Skims vs. Victoria's Secret: Which brand is better? [2026]

Skims champions a modern, minimalist aesthetic with an emphasis on inclusive sizing, diverse skin-tone shades, and innovative, comfortable fabrics, positioning itself as the go-to for versatile shapewear and loungewear. In contrast, Victoria's Secret is built on a legacy of glamorous, sexy lingerie defined by lace, bold colors, and provocative designs, though it is now expanding into more comfort-focused styles.

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

Skims: The Modern Word in Comfort & Inclusivity

Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims revolutionized the shapewear and basics market by focusing on body positivity, a wide range of sizes, and a neutral, minimalist style. The brand's core customer is looking for high-quality, functional pieces that offer comfort and a smooth silhouette for everyday wear, blending seamlessly under clothing or worn as standalone loungewear.

• Product mix: Specializes in shapewear, underwear, bras, bodysuits, and loungewear. Also offers a growing line of activewear and basics like T-shirts and dresses.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-to-premium range. Shapewear starts around $30, bras are typically $35-$60, and loungewear items like hoodies or pants are often in the $50-$80 range.
• Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist, sleek, and modern. The color palette focuses heavily on nudes, neutrals, and muted tones designed to match various skin tones or layer discreetly.
• Quality & Materials: Known for signature high-performance fabrics that are smoothing, breathable, and often seamless. Materials feel soft and durable, designed for comfort and long-lasting wear.
• Sizing/Fit: A major selling point. Offers a highly inclusive range from XXS to 5X, with a reputation for being true to size and accommodating for a variety of body types.
• Sales: Holds sales much less frequently than other brands, typically around major holidays or special events with discounts often in the 15-20% range.

Skims is ideal for those seeking high-quality, supportive basics in a wide range of sizes and skin tones, prioritizing fabric innovation and a clean, modern look.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Victoria's Secret: The Legacy of Glamour & Lingerie

Victoria's Secret is an iconic American brand that has defined the lingerie market for decades with its glamorous and overtly feminine aesthetic. While traditionally known for push-up bras, lace panties, and runway-inspired looks, the brand has been modernizing its approach to include a wider range of sizes, more comfortable styles, and more diverse marketing appealing to a broader audience.

• Product mix: Extensive selection of bras, panties, lingerie, sleepwear, and loungewear. Also features popular fragrance, body care, and an activewear line under the PINK brand.
• Price point: Offers a wide spectrum of prices. Bras range from $30-$70, panties are often sold in multi-buy deals like 5 for $30, and sleepwear can range from $40-$100.
• Style & Aesthetic: Characterized by its sexy, glamorous, and bold designs. Expect lots of lace, satin, vibrant colors, animal prints, and intricate details like strapping and embellishments.
• Quality & Materials: Quality varies across product lines. Signature bra collections are generally well-constructed, but some lower-priced items may use standard cotton blends and lace that show wear more quickly.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers standard sizing, with bras typically from 30A to 40DDD. The brand is expanding its plus-size offerings, but fit can be inconsistent across different styles.
• Sales: Famous for frequent promotions and major sale events, most notably the Semi-Annual Sale, which offers discounts up to 50% or more.

Victoria's Secret is the destination for anyone who loves a traditional, glamorous approach to lingerie and enjoys the thrill of frequent sales and extensive style options.

Shop Victoria's Secret: victoriassecret.com

Skims vs. Victoria's Secret Comparison

Price Comparison

While both brands operate in a similar price bracket for single items like bras, their overall value proposition is different. Skims positioning is more premium, with higher prices justified by innovative fabrics and construction. You're less likely to find a deep discount, as sales are rare and more modest.

Victoria's Secret, on the other hand, is a haven for deal-seekers. The brand constantly runs promotions, multi-buy offers on panties, and its massive Semi-Annual Sales provide opportunities to get items for 50% off or more. This makes Victoria's Secret more accessible for shoppers on a budget or those looking to buy in bulk.

Quality & Materials

Skims consistently leads in fabric innovation. Its shapewear uses targeted compression zones, and its loungewear is prized for its buttery soft feel and durability. The focus is on seamless, comfortable, and high-performance materials that feel like a second skin.

