its diverse casting and sizing.

Which One Should You Choose?

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

Choose Skims if:

• You are looking for high-performance shapewear that effectively smooths and contours your body.
• You prefer a minimalist, modern, and sleek aesthetic with a neutral color palette.
• You are willing to invest in premium, innovative fabrics for a luxury feel and long-lasting performance.
• You need a broader size option that extends up to 5X for a truly inclusive fit.

Choose Aerie if:

• You prioritize everyday comfort and soft, breathable fabrics above all else.
• You are a budget-conscious shopper who loves great deals and frequent sales.
• You enjoy a youthful, casual, and playful aesthetic with lots of color and print options.
• You appreciate the convenience of shopping in-store and supporting a brand with a strong message of body positivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Aerie cheaper?

Aerie is significantly cheaper than Skims. Aerie products are priced for accessibility, with frequent promotions and multi-buy deals, making it the go-to for budget-friendly shoppers. Skims is a premium brand with prices that reflect its specialized fabrics and construction.

Which brand has better quality?

Quality is subjective and depends on your needs. Skims offers superior quality for shapewear and performance fabrics, with durable compression that holds its form. Aerie provides excellent quality for comfortable, everyday basics, with fabrics designed for softness and regular wear.

Does Skims or Aerie have more inclusive sizing?

Both brands lead the industry in inclusivity. However, Skims technically offers a wider size range, from XXS up to 5X, whereas Aerie primarily offers sizes XS to 3X. Both are excellent choices for finding a fit outside of traditional sizing.

Is Skims shapewear worth the money?

For those seeking high-performance, seamless shapewear that smooths without being overly restrictive, Skims is widely considered worth the investment. Its innovative fabrics and thoughtfully designed construction deliver visible results and are comfortable enough for extended wear.

Is Aerie good for everyday bras and underwear?

Absolutely. This is Aerie's core strength. The brand is beloved for its comfortable, affordable, and stylish everyday bras, bralettes, and underwear that come in a wide variety of cuts and soft materials.

How do Skims sizes run?

Skims clothing generally runs true to size for a compressive fit. If you're between sizes or simply prefer a less snug feel, especially in the loungewear collections, it is often recommended to size up.

How do Aerie sizes run?

Aerie is known for its consistent and reliable sizing. Most shoppers find that their usual size fits perfectly across the brand’s wide range of products.

Which brand is better for loungewear?

It depends on your preference. Choose Skims for form-fitting, body-conscious loungewear with a sleek and modern look. Choose Aerie for cozy, relaxed-fit loungewear like oversized hoodies, fleece joggers, and soft tees.