Skims vs. Lululemon Men's Underwear: Which brand is better? [2026]

Skims men's underwear focuses on luxurious, seamless comfort with a soft, second-skin feel and inclusive sizing, making it ideal for everyday wear. In contrast, Lululemon emphasizes athletic performance, using technical fabrics engineered for moisture-wicking support and durability during high-intensity activities. The choice comes down to prioritizing all-day, minimalist comfort versus active-ready functionality.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right underwear for your needs.

Skims: The Modern Standard for Comfort &, Style

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims expanded from its shapewear roots to offer a men's line that applies the same principles of superior comfort, inclusive sizing, and a minimalist aesthetic. The brand targets individuals who value a sleek, body-enhancing fit under their clothes without sacrificing a luxurious feel. Their underwear is designed to feel almost non-existent while offering light, comfortable support for everyday life.

• Product mix: Primarily known for their exceptionally soft boxer briefs, briefs, and trunks. The collection focuses on seamless construction and simple, effective designs.
• Price point: Generally runs from $20 to $40 per pair, positioning it in the mid-range premium category.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses high-quality, lightweight blends of nylon and spandex that are stretchy, breathable, and soft against the skin, designed to create a smooth silhouette.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Minimalist and modern. Core styles feature a smooth, body-hugging look in a wide range of neutral and tonal shades that match various skin tones.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XS to 4X. The fit is generally true to size but is designed to be very snug and body-hugging due to the high-stretch fabric.

Skims is the perfect choice for a polished, seamless look and feel, delivering inclusive sizing and exceptional comfort for daily wear.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance Underwear

Lululemon has built its reputation on high-performance athletic apparel, and its men's underwear line is no exception. Designed for the active man, their underwear blends ergonomic design with advanced technical fabrics that manage sweat, reduce odor, and provide durable support through workouts and daily life. The focus is on functionality and long-lasting quality that can keep up with any level of activity.

• Product mix: Offers a range of boxer briefs and boxers engineered for performance, available under lines like "Always in Motion" and "License to Train."
• Price point: A premium activewear option, prices typically fall between $20 and $30 per pair.
• Quality &, Materials: Utilizes proprietary fabrics like Silverescent for anti-odor properties and Nulux for a lightweight, quick-drying feel. These materials are chosen for their durability, stretch retention, and moisture management.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Modern and athletic, with a structured look that prioritizes support and function. Available in a mix of neutral solids and bold colors.
• Sizing/Fit: Follows standard athletic apparel sizing from XS to XL, with some styles extending to larger sizes. The fit is snug and supportive without being restrictive, designed to move with your body.

Lululemon offers expertly engineered performance underwear that provides superior moisture management and durable support for active individuals.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Skims vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands sit in a similar premium price bracket. Skims typically costs between $20 and $40 per pair, while Lululemon ranges from $20 to $30. While overlaps exist, Skims’ upper price limit is slightly higher, reflecting its positioning as a luxury loungewear brand. Lululemon is competitively priced for the performance apparel market, and you may find more frequent deals in their "We Made Too Much" section.

The value proposition differs based on your priorities. With Skims, you're paying for a premium tactile experience and a sleek, fashionable silhouette. With Lululemon, the cost is tied to the technical fabric innovations, durability, and performance features like odor resistance.

Quality &, Materials

This is where the two brands really diverge. Skims focuses on a luxurious feel with high-quality nylon and spandex microfiber blends that are incredibly soft, smooth, and stretchy. The construction is often seamless, aimed at providing a true second-skin experience that is undetectable under clothing.

Lululemon builds its underwear with proprietary technical fabrics. For example, their Silverescent technology weaves silver threads into the fabric to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Their materials are also exceptional at wicking moisture and drying quickly. The quality here is measured by resilience and performance during physical exertion.

Style &, Aesthetic

Skims delivers a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The designs are simple, sleek, and form-fitting, meant to enhance your natural shape. The color palette is often subdued, with a focus on a wide array of tonal nudes and muted colors that offer a sophisticated and understated look.

