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

Skims is designed for modern body-conscious comfort, offering sleek shapewear and loungewear with a focus on inclusive sizing and a minimalist aesthetic. In contrast, The North Face creates high-performance outdoor apparel and equipment, prioritizing durability, weather resistance, and rugged functionality for active adventures.

Let's compare these two distinct brands to help you decide which one best fits your lifestyle and wardrobe needs.

Skims: The Leader in Modern Shapewear and Loungewear

Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims has rapidly gained popularity for its innovative approach to shapewear and loungewear. The brand is built on a foundation of body positivity and inclusivity, offering solutions-oriented apparel in a wide array of sizes and neutral tones. Skims is the go-to brand for those wanting comfortable, sleek, and versatile basics that enhance natural curves without sacrificing comfort, making it a favorite for everyday wear.

• Product mix: Specializes in shapewear, underwear, bras, bodysuits, and an extensive collection of loungewear and sleepwear made from famously soft fabrics.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range to premium category. Shapewear starts around $30, while popular loungewear sets can range from $100 to $150.
• Sizing/Fit: A core brand strength, offering highly inclusive sizing from XXS to 4X or 5X. Products are designed for a body-hugging, seamless fit that moves with you.
• Style/Aesthetic: Known for its minimalist, sleek, and modern aesthetic. The color palette is dominated by neutral, tonal shades designed for easy mixing and matching.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes soft, innovative fabrics like nylon and spandex blends that offer both stretch and support for a smooth, comfortable feel.
• Where to buy: Available on its official website and through high-end retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Skims delivers exceptional comfort and a modern, inclusive approach to basics, making it perfect for anyone focused on figure-enhancing styles for lounging and everyday life.

Shop Skims: skims.com

The North Face: The Specialist in Outdoor Performance Gear

Established in 1966, The North Face is an iconic brand known for its high-performance outerwear and outdoor equipment. It built its reputation by creating gear that withstands the harshest conditions, making it a trusted name among hikers, climbers, and adventurers. Today, its rugged, functional aesthetic has also found a home in urban environments, appealing to style-conscious consumers who value durability and technical innovation in their everyday wardrobe.

• Product mix: Extensive range includes insulated jackets, fleece, waterproof shells, backpacks, footwear, and camping equipment.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium, reflecting its technical construction. Fleeces and hoodies often start around $80-$120, while technical jackets can range from $150 to over $300.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a standard fit, generally true to size. Garments are often designed with enough room for layering, providing mobility for active use.
• Style/Aesthetic: Combines rugged, outdoor-inspired functionality with a modern, urban look. Its pieces are as common on city streets as they are on mountain trails.
• Quality & Materials: Renowned for durability, using advanced materials like waterproof Gore-Tex and DryVent fabrics, as well as proprietary thermal insulations for excellent warmth.
• Where to buy: Sold through its official website, dedicated retail stores, sporting goods retailers, and major department stores.

The North Face is the undisputed choice for anyone who needs reliable, innovative, and durable gear that performs in challenging weather while offering a versatile, outdoor-inspired style.

Shop The North Face: thenorthface.com

Skims vs. The North Face Comparison

Price Comparison

While both brands operate in a premium space, their pricing reflects entirely different product categories. A Skims body-conscious loungewear set might cost between $100 and $150, which is directly comparable to the price of a mid-weight fleece or a basic rain jacket from The North Face.

Skims' individual shapewear and underwear pieces are more accessible, often falling between $30 and $80. In contrast, The North Face's primary investment pieces, like their iconic insulated jackets, start around $200 and can go much higher depending on the technical features. Your investment depends on your priority: fashionable, comfortable everyday layers (Skims) or high-performance, weather-proof outerwear (The North Face).

Quality & Materials

Quality at Skims is defined by comfort and fit. The brand uses custom-blended fabrics with high percentages of spandex and nylon to create a soft, stretchy, second-skin feel. The construction is focused on seamless edges and smooth compression that is durable for frequent wear and washing.

The North Face defines quality through resilience and performance. Their products are made with industry-leading technical materials like waterproof-breathable membranes (Gore-Tex, DryVent), down and recycled synthetic insulations (ThermoBall), and abrasion-resistant face fabrics. Every detail is engineered to protect against wind, rain, and cold temperatures over years of use.

