Spanks vs. Skims: Which brand should you buy?

Spanks is the original shapewear brand, known for its affordable, functional garments that provide firm, traditional control. In contrast, Skims is a modern, fashion-forward brand focused on inclusivity, with an extensive range of sizes and skin-tone shades, softer fabrics, and a higher, more premium price point.

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

Spanks: The Affordable Shapewear Original

Spanks specializes in functional shapewear designed to smooth and sculpt the body effectively under clothing. The brand targets a wide audience looking for reliable and discreet undergarments without a hefty price tag. They prioritize firm control and a seamless silhouette, making them a go-to for special events or everyday smoothing.

• Product mix: Primarily focused on shapewear, including high-waisted shorts, bodysuits, control briefs, and tights. The selection is built around core, functional pieces rather than a broad lifestyle collection.
• Price point: Very accessible, with most items falling between $20 and $50. High-waisted shaping shorts, for example, typically cost around $25-$35.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes durable, breathable fabrics like nylon and spandex blends for effective compression. The construction is solid for the price, though some users note fabrics can lose elasticity over time compared to premium alternatives.
• Style & Aesthetic: The focus is on function over fashion. Designs are minimalist and primarily available in basic neutral tones like black and beige to remain invisible under clothing.
• Sizing/Fit: Follows standard US sizing but is known for a very firm, compressive fit. Many customers suggest sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a more comfortable feel.
• Return policy: Offers a standard 30-day return policy for items in their original condition.

Spanks offers great value for anyone seeking classic, high-compression shapewear on a budget and who prioritizes function above all else.

Shop Spanks: spanks.com

Skims: The Modern, Inclusive Shapewear Innovator

Founded by Kim Kardashian, Skims redefined the shapewear market with its focus on comfort, inclusivity, and modern style. The brand caters to a diverse, fashion-conscious audience that values an extensive range of sizes and shades. Beyond shapewear, Skims has expanded into a full lifestyle brand with loungewear, underwear, and swimwear designed with a signature soft, second-skin feel.

• Product mix: Offers a wide array of products including shapewear, bodysuits, bras, underwear, loungewear, and swimwear. Brand collaborations and new collection drops are frequent.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium brand with prices generally ranging from $30 to $80 or more. Sculpting briefs and bodysuits are often in the $40-$70 range.
• Quality & Materials: Known for innovative, high-quality fabrics that feel exceptionally soft and buttery. Materials are designed for a seamless, comfortable fit that retains its shape well after washing.
• Style & Aesthetic: Sleek, modern, and minimalist designs available in a vast palette of shades to match different skin tones. Many pieces are stylish enough to be worn as visible clothing items.
• Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusivity, offering sizes from XXS to 4X. Skims is celebrated for fitting a wide variety of body shapes and types accurately.
• Return policy: Provides a straightforward return process, reflecting a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Skims is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking exceptionally comfortable, stylish, and size-inclusive shapewear and who are willing to invest in premium quality.

Shop Skims: skims.com

Spanks vs. Skims Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Spanks is the budget-friendly choice, with most essential shapewear pieces costing between $20 and $50. This makes it a great option for trying shapewear for the first time or for those who need a functional piece for a single event without a major investment.

Skims operates at a premium price point, with items usually priced between $30 and $80. The higher cost reflects their use of proprietary fabrics, broader size and color ranges, and brand prestige. While more expensive, many customers feel the superior comfort and inclusive options provide excellent value.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce quality garments, but they prioritize different fabric characteristics. Spanks uses traditional nylon and spandex blends that offer firm, powerful compression. Their products are durable and structured to hold you in, but can sometimes feel restrictive for all-day wear.

Skims focuses on a "second skin" feel, using innovative, buttery-soft fabric blends that are famously comfortable and stretchy. While still providing support, Skims' compression is often gentler and more flexible than Spanks, making it a popular choice for long hours of wear. Skims’ materials are also known for retaining their shape and softness exceptionally well over time.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' approaches to style are starkly different. Spanks is utilitarian. Its designs are minimal, with a color palette limited to core neutrals meant to be hidden under clothing. The goal is function and invisibility.

Skims treats shapewear as a fashion category. With sleek, modern designs and a groundbreaking range of shades to match diverse skin tones, Skims pieces are created to be seen. The brand's aesthetic is coordinated, on-trend, and makes shapewear feel like a deliberate style choice rather than a hidden necessity.

Fit & Sizing

This is one of the most significant differentiators. Skims has built its reputation on offering one of the most inclusive size ranges in the industry, from XXS to 4X, catering to a wide spectrum of body types. Their pieces are designed with stretch and fit to accommodate diverse shapes.

Spanks uses standard industry sizing. While effective, its range is less extensive, and the very firm fit means some shoppers, particularly those between sizes, may find it challenging to get a comfortable fit. Sizing up is a common recommendation for Spanks products.

Product Selection

Spanks is highly focused on its core competency: shapewear. Their product line consists of classic shaping shorts, briefs, bodysuits, and hosiery designed for compression and smoothing.

Skims has a much broader product catalog. While rooted in shapewear, it offers an entire ecosystem of related products, including underwear, bras, loungewear, body tape, and even swimwear. This makes it a one-stop-shop for those who love the brand's aesthetic and feel.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Spanks and Skims are excellent at what they do, but they appeal to different priorities and budgets.

Choose Spanks if:

• You're shopping on a budget and want effective shapewear for under $50.
• You need firm, traditional compression for a specific event or outfit.
• You prefer straightforward, no-frills designs in classic neutral colors.
• You want an accessible, easily findable option that focuses solely on function.

Choose Skims if:

• Finding a perfect match for your skin tone is a top priority.
• You need an inclusive size range that caters to all body types.
• You value exceptionally soft, comfortable fabrics for all-day wear.
• You want stylish, versatile pieces that can be integrated into your wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spanks or Skims cheaper?

Spanks is consistently more affordable, with most of its core products priced significantly lower than comparable items from Skims.

Which is better quality, Spanks or Skims?

Skims is generally considered higher quality due to its proprietary, buttery-soft fabrics that are known for comfort and durability. Spanks offers good, functional quality for its price point but can feel more traditional and less luxurious.

Does Skims or Spanks offer better sizing?

Skims offers a far more inclusive size range, running from XXS to 4X, making it the better choice for shoppers who have trouble finding their size in standard ranges. Its wide array of skin-tone shades also provides a better chance of finding a perfect match.

Which brand is more comfortable?

Most customers find Skims to be more comfortable for all-day wear due to its softer, more flexible fabrics that feel like a second skin. Spanks provides a firmer compression that some may find restrictive over long periods.

Is Spanks true to size?

Spanks products tend to fit very snugly to provide firm control. While they generally align with standard sizing, many people recommend sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a less compressive fit.

Which brand has more product options?

Skims offers a much broader selection of products beyond shapewear, including underwear, loungewear, bras, swimwear, and other apparel. Spanks keeps a tight focus on its core offerings of classic shapewear and hosiery.

Can you buy both brands in stores?

Yes. Both Spanks and Skims sell directly from their websites, but they are also available in major department stores. Skims can be found in high-end retailers like Nordstrom, while Spanks is more widely available at various retail stores.