Skims vs. Lululemon: Which brand is better? [2026]

Skims excels at inclusive, fashion-forward shapewear and versatile loungewear in a wide range of sizes and skin tones, typically at a lower price point. Lululemon is the established leader in high-performance, durable activewear, focusing on technical fabrics engineered for workouts and everyday athletic comfort.

Let's compare them side-by-side to help you decide which brand best fits your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Skims: The Leader in Inclusive Shapewear & Loungewear

Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims quickly grew into a major brand known for its modern take on shapewear and basics. The brand champions body positivity through incredibly inclusive sizing and a diverse palette of neutral shades that complement a wide spectrum of skin tones. Skims targets style-conscious consumers who value comfort, seamless fits, and minimalist designs that can be worn as undergarments or as stand-alone fashion pieces.

• Product mix: A broad collection of shapewear, bras, underwear, bodysuits, and loungewear sets. Many of their viral pieces, like the seamless bodysuits and Soft Lounge dresses, are designed to be both functional undergarments and visible parts of an outfit.
• Price point: Best described as affordable luxury. Bras and underwear typically range from $20 to $60, bodysuits from $60 to $80, and loungewear sets up to $100.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on soft, stretchy, body-hugging fabrics like nylon and spandex blends that create a 'second-skin' feel. While known for comfort and a flattering look, some of the shapewear may lose its tightness over time with heavy use and washing.
• Sizing/Fit: This is where Skims truly stands out, offering sizes from XXS to 5X. Most items are designed with significant stretch to contour the body, and the brand provides detailed size guides to help shoppers find their ideal fit.
• Shopping Experience: Primarily sold through its official website, with select collections available at retail partners like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The online experience is smooth, with plenty of styling inspiration.

Ultimately, Skims offers modern, comfortable, and affordable basics and shapewear with a market-leading commitment to inclusive sizing.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Lululemon: The Standard in High-Performance Activewear

Since its founding in 1998, Lululemon has set the standard for premium athletic apparel. Originally known for its yoga wear, the brand now outfits consumers for running, training, and everyday life with high-quality, long-lasting gear. Lululemon has cultivated a loyal community around wellness, targeting active individuals who are willing to invest in technical apparel that delivers both performance and style.

• Product mix: Specializes in leggings, sports bras, tank tops, shorts, and jackets for both men and women. Their popular Wunder Train and Align collections are staples in many fitness enthusiasts' wardrobes.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium brand. Their famous leggings range from $80 to $150, sports bras are around $50 to $70, and outerwear can cost up to $200.
• Technology & Innovation: Renowned for its proprietary fabrics. Nulu is buttery soft and perfect for yoga, while Everlux is fast-drying and ideal for intense training sessions. The fabrics are engineered for stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing typically ranges from 0 to 14, though some lines go up to size 20. The fit is generally athletic and compressive. Some customers find that certain styles run small and recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit.
• Shopping Experience: Lululemon combines a feature-rich website with a strong physical retail presence. In-store shopping offers personalized fitting advice, fostering a community experience that their online platform supports with detailed user reviews.

Lululemon is the go-to choice for high-quality, durable activewear that seamlessly transitions from intense workouts to comfortable everyday wear.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Skims vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

Skims products are significantly more accessible from a price perspective. You can get premium-feeling basics and shapewear for under $80, putting it in the "affordable luxury" category. It's a brand where you can stock up on several items without making a huge financial commitment.

Lululemon occupies a higher price tier. A single pair of leggings often costs over $100, positioning its apparel as an investment in performance and longevity. While Lululemon does have a "We Made Too Much" sale section, a full-priced item is a considered purchase for most shoppers.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize quality, but for different purposes. Skims fabrics are engineered for ultimate softness, seamless shaping, and all-day comfort against the skin. They're perfect for lounging or as a smooth base layer under clothing.

Lululemon's materials are technical and performance-driven. Fabrics like Everlux and Luxtreme are designed to manage sweat, support muscles, resist pilling, and maintain their shape through countless high-intensity workouts and washes. This focus on durability and athletic function sets them apart.

