SKIMS has some of the most innovative shapewear on the market, but its loungewear isn’t worth the hype

• Kim Kardashian West launched SKIMS in 2019 with a line of inclusive shapewear, including lopsided shorts, a waist trainer, and pasties.
• The brand has expanded to launch 32 collections, including loungewear, accessories, and most recently, footwear.
• After buying and reviewing items from SKIMS for over a year, I have found that its shapewear adds something to my wardrobe that I couldn’t find elsewhere.
• But every time there’s a new loungewear launch from SKIMS, it feels like a missed opportunity — and frankly, I’m tired of its repetitive releases.
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When Kim Kardashian West launched SKIMS in September 2019, it made a splash as a shapewear brand meant to cater to all body types. 

SKIMS released its initial collection of shapewear in sizes ranging from XXS to 5XL, and in colors meant to mirror a range of skin tones. The brand aimed to set itself apart from competitors with its collection of undergarments designed to fit under a variety of silhouettes.

Some of SKIMS’ conversation-starting items were its controversial waist trainer, nude-toned body tape and pasties that offer solutions for strapless tops and dresses, and its Solution Short, a one-sided short undergarment designed to be worn with dresses or skirts that have a thigh-high slit.

Since launching its initial line of shapewear products, SKIMS has released 32 collections across various categories, including loungewear and accessories — and most recently, footwear.

Earlier this week, SKIMS launched The Slide, a $78 faux-fur, indoor slipper that comes in five colors. To me, this is just another example of a SKIMS loungewear item that looks comfortable and chic, but compared to the brand’s innovative shapewear, isn’t worth the price tag. I could easily get a pair of similar slippers from Madewell or Anthropologie for a less expensive price. 

Lately, SKIMS' loungewear launches have felt lazy to me

Based on my experience testing out both loungewear and shapewear from SKIMS, I think the brand should stick to expanding the latter.

From the moment it launched, SKIMS' shapewear has followed up on the brand's dedication to inclusivity. For instance, its shapewear garments are available in nine different skin shades, and the size range extends to 4X/5X, which is something that a lot of competing brands don't have.

Spanx, for example, has been around for over 20 years, and its shapewear only comes in two colors and goes up to 3X. 

After buying items for over a year, I've found that shapewear from SKIMS adds something to my closet that I couldn't find elsewhere. But every time SKIMS announces a new loungewear launch, it feels like a missed opportunity to put more focus on its wardrobe-enhancing undergarments. 

SKIMS' loungewear lines tend to sell out instantly, but after trying them, I don't understand the hype

The first loungewear line SKIMS launched was its Cotton Collection. It featured leggings, bras, tanks, and underwear that could be worn on their own or layered underneath clothes. 

When it first launched, the collection sold out almost immediately, but I was finally able to try it when it restocked in June. I ordered two bottoms: the Cotton Rib Boxer ($32) and the Cotton Rib Thermal Leggings ($52). In my experience, the boxers rode up and weren't comfortable enough to wear on their own outside of the house, and the leggings were soft but, in my opinion, were basically a glorified pair of long johns. 

In December 2019, SKIMS launched another loungewear line: the Cozy Collection. It included a knit robe ($128), a knit tank ($52), knit shorts ($58), and knit pants ($88). I decided to give the tank and pants a try because I'm always looking for cozy loungewear to wear around my apartment that looks more polished than a T-shirt and underwear. 

While I agree with reviews from fans that the Cozy Collection is extremely soft, I found myself constantly tripping over the wide-leg pants, pulling up the straps of the tank top, and feeling overheated because the fabric was so thick. This was yet another example of a SKIMS collection that I felt was cute — but wasn't worth the price. 

On the other hand, SKIMS' shapewear pieces have always made me feel confident and ready to show off my curves

Two SKIMS shapewear items that I reviewed and would purchase again are the Long Sleeve Crew Neck Thong Bodysuit ($78) and the Maternity Sculpting Mid-Thigh Short ($34). 

As a self-professed lover of basics, I think the bodysuit is a nice addition to any wardrobe. The thong design was not always the most comfortable at times, but wearing underwear underneath the garment could easily fix that. I would recommend sizing up in this because they are on the tighter side and can fit a bit snug. 

Now that I'm almost six months pregnant, I decided to finally dive into SKIMS' shapewear by buying the Maternity Sculpting Mid-Thigh Short.

Although I had issues putting it on because it was a bit tight at first, once I had it on I found that it was easy to wear comfortably for hours, I loved how it accentuated my baby bump, and the "pee hole" design made a huge difference when it came time to use the restroom. 

With SKIMS launching a new collection almost weekly, I feel that moving forward, I'm going to be more selective about what I get from the brand.

I get why the brand might want to add sweatpants, plush robes, and slippers to its repertoire to help diversify its offerings, but time and time again, I find that with its loungewear lines, I'm buying into the SKIMS name and not the quality of the items.

Representatives for SKIMS did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

• Read more:
• I bought a $26 pair of underwear from Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand, but my $24 Tommy John boyshorts are still my favorite for everyday wear
• The thong bodysuit from Kim Kardashian's SKIMS line wasn't the most comfortable, but it's a basic that will make you feel sexy
• I tried 9 items from Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand and ranked them from worst to best
• Kim Kardashian says SKIMS' new maternity line is not meant to slim baby bumps after criticism