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

Skims is a premium shapewear and loungewear brand known for its innovative, high-quality fabrics, inclusive shade range, and fashion-forward designs. In contrast, Popilush focuses on providing comfortable, reliable, and functional shapewear at a more affordable price point, making it a strong contender for everyday wear.

Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right shapewear brand for your needs.

Skims: The Premium Innovator in Shapewear

Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims quickly captured the market with its modern and minimalist aesthetic combined with technically advanced fabrics. The brand targets consumers who want high-performance, comfortable undergarments and loungewear that sculpt and smooth the body. With an emphasis on body positivity, Skims offers one of the most extensive size and shade ranges available, cementing its reputation as a leader in inclusivity.

• Product mix: A wide array of shapewear bodysuits, shorts, and briefs, alongside bras, underwear, loungewear, and dresses. The brand is known for signature collections like "Fits Everybody" and "Seamless Sculpt."
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects its quality and branding. Underwear starts around $20, popular bodysuits are in the $65-$98 range, and loungewear pieces can exceed $100.
• Quality & Materials: Skims is known for its high-quality, innovative fabric blends that offer effective compression while remaining comfortable and breathable. The seamless construction ensures a smooth look under clothes.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. The brand provides detailed size charts and fit guides to help customers find the perfect match for their body type.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern, sleek, and minimalist, with a deep portfolio of neutral and tonal nudes to match a wide variety of skin tones.
• Return policy: Standard return policy, typically within 30 days for unworn items with tags attached.

Skims offers a luxurious feel, a fashion-conscious aesthetic, and innovative materials for those willing to invest in premium foundation garments.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Popilush: Comfort and Value for Everyday

Launched in 2020, Popilush aims to make effective shapewear accessible to a broad audience by focusing on comfort, functionality, and affordability. The brand's target customer is someone looking for reliable, easy-to-wear pieces for everyday use and special occasions without a high price tag. Popilush also champions body positivity, offering a good range of sizes to cater to different body shapes and needs, including postpartum support.

• Product mix: Offers a comprehensive collection of shapewear, including bodysuits, shorts, and dresses, alongside loungewear, sleepwear, and postpartum essentials.
• Price point: Very budget-friendly, with most items priced between $25 and $80. A comparable bodysuit often costs between $35-$50.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes comfortable and durable nylon and spandex blends designed for good stretch, breathability, and all-day wear. The material is seamless and lightweight.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is inclusive, generally running from S to 3X or 4X. Customers report that items tend to fit true to size and are comfortable for extended periods.
• Style: Features a simple, modern aesthetic focusing on practicality. Products come in neutral colors and straightforward designs intended for versatility and layering.
• Return policy: Emphasizes customer satisfaction with a flexible return policy.

Popilush provides solid, comfortable, and affordable shapewear that is ideal for daily use and budget-conscious buyers.

Shop Popilush: popilush.com

Skims vs. Popilush Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between Skims and Popilush is their pricing structure. Skims positions itself as an accessible luxury brand. A popular sculpting bodysuit from Skims will typically cost around $78, while a single pair of underwear can be $20 or more. While Skims does participate in seasonal sales, its products consistently command a premium price that reflects its brand name and material innovation.

Popilush is clearly the more budget-friendly choice. A similar style of bodysuit from Popilush might be priced between $35 and $50. The brand frequently offers site-wide discounts, bundle deals, and promotions, making it much more accessible for shoppers who want to build a collection of shapewear without a large financial commitment. For an everyday piece, Popilush offers compelling value.

Quality & Materials

Skims has built its reputation on its proprietary fabrics that deliver a unique combination of smoothing compression, softness, and second-skin comfort. Materials in collections like "Seamless Sculpt" are engineered to be both powerful and flexible, contouring the body without feeling restrictive. The construction quality is high, with durable finishes that hold up well over time, maintaining their shape and elasticity through many wears and washes.

Popilush uses reliable fabric blends like nylon and spandex that are lightweight, seamless, and breathable. While the materials are comfortable and offer good shaping, they don't have the same buttery-soft feel or innovative, compressive technology as Skims. The quality is solid for the price point, and customers find the items durable enough for regular use, but Skims has the advantage in terms of premium feel and advanced fabric technology.

