Skims vs. Calvin Klein Underwear: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Skims is known for its inclusive sizing (XXS–4X), innovative smoothing fabrics, and modern, seamless aesthetic. In contrast, Calvin Klein is an iconic brand that delivers timeless, classic designs with a sporty feel, focusing on comfortable cotton and modal blends and its signature logo waistband.

Let's compare everything you need to know to find the right underwear brand for your needs.

Skims: The Modern Shapewear & Loungewear Innovator

Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims has rapidly grown into a powerhouse by focusing on body positivity and solutions for every body type. The brand's primary appeal is its extensive range of sizes and huge selection of "nude" shades, designed to match a wide variety of skin tones and disappear under clothing. Skims is the top choice for shoppers who want underwear that feels modern, supportive, and exceptionally comfortable.

• Product mix: Offers a wide array of underwear styles, bras, shapewear, and loungewear. Known for seamless construction and body-contouring fits that create a smooth silhouette.
• Price point: Individual pieces typically cost between $12 and $38. Bundles and multi-packs often provide better value.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses innovative microfibers and seamless fabric blends that are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and durable. These materials are designed to hug your curves without being constricting.
• Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. The aesthetic is built around body-hugging designs and a palette of neutral and skin-tone colors to be versatile and discreet.
• Sizing/Fit: A major standout feature is its inclusive sizing, which runs from XXS to 4X. The fit is designed to be smoothing and supportive.

Skims is the ideal choice for those seeking cutting-edge fabrics, an unmatched size range, and a sleek look designed to work seamlessly with any wardrobe.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Calvin Klein: The Iconic Underwear Essential

Calvin Klein Underwear has been an icon in fashion since the late 1960s, defined by its minimalist aesthetic and the signature logo waistband. The brand delivers comfortable, high-quality basics for people who appreciate timeless, understated style. Best known for its soft cotton styles, their underwear is renowned for consistent fit, lasting durability over the years, and a simple, sexy vibe.

• Product mix: A comprehensive line that includes briefs, boxers, bikinis, thongs, and bralettes for men and women. Their core offering revolves around classic styles that have remained popular for decades.
• Price point: Generally very affordable, with single items ranging from $10 to $30. Calvin Klein underwear is widely available with frequent promotions and sales.
• Quality &, Materials: Primarily uses exceptionally soft cotton, modal, and microfiber blends engineered for breathability and all-day comfort. The construction is famously sturdy and holds its shape after many washes.
• Style: Classic, simple, and instantly recognizable. Calvin Klein's designs feature clean lines, mostly monochrome color palettes, and that legendary logo waistband.
• Sizing/Fit: Standard sizing from XS to XL on average, reliable and true to size. They do have some extended sizes but not nearly as many as Skims.

Calvin Klein is the go-to brand for anyone who values classic designs, ultimate comfort, and a trusted name in essential apparel.

Shop Calvin Klein Underwear: calvinklein.us

Skims vs. Calvin Klein Underwear Comparison

Price Comparison

Calvin Klein is generally more budget-friendly. Most single pairs of underwear fall between $10 and $30, and sets are often available at large department stores. Frequent sales during holidays or season changes often bring those prices down even further, which is why so many customers stay loyal to the brand.

Skims are slightly higher in price, from around $12 to $38. While a bit pricier, its premium pricing reflects the brand's innovative materials and specialty fabrics that provide gentle shaping and "barely there" comfort. Their best deals on pricing come from multi-packs or bundle-and-save promotions they offer directly on their website.

Quality & Materials

The materials these brands offer are a huge deciding factor when choosing what underwear to wear. Skims has become famous for its modern fabric innovations, using super soft microfiber materials. These blends not only stay in place better without feeling tight or digging into your body, but do an exceptional job hugging your body's curves and hiding imperfections.

