Skims

Skims is an American shapewear and clothing brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede, and Jens Grede.[1] Skims emphasizes body positivity and inclusivity, offering a full range of inclusive sizing. The company is valued at over $5 billion as of 2025.[2][3]

History

The company was сo-founded in June 2019 by American media personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian and Swedish entrepreneur Jens Grede.[4] Kardashian's then-husband Kanye West was credited as being her "Ghost Creative Director" and for creating the company's logo.[5][6] Prior to creation of this line, Kardashian was inspired by her own creative work of altering clothes, stating she "[has been] designing shapewear for 15 years".[7]

Skims' initial launch resulted in more than $2 million in profit and the company selling out of merchandise in 10 minutes.[8] The company claims to have sold more than three million products in its first year in business.

In April 2021, the company was reported to be worth over $1.6 billion.[2] After further investments, the valuation of Skims was reported at $3.2 billion in January 2022.[4][9]

In March 2022, Skims made it on TIME's List of 100 Most Influential Companies of the year 2022.[10]

In October 2023, Skims announced the company's first venture into menswear with a collection of underwear, t-shirts, socks, and tank tops designed for men. [11][12]

In December 2024, actress Nia Long was featured in a Skims shapewear campaign.[13]

Products

Skims produces clothes in sizes ranging from XXS to 5XL.[14] The brand's shapewear was designed to accommodate different skin tones and comes in nine shades.[14] In addition to shapewear, Skims has released an array of collections in loungewear, lingerie, and accessories, including bras, underwear, bodysuits, dresses, shorts, sweatpants, tops, hoodies, sweaters, and slides.[14][15]

The brand originally only sold to consumers via their website, skims.com, but availability later extended to a variety of online websites and in-store at Nordstrom.[16][17]

Controversies

The company was originally named Kimono Intimates by Kardashian and Jens Grede.[4][2] The company's initial name was criticized by critics which argued that it disrespected Japanese culture and ignored the significance behind the country's traditional outfit. The mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, wrote to Kardashian asking her to reconsider the company name and trademark for Kimono. Later, Kardashian announced that she would change the company's name to Skims.[26][27]

Marketing

The company frequently utilizes influencer marketing by having celebrities and social media influencers wear their clothes.[28] Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian have been seen wearing Skims numerous times on social media and in Skims advertising campaigns.[28] Other celebrities that have participated in Skims campaigns include Paris Hilton, Megan Fox, Kate Moss, Precious Lee, Candice Swanepoel, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Alessandra Ambrosio, Rosalía, Paris Jackson, Becky G, Brooke Shields, Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert, Snoop Dogg, Chelsea Handler, SZA, PinkPantheress, Lana Del Rey, Ice Spice, Neymar, Nick Bosa, Sabrina Carpenter, Nelly Furtado, Charli XCX, Kim Cattrall, Lana Condor, Coco Jones, Hari Nef, Tate McRae, Rosé, and Nicola Coughlan.[28][29]

Financials

Skims' initial launch resulted in more than $2 million in profit and the company selling out of merchandise in 10 minutes.[8] The company claims to have sold more than 3 million products in its first year in business.[14]

In April 2021, the company was reported to be worth over $1.6 billion.[2] In January 2022, Skims was reported over to be worth $3.2 billion. After further investments, the valuation increased to $4 billion in July 2023.[4][9]

As of 2024, Skims generated around $1 billion in net sales.[30]

Awards

In 2021, founder Kim Kardashian was given a "Brand Innovator" award for her work on Skims by Wall Street Journal Magazine's Innovator Awards.[31]

In November 2022, Skims received the inaugural "Innovation Award" presented by Amazon Fashion at the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards. Cofounders Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede, and Jens Grede accepted the award at Casa Cipriani in Manhattan, New York.[32]

External links