Kim Kardashian’s shape-wear brand SKIMS, which focuses on sculpting and size inclusivity, opens its flagship in New York City. Located near Rockefeller Center, SKIMS’ sixth store occupies 6,570 sq ft.
SKIMS is a solutions-oriented brand that creates the next generation of underwear, loungewear and shape-wear, from technically constructed shape-wear that enhances curves to underwear that stretches to twice its size. The brand began as a direct-to-consumer operation and expanded into wholesale retail partnerships before launching its first brick-and-mortar store in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.
“From the brand’s inception, we envisioned physical stores as an integral part of our business model. The success of our pop-ups and partnerships with trusted retail partners allowed us to refine our approach and learn what truly resonated with our customers,” said Jens Grede, SKIMS co-founder and CEO, in a release. “This flagship store is the culmination of those learnings, offering an unparalleled experience where customers can fully immerse themselves in the world of SKIMS.”
“This flagship is a dream realised for SKIMS. We’ve created a space that perfectly embodies our brand and elevates the customer experience”, said Kim Kardashian, co-founder and chief creative officer of SKIMS. “New York City has always held a special place in my heart, and opening our first flagship here during the holidays is truly magical.”
The three-story space by design studio Rafael de Cárdenas features the brand’s full product range, including shape-wear, underwear and loungewear, as well as its holiday and exclusive collections, such as recently launched collaborations with Dolce and Gabbana and The North Face. It will also stock new product drops every month. SKIMS New York flagship store should do brisk business with it being one for the most densely populated cities in the United States and adds to its permanent stores in Georgetown, Aventura, Austin, Houston, and Atlanta in the US.
SKIMS is also sold exclusively at skims.com, net-a-porter.com, ssense.com, ounass.com, through select Nordstrom locations, nordstrom.com, through select Saks Fifth Avenue locations, saksfifthavenue.com, select Bloomingdale’s locations, Bergdorf Goodman and bergdorfgoodman.com, David Jones and davidjones.com, Selfridges and selfridges.com, Galeries Lafayette and galerieslafayette.com, Harrods and harrods.com, Holt Renfrew and holtrenfrew.com, Lane Crawford and LaneCrawford.com, KaDeWe and kadewe.de, De Bijenkorf and debijenkorf.nl, Brown Thomas and brownthomas.com, La Rinascente Milan and rinascente.it, End. Clothing and endclothing.com.
How to Find the Perfect Shape-wear for Your Outfit
What should I consider first when choosing shape-wear?
Start by looking at your outfit. Determine where the garment ends and which areas of the body you want to sculpt or smooth. Consider if the outfit has features like a backless design, strapless top, or thigh-high slit.
How do I find shape-wear for a backless dress or top?
For a low-back dress, try the Seamless Sculpt Low Back Bodysuit for core compression and chest support. If you prefer more coverage for the butt and thighs, the Low Back Bodysuit Mid Thigh is a great option. For just butt and thigh shaping, opt for the Low Back Short.
What’s the best shape-wear for a bodycon dress or tight pants?
For light compression, choose a brief-style shape-wear like the Core Control Brief that targets your hips, waist, and core. For sculpting, the Sculpting High Waist Brief provides a high-rise fit that shapes and lifts the butt while staying invisible under clothing.
How do I choose shape-wear for a wedding dress?
Comfort is key for a big day! The Mid Thigh Sculpting Bodysuit is an excellent choice, providing tummy control, chest support, butt shaping, and mid-back coverage for all-day wear.
What shape-wear works best for a strapless dress?
Pair the Ultra Fine Mesh Strapless Bra with shape-wear bottoms like the Core Control Brief or Core Control Thong for strong compression. For a lighter feel, the Barely There High-Waisted Brief or High-Waisted Thong offers light support for the waistline and core.
Which shape-wear should I use for an outfit with tight or sheer sleeves?
The Open Bust Arm Shaper provides light compression for the upper arms and back. This pullover design works perfectly with any SKIMS bra and fits under sleeves without bulk.
How do I pick shape-wear for dresses with a thigh-high slit?
Opt for a style that offers targeted sculpting without visible seams or bulk, like the Low Back Short for shaping around the butt and thighs.
What type of shape-wear is best for everyday wear?
Choose lightweight, breathable options with less compression, such as the Barely There line. These styles provide gentle shaping and comfort for all-day wear.
How do I determine the compression level I need?
Light compression: Best for everyday outfits and slight smoothing.
Medium compression: Ideal for moderate sculpting under tighter outfits.
Strong compression: Perfect for special occasions when you want maximum shaping and smoothing.
Are there specific options for sculpting just one area, like the thighs or waist?
Yes. For thighs, go with a mid-thigh shaper. For the waist, a high-waisted brief or thong offers targeted support. SKIMS also provides options for arms, such as the Open Bust Arm Shaper.
SKIMS Reaches $4 Billion Valuation
Kim Kardashian’s shape-wear label, SKIMS, has established itself as a leading force in the fashion industry, redefining the concept of inclusive and luxurious lingerie, shape-wear and loungewear. Launched in 2019, SKIMS quickly gained traction for its focus on body positivity and size inclusivity, offering products that cater to diverse skin tones and body types. The brand’s emphasis on creating solutions-oriented lingerie, shape-wear and lounge wear that combine comfort, practicality, and high fashion appeals to consumers, solidifying SKIMS as a staple in modern shape-wear.
Per BOF: ‘SKIMS, the shape-wear and intimate brand created by Kim Kardashian, has raised $270 million in a Series C funding round that values it at $4 billion… Led by Wellington Management with participation from Green Oaks Capital Partners, D1 Capital Partners and Imaginary Ventures, the new funding will go toward product innovation, category expansion and retail expansion, SKIMS said in a statement. The company is on track to reach $750 million in net sales this year, up from about $500 million in 2022. Since its founding in 2019, Skims has raised a total of $670 million.’
Retail collaborations and strategic partnerships with major department stores further boosts its profile, contributing to both sustained revenue growth and brand credibility. By staying true to its commitment to inclusivity and comfort while continuously innovating its product line, SKIMS positions itself as more than just a shape-wear brand; it has become a leader in the broader apparel industry.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.