Victoria's Secret uses more traditional materials like lace, satin, and cotton blends. The quality of its core T-shirt bras and high-end collections is generally solid and reliable. However, quality can be inconsistent, especially with lower-priced promotional items, which may not hold up as long as Skims' core products.

Product Selection & Style

The aesthetic difference is stark. Skims is minimalist, modern, and built for function. Its neutral color palette and simple silhouettes are designed to enhance your natural shape and be invisible under clothes. It's the definition of elevated, everyday essentials.

Victoria's Secret is all about making a statement. Its style is sexy, bold, and glamorous, with an emphasis on push-up designs, intricate lace, vibrant colors, and patterns. It offers a much wider variety of provocative styles, from corsets to embellished bustiers, for those who want their lingerie to be seen.

Fit & Sizing

This is one of the most significant differentiators. Skims was founded on a principle of inclusivity, offering sizes from XXS to 5X and a pioneering range of shades to match diverse skin tones. Its sizing is widely celebrated for its consistency and ability to fit a broad spectrum of body types comfortably.

Victoria's Secret has historically served a more limited size range. While the company has made positive strides in expanding its sizes and featuring more diverse models, it still falls short of Skims' extensive offerings. Some customers still report that sizing can be inconsistent between different bra styles, necessitating a try-on or careful reading of reviews.

Sustainability & Ethics

Skims launched with sustainability as a part of its brand narrative, focusing on responsible manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging. The brand is relatively transparent about its supply chain and continually messages its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

Victoria's Secret has faced scrutiny in the past regarding its environmental and ethical practices. The company has since launched sustainability initiatives, such as using more recycled materials and improving supply chain transparency, but it is still in the process of rebuilding its reputation in this area.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you're looking for in your undergarments and loungewear.

Choose Skims if:

• You prioritize comfort and innovative, soft-to-the-touch fabrics.
• You need an inclusive size range or a specific nude shade to match your skin tone.
• You prefer a minimalist, modern aesthetic with seamless silhouettes for everyday wear.
• You want high-quality shapewear that genuinely smooths and supports without constricting.

Choose Victoria's Secret if:

• You love a bold, sexy, and distinctly glamorous lingerie style.
• You are a bargain hunter who lives for big sales and multi-buy promotions.
• You want a wide variety of designs, from push-up bras to lacy sleepwear.
• You're looking for iconic fragrances and body care products to pair with your lingerie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skims or Victoria's Secret cheaper?

Victoria's Secret is generally cheaper, especially if you shop during one of its many sales or promotions. Skims positions itself as a premium brand with higher-quality materials, so its prices are typically higher and discounts are less frequent.

Which brand has better quality?

Skims is widely recognized for having superior quality in terms of fabric innovation, durability, and comfort. Victoria's Secret offers good quality in its core collections, but it can be less consistent across all its products.

Does Skims or Victoria's Secret have better sizing?

Skims has a significant advantage in sizing. Its range from XXS to 5X is far more inclusive than Victoria's Secret's, which is still expanding to cater to more body types. Skims is the clear winner for shoppers needing plus-size options.

Is Skims shapewear worth the price?

Most customers agree that Skims shapewear is worth the price due to its comfortable fit, effective shaping, and high-quality materials that don't roll or dig in. It's considered a reliable solution for a smooth silhouette under clothing.

Which brand is better for everyday bras?

This depends on your style preference. For a comfortable, seamless, and supportive T-shirt bra in a neutral tone, Skims is an excellent choice. If you prefer a bra with more lift, padding, or lace detailing, Victoria's Secret offers a much wider variety of classic styles.

Is Victoria's Secret becoming more inclusive?

Yes, Victoria's Secret has made significant efforts in recent years to become more inclusive. This includes hiring more diverse models, expanding their size ranges, and shifting their marketing message away from a singular aspirational beauty standard.

What is Skims most popular product?

Skims' most popular products include its Sculpting Shapewear (particularly the bodysuits and shorts), the Fits Everybody collection (known for its stretchy, comfortable material), and its Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress which went viral on social media.

Can you return items to both stores?

Yes, both brands have straightforward return policies. Skims typically offers free returns for store credit on certain orders within a specified window. Victoria's Secret has a long-standing and flexible return policy for items returned with a receipt.