SKIMS vs Spanx: How They work, Pros and Cons, and More

Beauty standards rotate, and undeniably we fall for them. Victorians were so willing to submit to required body shapes that they put their ribcages and inner organs under immense pressure. You might argue that such sacrifice in the name of fashion is absent in the modern age, yet I will argue back with reminding about Botox, fillers, makeup, and shapewear, all to achieve a certain look. Surely, established by high society fashionable appearance in the 19th century was far more demanding. Yet, dictated by social media modern trends put some expectations on every person who desires to look a la mode.  

We might be proud of ourselves (as a generation) for the long way the fashion industry has gone to achieve some tolerance, and inclusivity of all body shapes. We might have taken a few steps away from decades of featured in magazines celebrities normalized size S and diet culture. It is not that I find shapewear a strangle on women’s liberation. If wearing tight shorts and a supportive bodysuit helps you to gain more confidence, by all means go for it. The notion of it is rather noble. After all, looking more attractive than we are, is a part of our natural inclinations.  

Hence, there is no reason to deny that a slimmer body is still a goal for many. That is when modern shapewear can do marvels. You might be satisfied with your body, and still want to look perfectly smooth and curvy in that special dress. (And fortunately, enough, those slimming undergarments do not have to be worn every single day: trendy oversized outfits allow us to hide unwanted curves. However, they make it almost effortless to go a size down or wear a lightweight dress without revealing what you would rather hide.) 

Speaking of inclusivity, modern shapewear caters to a wide range of skin tones, and sizes. The versatility of shapes, lengths, separate tops and bottoms makes shapewear some sort of athletic wear rather than underwear. Although there are various brands, colours and shapes of shapewear on the market, the two leading names are SPANX and SKIMS. While the former no longer stands out as bright as it was back in the 90s and 00s, it is still an example of great shapewear. However, with Skims appearing, (and Kim Kardashian standing behind the image of the brand) the idea of shapewear was reimagined. In this article, you will find a thorough comparison of both, a veteran and a trendsetter shapewear brands, that are worth considering if you are looking for that slimming bodysuit to make you feel more confident.  

This guide is not a plain comparison of the pros and cons of the two shapewear brands. It offers a reflection on factors you would have to consider before buying a body-slimming garment. The guide is based on an analysis of customers’ reviews who had a chance to compare Skims and Spanx shapewear, and the opinion of other publications that interviewed fashion experts and doctors. 

No matter which brand you buy shapewear from, there are some factors to consider when wearing shaping undergarment.  

Type:  

Shapewear selection can be overwhelming. Catering to a vast target market, both brands, Skim and Spanx, keep expanding their styles (especially the former). And before you get all confused trying to figure out whether you need a full-body suit or a pair of shaping shorts, remember that one type is not necessarily better than the other. The main question to answer is the final result you are hoping to achieve. Full bodysuits are designed to cover the most surface area to smooth your whole body. At the same time, they are more constricting than individual pieces.   

While bodysuits can be an ideal choice for a formal event, I suggest separate tops and bottoms for everyday wear. For instance, shorts or briefs that target one area, such as the thighs or stomach, are more comfortable and could be worn on daily basis.     

Compression level and comfort:  

Shapewear is not the most comfortable piece of clothing, to begin with, especially if it compresses your entire torso. However, Spanx, as well as Skims, production improves with every piece they design, so that it does not suffocate you. Unless, of course, you choose the wrong size.   

Just like any other piece of clothes, shapewear should be chosen with size consideration. If the bodysuit is too tight around the hip area, it can constrict blood circulation. Hence, do not look for a smaller size hoping that it will compress better, but get the right one to avoid discomfort.    

Ultra-tight shapewear can also compress nerves and cause tingling sensations or numbness. Also, avoid shapewear that is too tight if you have poor circulation because such shorts and bodysuits can increase swelling in the legs.    

Basically, when buying shapewear, you want to check if it leaves any marks. If it does, the size is wrong and the undergarment is too tight. Although shapewear, unlike corsets, won’t damage your organs, wearing too-tight garments for a long time can squeeze the digestive tract and create acid reflux.    

Another effect of wearing ultra-tight undergarments can be gassiness and bloating because of gas produced with digestion and the air that you swallow while eating.  

Bottom line? The proper piece of a shapewear will be snug enough to form a smooth silhouette, yet comfortable enough to wear the whole day.    

Skin reaction:  

As per Health Cleveland Clinic “The most likely problem you might encounter with shapewear is skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin and you wear the garment for long periods.”    

The skin might become chafed, turn red or itchy, and even become infected if not taken care of on time. If shapewear causes skin irritation, take a break from wearing it, or switch to a larger size.    

Besides that, avoid wearing shapewear for too long without giving your skin a break, and stay away from sleeping in it.    

Price:  

Shapewear costs more than a basic t-shirt, and that price is rightly justified. First, a bodysuit or a shaping bottom, when chosen properly, is made of high-quality material and is meant to last. Second, shapewear is not a pair of shoes where you need several options for each season. If you are planning to wear shapewear daily, you can select one or two styles (or buy the same one in different colours) and rotate them depending on the occasion and outfit. Further, you will find a comparison of Spanx and Skims prices. Yet, considering the long-lasting soft materials, modernized production and versatile designs, shapewear is an investment into your wardrobe and style.    

Despite Spanx’s high quality and fame, the rise of other brands, Skims included, pushed the veteran brand a little behind. The brands are strikingly similar in their promise to increase the confidence of the one who wears it, by providing comfort and style. The main difference is the price. Skims’ drastic rise happened because of affordable prices and modern, minimal aesthetics. Speaking of aesthetics, that is also one of the contrariness between the two brands: Spanx is a straightforward undergarment that you would not be able to pair with your jeans and a blazer instead of a top. Meanwhile Skims resonates with a simple, clean aesthetic so often seen on Instagram.   

But, let’s look at Skims closely and see what they have to offer.