Calvin Klein focuses mainly on top-of-the-line cotton blends or Modal fabrics (an extra-soft version of wood-pulp fiber or cellulose from renewable beech trees). If you enjoy the feeling of plush and breathable cotton or modal, you will get very excited over these undies. For years, they’ve proven their underwear holds up exceptionally well with daily and repeated washes, while remaining one of the most recognizable underwear brands for many generations.

Fit & Sizing

This is probably the biggest difference between Skims and Calvin Klein. Skims wins the inclusivity award hands down thanks to their huge size ranges which you can purchase from XXS all the way up to 4X. Their sizing helps ensure the perfect fit and coverage for your figure.

On the flip side, Calvin Klein typically stocks sizes XS through XL, so you are often limited to this traditional fashion brand's size offering, depending on styles and where these are retailed or resold. However, many loyal followers swear that their sizing and fit is perfect and very consistent, so once you know your size, it's your go-to for peace of mind when reordering.

Style & Aesthetic

Skims has a completely modern aesthetic. Their brand is sleek, simple, and offers countless amounts of skin-toned and neutral shades that will go unnoticed under any fabric you wear. These are perfect for women who need undetectable lingerie options. On the other hand, Calvin Klein's aesthetic remains in the classic realm that stays current because of its minimalist nature. The classic CK branding's signature logo band gives all their underwear a distinctive, timeless-sporty yet sexy vibe.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you value most in your daily underwear. Both brands offer excellent choices but cater to differing priorities.

Choose Skims if:

• You want modern, inclusive sizing that goes beyond the standard XS to XL size ranges often sold by other brands.
• You are looking to wear form-hugging garments where you would like to create a smooth and perfect body underneath.
• You want to find a wide selection of neutral colors and shades to match or complement your own natural skin tone.
• Seamless, innovative fabric is on your must-have list because it delivers better support, maximum comfort, and a "naked" skin feeling.

Choose Calvin Klein if:

• You prefer timeless, classic style versus trendy ones you might tire of quickly.
• Your priority is soft, breathable fabric like modal or cotton blends for your ultimate comfort.
• You love iconic brands which are immediately recognizable from their logo waistband.
• You want high-quality, classic underwear at affordable prices available almost everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Calvin Klein cheaper?

Calvin Klein is generally more affordable, especially when purchasing a single pair of underwear priced between $10 and $30. Skims pieces tend to be slightly higher, between $12 and $38.

Which brand has better quality?

Each brand makes high-quality products but with different materials. Skims focuses on using innovative fabrics for a smooth and hugging sensation, while Calvin Klein primarily uses ultra-breathable cotton and modal for maximum daily comfort. It ultimately depends on your fabric preference.

Do Skims or Calvin Klein have a better fit in regards to size?

If inclusivity is important, Skims is your best choice, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. Calvin Klein offers standard XS to XL sizing, but their fit is consistent, ensuring reliable reordering once you find your size.

Are Skims underwear comfortable?

Yes, Skims is known for its seamless "buttery-soft" materials and construction that prevent digging or chafing, making them extremely comfortable for extended use, such as all-day wear at the office where maximum comfort and support are needed.

Why is Calvin Klein underwear so popular?

Calvin Klein's popularity comes from the brand's unique blend of classic, timeless aesthetic, iconic branding, consistent durability, and affordable pricing, making it a reliable choice for many consumers throughout the years.

Which brand is better for everyday use?

Both brands offer perfect underwear options for daily wear. Calvin Klein is excellent if you prefer traditional cotton styles, while Skims offers seamless solutions that work well under tighter-fitting clothes to give a smooth appearance.

Can you buy Skims in stores?

Skims is primarily sold on its website skims.com with limited in-store availability in select department stores such as Nordstrom. Calvin Klein is more accessible and widely distributed in numerous department stores, as well as its own retail outlets.

Do Skims and Calvin Klein run true to size?

Calvin Klein generally runs true to size, offering a reliable fit according to standard measurements. Skims designs offer a snug, body-contouring fit, so it's a good idea to consult their detailed size guide to find your perfect match, especially if you are between sizes.