Style & Aesthetic

Skims has a distinctively minimalist and sleek aesthetic. The brand's identity is built around neutral skin tones and a modern, body-contouring silhouette. These are versatile foundational pieces meant to be layered or worn on their own for a clean, understated look.

The North Face has a rugged, functional style that has become popular in streetwear. It features bold logos, color-blocking, and utilitarian details like multiple pockets and adjustable hoods. While rooted in outdoor performance, jackets like the Nuptse and Denali have become fashion symbols, blending outdoor credibility with urban style.

Fit & Sizing

This is where Skims truly excels. The brand's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its vast size range, typically from XXS to 4X, catering to a much broader range of body types than most mainstream apparel companies. The fit is intentionally snug and body-hugging to provide shaping and support.

The North Face offers standard sizing and generally fits true to size. The fit is more performance-driven, designed for mobility and with enough room to accommodate base and mid-layers underneath. While not as expansive as Skims, their sizing accommodates a wide range of consumers looking for functional outerwear.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are addressing sustainability, but The North Face has a more established and comprehensive program. The company has longstanding commitments to using recycled materials, promoting animal welfare with its Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and offering a circularity program to repair and recycle old gear. Its goals are deeply integrated into its brand identity.

Skims is newer to the sustainability conversation but has started making progress by incorporating recycled fabrics and using eco-friendlier packaging. While consumers who prioritize sustainability may lean toward The North Face, Skims is taking steps in the right direction.

Which one should you choose?

The right brand for you depends entirely on what you're looking for. These brands serve very different purposes but are both leaders in their respective fields.

Choose Skims if:

• You prioritize comfort, softness, and a body-hugging fit for lounging and everyday life.
• You need a wide and inclusive range of sizes that cater to diverse body shapes.
• Your style is minimalist and modern, and you prefer a neutral, tonal color palette.
• You are looking for versatile basics, shapewear, or bodysuits that layer smoothly under other clothing.

Choose The North Face if:

• You need durable, high-performance outerwear for outdoor activities or harsh weather.
• You value technical innovation like waterproof and insulated materials.
• Your style blends functional, rugged elements with modern urban fashion.
• You prioritize brands with long-standing, robust sustainability and ethical manufacturing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or The North Face more expensive?

They are difficult to compare directly due to different product types. An entire Skims loungewear outfit may cost a similar amount to a North Face jacket ($150-$250). Individual Skims pieces are cheaper, but a high-performance winter coat from The North Face is a larger single investment.

Which brand is better for cold weather?

The North Face is objectively better for protection against cold, wet, and windy outdoor conditions. Its jackets are engineered with technical insulation and weather-proof shells. Skims products, like their cozy fleece loungewear, are excellent for staying warm and comfortable indoors.

Are Skims products good for working out?

While some Skims pieces are stretchy and comfortable, they are not designed as performance athletic wear. They lack the moisture-wicking and targeted support features found in dedicated activewear brands.

Why is The North Face so popular for casual wear?

The North Face has become a staple in streetwear and casual fashion due to its blend of rugged utility, brand recognition, and high-quality construction. Its classic jackets are seen as a timeless style statement that is also highly practical.

Does Skims offer outerwear?

Skims has expanded its collection to include some outerwear items, like cozy fleece jackets and lounge-style coats, but these are designed for style and indoor warmth rather than technical performance against weather.

Which brand has a better return policy?

Both brands offer fairly standard return policies. Skims typically offers a 30-day return window for unworn items with tags attached, while The North Face offers a more generous 60-day return policy. Always check their websites for the most current information before purchasing.

Can I find Skims and The North Face at the same store?

Yes, major high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Selfridges often carry both brands, though in different departments. The North Face will be in outerwear or active sections, while Skims is typically in lingerie and loungewear.

Which brand is more sustainable?

The North Face has a much longer and more developed sustainability program, focusing on recycled materials, responsible down sourcing, and buy-back/repair programs. While Skims is making efforts, The North Face is the clear leader in this area.