Skims vs. Lululemon Boxers: Which one should you buy?

The core difference between Skims Boy Shorts & Boxers and Lululemon Underwear lies in their intended purpose. Skims focuses on ultra-soft, seamless fabrics designed for everyday lounging and a smooth appearance under clothes, while Lululemon engineers their underwear with high-performance technical materials for athletic activity, offering moisture-wicking support and durability.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether the comfort-first approach of Skims or the performance focus of Lululemon is right for you.

Skims Boxers & Boy Shorts

Created by Kim Kardashian, Skims boxers and boy shorts are designed to be modern essentials that prioritize softness and a body-hugging fit. They are known for their minimalist aesthetic, inclusive sizing, and silky-smooth fabrics that feel great against the skin, making them a popular choice for everyday wear and lounging.

• What it is: A collection of boxers and boy shorts focused on superior comfort, a seamless fit, and everyday wearability.
• Key features: Soft and stretchy fabrics, seamless construction to prevent lines under clothing, a wide range of neutral colors, and exceptionally inclusive sizing.
• Price: Typically $18 to $24 per pair, with bundle options often available for better value.
• Materials/Construction: Primarily made from comfortable and breathable nylon, elastane, and spandex blends that offer a soft, contouring stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Famous for its wide size range from XXS to 5X. The fit is generally true to size and designed to hug the body closely for a smooth silhouette.
• Pros: Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, seamless design is perfect under clothes, extensive size range is very inclusive, and the price point is accessible.
• Cons: Softer fabrics may not be as durable as technical performance wear, and they lack the moisture-wicking support needed for intense workouts.

This underwear is ideal for anyone who values comfort and a sleek finish for daily activities, lounging at home, or wearing under fitted outfits.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/womens-boxers

Lululemon Underwear & Boxers

Lululemon has built its reputation on high-quality activewear, and their underwear line is no exception. Designed for people on the move, these pieces use innovative, technical fabrics to deliver moisture-wicking and supportive performance, ensuring comfort and utility during workouts and throughout an active day.

• What it is: High-performance athletic underwear engineered with technical fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable during physical activity.
• Key features: Patented fabrics like Luon and Nulu, four-way stretch for freedom of movement, Silverescent technology for odor control, and moisture-wicking properties.
• Price: Higher-end pricing, usually from $28 to $38 per pair.
• Materials/Construction: Made with premium, durable technical fabrics designed to handle sweat, movement, and frequent washing while retaining their shape and supportive qualities.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a more traditional athletic apparel size range, from 0 to 14. The fit is snug and supportive without being restrictive, designed to stay in place during movement.
• Pros: Excellent durability and longevity, superior moisture-wicking and anti-odor features, provides great support for high-impact activities, and holds its shape very well.
• Cons: Significantly higher price point, less inclusive sizing compared to Skims, and the performance fit might feel too compressive for casual lounging.

This is the underwear for athletes and active individuals who demand high-performance support, durability, and technical features to support their fitness routine.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/women-underwear

Skims vs. Lululemon Comparison

Materials & Comfort

The most distinct difference is the feel and function of the materials. Skims uses exceptionally soft and stretchy blends of nylon and spandex that prioritize a smooth, barely-there feel against the skin. They are made for maximum comfort during low-key activities like working from home, running errands, or simply relaxing. It's underwear designed to feel good, first and foremost.

Lululemon chooses function over feel, though their fabrics are anything but uncomfortable. Their technical materials like Luon and Nulu are engineered to manage sweat, promote airflow, and offer four-way stretch that moves with you during a workout. They focus on maintaining comfort under stress, providing moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties that Skims' lounge-focused fabric does not. For pure lounging, Skims wins, for active comfort, Lululemon is unmatched.

Durability & Longevity

Lululemon's activewear heritage comes through clearly in the durability of its underwear. The technical fabrics are constructed to withstand the rigors of frequent, intense exercise and repeated machine washing without losing their elasticity or shape. This makes them a long-term investment for anyone with an active lifestyle.

Skims' boxers, while well-made for their purpose, are created with softer, more delicate fabrics. They will hold up well with proper care for everyday wear, but they are not designed to endure the same level of stress and friction as performance gear. Heavy and frequent athletic use might cause them to show wear, pilling, or stretching sooner than a pair from Lululemon.

Fit & Sizing

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Skims brand, and their sizing reflects that. Offering an expansive range from XXS to 5X, Skims caters to a much broader spectrum of body types. The fit is designed to hug curves and create a smooth, invisible line under clothing.

Lululemon uses a more standard athletic apparel sizing model, typically offering sizes from 0 to 14. Their fit is athletic and supportive, designed to stay put during dynamic movements without riding up or bunching. It offers a snug, compressive feel that supports muscles, which is a different goal from the contouring comfort of Skims.

Price & Value

Skims is the more budget-friendly option, with individual pairs costing between $18 and $24 and opportunities to save with multipacks. This pricing makes it accessible for stocking up on comfortable, daily essentials. The value is in getting premium-feeling everyday underwear at a reasonable price point.

Lululemon is a premium purchase, with single pairs costing $28 to $38. The value here comes from performance and durability. You are paying for technical fabrics, odor-control technology, and construction that will last through countless workouts. For someone who is very active, the higher cost can be justified by the superior longevity and function.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver on their promises, but they serve different needs entirely. The right choice depends on what you plan to do while wearing them.

Choose Skims if:

• You prioritize sublime comfort and a soft feel for everyday wear and lounging.
• You want underwear that provides a seamless, invisible finish under leggings or tight pants.
• You need inclusive sizing that a lot of other brands don't offer.
• You're looking for stylish, minimalist basics at a more accessible price point.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need high-performance underwear that can handle intense workouts, runs, and sweaty gym sessions.
• Moisture-wicking properties and odor resistance are important features for you.
• Durability is a top concern, and you are willing to invest in pieces that last a long time.
• You prefer a snug, supportive athletic fit that stays in place during any activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Skims and Lululemon underwear?

The primary difference is purpose. Skims is designed for everyday comfort, softness, and a seamless aesthetic. Lululemon is performance wear engineered with technical fabrics for athletic activities, focusing on moisture-wicking, support, and durability.

Which one is more comfortable for lounging?

Skims is undoubtedly more comfortable for lounging. Its super-soft, breathable fabrics are specifically designed for maximum comfort during low-activity moments.

Which is better for working out?

Lululemon is the clear winner for workouts. Its technical fabrics manage sweat, resist odor, and provide the support and durability needed for physical activity. Skims underwear lacks these performance features.

How does the sizing compare?

Skims offers a much more inclusive size range, from XXS to 5X. Lululemon’s sizing is more traditional for athletic brands, typically from size 0 to 14.

Is Skims true to size?

Yes, Skims generally runs true to size. However, because it’s designed for a snug, body-hugging fit, consulting their detailed size chart before purchasing is always a good idea.

Is Lululemon underwear worth the high price?

For active individuals, yes. The high price is justified by the advanced fabric technology, superior durability, and performance features like moisture-wicking and odor resistance that make a real difference during exercise.

Which brand holds up better in the wash?

Lululemon is designed to be highly durable and withstand frequent washing associated with workout gear. While Skims holds up well with proper care, its softer materials are inherently more delicate than Lululemon's performance fabrics.

Can I wear Skims boxers for yoga?

You can, but they may lack the moisture-wicking properties needed for a hot or intense yoga session. For light stretching or restorative yoga, they would likely be comfortable enough.