Style & Aesthetic

Both brands favor a modern and minimalist aesthetic, but with different goals. Skims is more fashion-forward, with designs that feel intentional and on-trend. The brand’s extensive palette of nude shades and sleek, simple designs make the pieces feel luxurious and considered. It’s shapewear designed to not just be functional but also stylish and discreet under modern clothing.

Popilush's style is rooted in simplicity and practicality. The designs are functional, comfortable, and versatile, intended to work seamlessly for everyday wear. While the aesthetic is clean and modern, it prioritizes function over fashion. You'll find core neutral shades that are easy to layer, but not the same trend-conscious approach or extensive shade matching available at Skims.

Fit & Sizing

Inclusivity is a core principle for both brands. Skims excels in this area, offering an impressive size range from XXS up to 4X, and sometimes 5X in certain styles. This extensive range, combined with its many shades, ensures most people can find a product that fits well and matches their skin tone. The fit is designed to be contouring and body-hugging, providing a sculpted silhouette.

Popilush also offers inclusive sizing, typically from S to 3X or 4X. Its products are praised for fitting true to size and having enough stretch to accommodate different body types comfortably. While its size range might not be quite as expansive as Skims, it successfully caters to a broad majority of consumers seeking a comfortable, non-restrictive fit for daily activities.

Sustainability & Ethics

Neither Skims nor Popilush is a leader in sustainable and ethical manufacturing, but both have taken introductory steps. Skims has incorporated some recycled materials into its products and packaging but has faced calls for greater transparency regarding its supply chain and labor practices.

Popilush mentions using eco-friendly fabrics but provides limited public information about its sourcing and manufacturing processes. For shoppers who prioritize sustainability, more research into both brands would be necessary, as transparency is not a primary focus for either at this time.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your budget and what you value most in a foundation garment.

Choose Skims if:

• You are looking for premium, innovative fabrics that provide superior sculpting and a second-skin feel.
• A minimalist, fashion-forward aesthetic and perfect skin-tone matching are important to you.
• You are willing to invest more in a single, high-quality piece for special occasions or frequent wear.
• You want the most extensive size range available on the market, from XXS to 4X.

Choose Popilush if:

• You are budget-conscious and want excellent value without sacrificing quality.
• You need comfortable, reliable shapewear for everyday use rather than high-compression sculpting.
• You appreciate simple, practical designs that are functional and easy to wear under any outfit.
• You want fuss-free, flexible shapewear with a true-to-size fit for all-day comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Popilush cheaper?

Popilush is significantly cheaper than Skims. Most Popilush shapewear costs between $25 and $80, while Skims' pieces often range from $30 for basics to over $100 for more complex items. For shoppers on a budget, Popilush is the more affordable option.

Which brand has better quality?

Skims is generally considered to have higher quality materials due to its investment in innovative, proprietary fabrics that offer a more luxurious feel and stronger compression. However, Popilush offers very good quality for its price point, with durable materials suitable for regular wear.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

Popilush is often preferred for everyday wear because of its focus on all-day comfort, breathability, and affordability. Its less intensive compression makes it ideal for long hours at work or running errands. Skims' "Fits Everybody" collection is also very popular for daily use due to its incredible comfort.

Do Skims and Popilush run sales?

Yes, both brands run sales. Popilush has frequent sales, coupons, and bundle deals available on its website. Skims typically has two major sales per year (the Bi-Annual sale) where shoppers can find significant discounts on popular styles.

What are the return policies?

Skims generally offers a 30-day return window for unworn items with tags attached. Popilush also provides a straightforward and flexible return policy, emphasizing customer satisfaction and typically offering a similar window for returns.

Which brand is more size-inclusive?

Both brands champion size inclusivity, but Skims has a slight edge with a broader range that often extends from XXS to 4X, and sometimes 5X. It also offers a much wider range of nude shades to match different skin tones, making it a leader in inclusivity.

Where can I buy Skims and Popilush?

Skims is sold on its official website, skims.com, and through authorized high-end retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Popilush is primarily available on its official website, popilush.com, and can also be found on marketplaces like Amazon.

What makes Skims unique?

Skims' uniqueness comes from its blend of innovative fabric technology, a celebrity-driven fashion aesthetic, and unmatched inclusivity in sizing and shades. It successfully transformed shapewear from a purely functional item into a fashionable statement piece.