Skims vs. Shapermint: Which brand should you buy?

Skims is a premium brand known for its fashion-forward designs, high-quality materials, and extensive range of skin tones and sizes, often at a higher price. In contrast, Shapermint focuses on delivering affordable, comfortable, and practical shapewear for everyday use, with frequent sales and bundle deals making it a budget-friendly option.

Let's compare them directly to help you decide which brand is the right choice for your needs.

Skims: The Modern, Fashion-Forward Solution

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims stormed into the market by redefining shapewear with a focus on body positivity, inclusivity, and a minimalist aesthetic. The brand appeals to customers who want smoothing and sculpting solutions that feel modern and luxurious, with an unmatched variety of tones to create a seamless, second-skin look under clothes.

• Product mix: A wide array of shapewear bodysuits, shorts, and briefs alongside popular collections of underwear, loungewear, and activewear.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects its materials and branding. Shaping briefs are around $36, while bodysuits can cost up to $68 or more.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes innovative nylon and spandex blends designed for softness, stretch, and durability. Many pieces feature seamless construction and double-layered panels for targeted compression.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive sizing from XXS to 5X. Skims typically runs true to size, but its items are designed to be very snug for maximum sculpting.
• Style: Sleek, minimalist designs available in a signature palette of neutral tones intended to match a diverse spectrum of skin shades.

Skims is ideal for those seeking high-performance, stylish shapewear and who are willing to invest in premium quality and a contemporary aesthetic.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Shapermint: The Affordable Everyday Essential

Shapermint's mission is to make effective and comfortable shapewear accessible to everyone. The brand operates as a direct-to-consumer online marketplace, offering functional products that flatten, smooth, and support without requiring a huge budget. Its customer base is focused on practicality and value for daily wear.

• Product mix: Strictly focused on shapewear, with a variety of high-waisted briefs, shaping shorts, camisoles, leggings, and bodysuits.
• Price point: Very budget-friendly. Most items are priced between $15 and $40, with frequent discounts bringing prices even lower. High-waisted briefs are often available for around $20.
• Quality & Materials: Made from comfortable, economical nylon and spandex blends that prioritize comfort and wearability. The construction is practical for daily use but may not be as durable as premium alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide size range from Small to 4X. Shapermint products are known for their comfortable stretch and generally fit true to size.
• Style: Functional and straightforward. The aesthetic prioritizes function over fashion, sticking to basic colors like black, beige, and nude.

Shapermint provides reliable, comfortable shaping solutions that are perfect for daily use without a significant financial investment.

Shop Shapermint: shapermint.com

Skims vs. Shapermint Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is one of the biggest distinctions between these two brands. Skims operates in the premium category, with individual shapewear items generally landing in the $30 to $70 range. This cost is justified by its use of advanced fabrics, intricate construction, and strong brand marketing.

Shapermint is the clear winner for budget-conscious shoppers. With most products priced between $15 and $40, it's significantly more affordable. Frequent promotions, bundle deals, and seasonal sales make their shapewear even more accessible. For the cost of one Skims bodysuit, you could often buy two or three pieces from Shapermint.

Quality & Materials

Skims invests heavily in high-quality materials, often featuring buttery-soft, breathable fabrics with a seamless finish to disappear under clothing. The stitching and construction are designed for long-term wear, maintaining their compressive qualities after many washes. These elements give Skims products a distinctively luxurious feel.

Shapermint products are made from more standard, economical blends of nylon and spandex. While comfortable and effective for everyday shaping, the material may feel less refined and might not offer the same longevity as Skims. For daily wear and moderate shaping, Shapermint's quality is more than adequate, but it lacks the premium feel and advanced fabric technology of Skims.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is where Skims truly stands out. The brand is known for its modern, minimalist aesthetic and a groundbreaking range of neutral shades designed to match various skin tones. This focus makes Skims pieces feel inclusive and fashionable, with some items even designed to be worn visibly as part of an outfit.