Style & Aesthetic

The Skims aesthetic is minimalist, sleek, and body-conscious. The brand heavily leans on a palette of nudes, neutrals, and muted earth tones, making its pieces easy to mix and match or wear discreetly. The minimal branding adds to its versatile appeal.

Lululemon features a clean, functional style. Its designs are largely timeless and athletic, with performance-oriented features and subtle logos. While a leader in "athleisure," its core identity remains rooted in fitness apparel that is both practical and stylish.

Fit & Sizing

This is one of the biggest differences between the two brands. Skims is a leader in size inclusivity, with a core range from XXS to 5X that caters to a vast spectrum of body types. Their mission is to provide an empowering and accurate fit for everyone.

Lululemon traditionally offered a more limited range, from sizes 0 to 14. In recent years, they have expanded sizing in certain styles up to a size 20, but it is not as comprehensively inclusive as Skims. The fit is dialed in for an athletic body, and some may find their sizing to run small compared to other brands.

Shopping Experience

Skims is a digital-first brand, driving most of its sales through a highly curated website. The experience is visual and straightforward. While you can find them in some high-end department stores, their primary focus remains online.

Conversely, Lululemon has a strong omnichannel presence. In addition to a robust e-commerce site, their many physical retail stores are central to the brand experience. They allow customers to feel fabrics, get fitted by knowledgeable staff, and participate in community events like free yoga classes.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to whether you prioritize everyday comfort and fashion or high-performance athletic gear.

Choose Skims if:

• You're looking for comfortable, stylish loungewear or modern shapewear.
• Size inclusivity is a top priority, and you need a wide range of size and shade options.
• You want versatile basics in a neutral color palette that can be easily layered.
• Affordability is key, and you appreciate getting a fashion-forward look at an accessible price.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need durable, high-performance activewear for workouts like yoga, running, or training.
• You're willing to invest more in technical fabrics that are moisture-wicking and built to last.
• A sleek, functional, athletic aesthetic fits your personal style.
• You value the ability to try on items and get expert advice in a physical store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Lululemon more expensive?

Lululemon is consistently more expensive than Skims. A pair of their signature leggings can cost $128, while a top-selling bodysuit from Skims is around $78. Lululemon's higher price point is due to its investment in proprietary technical fabrics built for athletic performance.

Which material is better, Skims or Lululemon?

Neither is objectively "better" - they're designed for different jobs. Lululemon's fabrics (like Nulu and Everlux) are superior for workouts, as they manage sweat, offer compression, and endure intense activity. Skims' softer blends are better for comfortable all-day wear, lounging, and creating a smooth silhouette under clothes.

Does Skims sizing run the same as Lululemon?

No, their sizing systems are very different. Skims offers a much more inclusive range from XXS to 5X, designed to embrace and fit a wider variety of body shapes. Lululemon uses standard numeric athletic sizing (0-14, with some items to 20), which many people find runs slightly small.

Can you wear Skims to the gym?

While some simpler Skims pieces like their bodysuits are fine for low-impact activities like stretching or walking, they are not designed for intense workouts. They lack the moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties of dedicated activewear, making an actual athletic brand like Lululemon a better choice for the gym.

Which brand is better for leggings?

Lululemon is the clear winner for performance leggings. Their reputation was built on creating durable, flattering, and functional leggings for every type of exercise. Skims offers comfortable leggings that are great for casual wear or lounging, but they aren't meant for athletic performance.

Does Lululemon offer shapewear?

No, Lululemon does not sell shapewear. While their leggings and tops often include compressive fabrics that provide support and shaping, their main purpose is to enhance athletic performance, not to function as foundation garments.

Which brand has a better return policy?

Both brands have customer-friendly return policies. Lululemon and Skims both offer returns on unworn, unwashed items with tags still attached within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Always check their websites for the most current policy details.

Is Skims quality good?

Skims is known for its excellent initial quality, particularly its softness and comfortable fit. Most customers find the products hold up well with proper care. However, some online reviews note that items with high elasticity, like certain shapewear, can lose some of their compressive strength over time and with frequent machine washing.