Skims vs Spanx: Which Shapewear Brand Actually Delivers? 

Shapewear has been around forever but the excitement around it as of late is new. Because skims vs spanx are two popular brands today, it's easy to think that they are pretty much one and the same. However, there are some differences in how each brand fits and feels. In addition, there is also a difference in what you can expect from each brand.

To compare skims and spanx without all of the usual fluff in their marketing.

The Core Difference

In the simplest terms:

Spanx = compressing and shaping

Skims = shaping and comforting.

Spanx was created with firm control in mind. The main purpose of Spanx is to hold everything in tightly, so they are primarily used for formal events, etc. where you want a more structured look.

Skims were made to fit you gently. Skims do not press to change your shape; rather, it smooths out your shape with the purpose of highlighting the contours that are already present on your body.

Comfort vs Control

This demonstrates how stark the difference is.

While debating spanx vs skims shapewear, comfort plays a major part.

Spanx

• Creates a much firmer compression

• Can be restrictive after so many hours

• Suitable only for a few hours

Skims

• Are made out of softer stretch fabrics

• Better able to breathe

• Good for all-day use

If you have ever worn a strongly compressed shapewear and wanted to remove it within a few hours, this is a major problem that Skims is attempting to find a solution for.

Design and Inclusivity

Skims focused heavily on being inclusive, offering more colors, more sizes, and more body types; therefore, many have noticed this aspect of the company.

Although Spanx has changed throughout its lifecycle, it started off with a very traditional approach, focusing more on utility than on representing different bodies.

If you care about variety, then Skims would be more appealing than Spanx would be.

Which One Should You Choose?

What you desire will influence your ultimate choice, not how the branding positions itself.

Spanx is your best option if:

• You need maximum support

• Your clothing is fitted/formal in nature

• You place a higher value on shape than on comfort

Skims is for you if:

• You would prefer your undergarments be of everyday use

• Comfort is of greater value to you than compression

• You would like a more natural appearance instead of a sculpted one

Conclusion

Skims did not replace Spanx, but Skims did change the expectations.

Spanx are still superior to Skims at providing maximum shape.

Skims provide a better experience with fitting/comfort.

So the real question is not skims vs spanx.

The real question is do you want to be physically shaped or do you want to be comfortable?

These two qualities may rarely occur together at the same level.

Explore more honest fashion insights with IT IS Mandy—where comfort meets real style.