Lululemon’s style is distinctly athletic and functional. The designs are more structured, often with ergonomic seams and a visible waistband that communicates its sporty purpose. While they offer neutral colors, a wider selection of brights and patterns is usually available, fitting the dynamic energy of the activewear world.

Fit &, Sizing

Skims stands out with its commitment to inclusive sizing, offering a broad range from XS to 4X. The fit is intended to be very close to the body, almost like a light compression garment, but its high-stretch fabric ensures comfort. Customers generally find it runs true to size, but if you're between sizes, consider a size up for a less compressive feel.

Lululemon uses standard athletic sizing, typically from XS to XL. Their fit is also snug but specifically engineered for support and movement during sports. It hugs the body to prevent chafing and stays in place during a workout. Sizing is consistent and reliable within the athletic apparel industry standards.

Shopping Experience

Skims is predominantly an e-commerce brand. Its website is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, with detailed product imagery and sizing guides. The focus is on a direct-to-consumer online experience with good customer service.

Lululemon has a strong omnichannel presence. In addition to a highly user-friendly website with extensive customer reviews, they operate hundreds of physical retail stores. This allows customers to see products in person, get fitting advice, and make returns or exchanges easily, which is a significant advantage for many shoppers.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are working toward better sustainability, but Lululemon is more transparent and established in its initiatives. It regularly publishes sustainability reports and has clear goals for using recycled materials, reducing water usage, and ensuring ethical manufacturing practices in its supply chain.

Skims is newer and still developing its public-facing sustainability strategy. The brand has made some moves toward eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing but has not yet reached the level of transparency seen with established activewear players like Lululemon.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but they are built for fundamentally different purposes.

Choose Skims if:

• Your top priority is a luxuriously soft, second-skin feel for all-day comfort.
• You want a seamless, invisible look under slim-fitting pants or dress clothes.
• You need inclusive sizing options that go beyond the standard XL.
• You prefer a minimalist and modern style in understated, tonal colors.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need high-performance underwear for workouts, running, or an active job.
• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and anti-odor features are non-negotiable.
• You prefer a snug, supportive fit that stays in place during intense activity.
• You value durability and shape-retention after repeated washing and wearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Lululemon men's underwear more expensive?

Their price points are very similar, but Skims' products can reach up to around $40 a pair, making them slightly more expensive at the top end. Lululemon typically caps out near $30 and offers more opportunities for discounts through its sale section.

Which brand is better for working out?

Lululemon is unequivocally the winner for workouts. Its technical fabrics are specifically designed to manage sweat, resist odor, and provide functional support, making it far superior for any physical activity.

Which brand is more comfortable for everyday wear?

This is subjective, but many people find Skims more comfortable for casual, everyday wear. Its focus on ultra-soft fabrics and a seamless, second-skin feel is ideal for lounging or wearing under professional attire.

Does Skims or Lululemon have better sizing?

For inclusivity, Skims is better, with a size range that extends from XS to 4X. Lululemon has a more traditional athletic range, which may not accommodate all body types.

Are Skims underwear durable?

Yes, Skims uses high-quality materials built to last through regular gentle washing. However, Lululemon's fabrics are engineered specifically for the stress of athletic use and are generally considered more resilient and durable over time.

Do Skims and Lululemon ever have sales on men's underwear?

Yes, both brands have sales. Lululemon's "We Made Too Much" section is a year-round destination for discounted items, which frequently includes underwear. Skims offers seasonal sales and promotions, often around holidays.

What is the main material difference between Skims and Lululemon underwear?

Skims primarily uses luxurious, soft blends of nylon and spandex for a comfortable, body-hugging feel. Lululemon uses advanced, proprietary technical fabrics infused with technology like Silverescent to provide performance benefits like moisture-wicking and odor-resistance.

Which brand has a better return policy?

Lululemon generally has a more flexible and convenient return policy, thanks in part to its extensive network of physical stores that allow for easy in-person returns and exchanges.