Skims vs. Pepper: Which brand should you buy?

Skims offers premium, celebrity-backed shapewear known for its sleek, minimalist aesthetic, extensive size and color ranges, and high-quality sculpting fabrics. Pepper, by contrast, is a newer, more affordable brand focusing on creating comfortable, functional, and supportive shapewear with a sporty vibe for everyday wear. The primary difference lies in positioning: Skims is a luxury-leaning fashion brand, while Pepper is a budget-friendly option prioritizing daily comfort.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe and budget.

Skims: The Inclusive Shapewear Icon

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims stormed the market by blending comfortable, high-performance shapewear with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The brand is celebrated for its incredibly inclusive approach, offering a vast array of sizes and skin tones to ensure everyone can find their perfect foundation piece. Skims is for the person who wants a seamless, sculpting effect that feels both luxurious and supportive under any outfit.

• Product mix: A wide collection of shapewear bodysuits, shorts, and briefs, alongside loungewear, underwear, and sleepwear. The brand is known for its signature seamless construction that disappears under clothing.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects the quality and branding. Underwear starts around $20, while most core shapewear pieces range from $30 to over $100.
• Quality & Materials: Skims uses innovative, high-quality proprietary textiles that offer both powerful compression and impressive breathability. The fabrics feel soft, and reinforced stitching ensures long-term durability.
• Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusivity, offering sizes from XXS to 4X. While generally true to size, consulting their detailed sizing charts is recommended to get the desired level of compression and fit.
• Sustainability: The company uses eco-friendly packaging and has stated commitments to responsible sourcing and a minimal impact on the environment.

Skims delivers a polished, high-end experience with products designed to smooth and enhance, making it a go-to for special events or achieving a perfectly clean silhouette.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Pepper: The Affordable Everyday Solution

Pepper positions itself as an empowering and accessible shapewear brand designed for a younger, active audience. Launched in 2021, its mission is to deliver durable, comfortable solutions that don't break the bank. With a focus on body positivity and functional design, Pepper is ideal for those who are new to shapewear or want reliable support for daily activities and casual wear.

• Product mix: Core shapewear products include high-waisted shaping shorts, bodysuits, leggings, and camisoles. The overall aesthetic is functional and sporty rather than ultra-sleek or invisible.
• Price point: Highly accessible and budget-friendly. Most products are priced competitively between $25 and $60, making them a great value.
• Quality & Materials: Pepper uses durable blends of nylon and spandex, with some products incorporating recycled materials. The fabrics provide good support and comfort for daily wear, though they may not feel as luxurious as premium alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers inclusive sizing typically from XS to 3X. Their products generally run true to size, designed for a fit that is snug yet comfortable enough for all-day wear.
• Sustainability: The brand actively promotes transparency in its manufacturing and its use of recycled materials in certain products.

Pepper offers great functional shapewear that provides comfortable support for an active lifestyle, all at a wallet-friendly price point.

Shop Pepper: wearpepper.com

Skims vs. Pepper Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear price difference between the two brands. Pepper is the winner for budget-conscious shoppers, with most of its shapewear falling between $25 and $60. It offers fantastic everyday value and frequent promotions that make its products even more accessible.

Skims operates at a premium price point, with most of its popular shapewear pieces costing between $30 and $100. The price reflects its celebrity branding, innovative fabrics, and extensive marketing. While more expensive, many users feel the investment is justified for the unique sculpting feel and seamless finish.

Quality & Materials

Skims leads in material innovation and a luxurious feel. Its proprietary fabrics are buttery soft, highly breathable, and offer a level of comfortable compression that feels both powerful and flexible. The seamless construction is expertly done, making it virtually invisible under tight clothing.

Pepper focuses on durability and comfort for the price. Its nylon and spandex blends are supportive and hold up well to frequent washing and wear. While not as soft or technically advanced as Skims, the materials are more than sufficient for everyday shaping and active use.

Style & Aesthetic

Skims champions a minimalist, chic aesthetic. Its neutral color palette, ranging through many nudes, beiges, and blacks, is designed to be versatile and practical. The styles are clean and modern, focused on creating a smooth, polished foundation that enhances your natural curves without being seen.

Pepper's style is much more functional and at home with casual wear. There aren't many frills, just well-thought-out shapewear pieces at low prices.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands are committed to size inclusivity, but Skims has a slight advantage with its wider range of XXS-4X compared to Pepper's typical XS-3X. Both provide detailed sizing charts to help customers find the right fit and are generally reported to be true to size.

For those at the smaller or larger end of the size spectrum, Skims will offer more options. However, both brands cater well to the majority of body types within their respective ranges.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are making moves toward sustainability, but Pepper is slightly more vocal about its practices. By incorporating recycled materials into its products and promoting supply chain transparency, Pepper makes its eco-conscious efforts a key part of its messaging.

Skims also uses eco-friendly packaging and works toward responsible sourcing, but as a larger, more established brand, some of its operational details are less public. For shoppers who prioritize clear sustainability markers, Pepper may have a slight edge.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your budget, style, and what you need from your shapewear. Both brands deliver on their promises but serve different purposes.

Choose Skims if:

• You want a truly seamless and invisible look under formal or tight-fitting clothing.
• You value luxurious, innovative fabrics that feel soft against your skin.
• Your priority is significant sculpting and a flawlessly smooth silhouette.
• You need an extensive range of sizes or skin tones to find your perfect match.

Choose Pepper if:

• You are shopping on a budget and looking for the best value.
• You need comfortable, supportive shapewear for everyday wear or an active lifestyle.
• You want durable, functional pieces and are less concerned with a high-fashion aesthetic.
• You prioritize brands that are transparent about using recycled materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Pepper cheaper?

Pepper is significantly cheaper than Skims. While Skims operates as a premium brand with prices from $30-$100+, Pepper's products are mostly in the $25-$60 range, making it the more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

Skims is generally considered to have higher quality materials due to its use of innovative, buttery-soft proprietary fabrics that offer excellent compression. However, Pepper provides solid, durable quality that is impressive for its price point and ideal for everyday wear.

What is the main difference between Skims and Pepper?

The main difference is their market position. Skims is a premium fashion and shapewear brand focused on a sleek aesthetic, seamless sculpting, and inclusive sizing. Pepper is an affordable, practical brand focused on daily comfort, support, and a functional design.

Does Skims or Pepper have better sizing?

Both brands are excellent at providing inclusive sizing. However, Skims offers a slightly broader range, typically from XXS to 4X, compared to Pepper's XS to 3X range, giving it a small advantage.

Which one is better for everyday wear?

Pepper is better for everyday wear due to its focus on comfort, durability, and a more affordable price point that allows for stocking up on basics. Its functional style works well for daily activities.

Which is better to wear under formal dresses?

Skims is the ideal choice for wearing under formal or body-conscious dresses. Its seamless construction and powerful sculpting capabilities create a smooth, invisible silhouette that enhances your figure without showing through fabric.

Are both brands sustainable?

Both brands are taking steps towards sustainability. Pepper emphasizes this more in its marketing, highlighting its use of recycled materials. Skims also uses eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices but is less vocal about the specifics than Pepper.

How do you choose the right size?

For both brands, it's crucial to consult their official size charts before purchasing. Because shapewear is designed to be compressive, using your precise measurements is the best way to ensure you get a fit that is supportive but not uncomfortably restrictive.