Shapermint’s aesthetic is pure function. Designs are simple and practical, offered in classic shapewear colors like black and beige. The focus isn't on making a fashion statement but on providing a reliable foundation that works under your clothes. If you just want a practical tool without any extra frills, Shapermint delivers.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands prioritize inclusive sizing, but their ranges differ slightly. Skims offers an exceptionally broad range from XXS to 5X, leading the industry in size diversity. Its products are designed for a second-skin feel, meaning they fit very snugly but remain comfortable for extended wear. The sizing is consistently praised as true to size.

Shapermint also provides good size inclusivity, with most items available from Small to 4X. Their products are made with ample stretch to accommodate various body shapes within each size. Shoppers generally find the sizing to be accurate, though some may size up if they prefer a less compressive, more comfortable fit for all-day wear.

Shopping Experience

Shopping on the Skims website feels like a luxury experience, with high-end photography, detailed fit guides, and a sleek, user-friendly interface. While select retailers like Nordstrom carry Skims, the primary channel is its official website, which offers smooth navigation and good customer service.

Shapermint’s online store is built for convenience and value. The website is easy to navigate, with constant promotions and bundle offers displayed prominently. The shopping experience is more straightforward and less focused on a luxury feel, prioritizing clear information and easy checkout. Both brands offer flexible return policies.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your budget, style priorities, and what you need from your shapewear.

Choose Skims if:

• You want a nearly invisible look with seamless designs and a huge range of skin tones.
• You are willing to invest in high-quality materials that are durable and feel luxurious.
• A fashion-forward, modern aesthetic is important to you.
• You need an exceptionally wide size range (from XXS to 5X).

Choose Shapermint if:

• You are shopping on a tight budget and love finding a good deal.
• You need comfortable, reliable shapewear for everyday challenges, not special occasions.
• You prioritize practical function over a luxurious feel or trendy designs.
• Ease of wear and all-day comfort are your primary concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Shapermint cheaper?

Shapermint is significantly cheaper than Skims. Most Shapermint products are priced under $40, while Skims items typically start around $30 and go up from there. For shoppers focused on value, Shapermint is the more budget-friendly choice.

Which has better quality?

Skims generally offers higher quality products, made with more premium, innovative fabrics and seamless construction. Their pieces are designed for superior feel and durability. Shapermint provides good quality for its price point, but its materials are more standard and economical.

Which brand is better for plus-size figures?

Both brands are excellent for plus-size customers. Skims offers a slightly broader range, going up to a 5X. Shapermint offers sizes up to a 4X. Skims is often praised for its range of tones for diverse skin shades, while Shapermint is noted for its accommodating stretch.

Does Skims or Shapermint run true to size?

Yes, both brands are generally considered true to size. Skims products are designed to be very form-fitting for maximum shaping, so they will feel very snug. Some shoppers recommend sizing up in Shapermint for a more forgiving, all-day comfort fit.

Which brand offers more compression?

Skims offers items with varying levels of compression, including collections with double-layered panels or power-mesh linings for very strong, targeted control. While Shapermint offers effective shaping, Skims provides more variety for those seeking truly firm compression for special events.

Can you wear Skims as outerwear?

Yes, many Skims bodysuits, tees, and leggings are designed with a minimalist aesthetic that makes them suitable for wear as part of an outfit. This versatility is a key differentiator from Shapermint, whose products are designed strictly as undergarments.

Where are Skims and Shapermint products sold?

Both are primarily direct-to-consumer brands sold through their official websites. You can find some Skims products at authorized retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Net-a-Porter, but the fullest collection is online. Shapermint is sold almost exclusively on its own website.

What are the return policies?

Both brands offer flexible return policies. Shapermint generally has a 30-day window for returns on unworn items. Skims also typically offers a 30-day window and well-regarded customer service to handle returns and exchanges smoothly.