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New to Skims? These Are the Essentials Women Buy First

You don’t need a PhD in shapewear to figure out why Skims keeps selling out. The brand nailed the basics—soft fabrics, flattering cuts, and colors that don’t scream under clothes. But with a zillion options, where do you even start?

Consider this your no-nonsense guide to the Skims essentials women buy first—and why they keep coming back for more.

P.S. If you want to know more about SKIMS, read my honest review in this post.

The First-Buy Favorites: What Everyone Grabs Initially

You want the hits, not the deep cuts. When people dip their toes into Skims, they usually start with a few MVP pieces that instantly make sense in your wardrobe.

• Fits Everybody Thong or Brief – Lightweight, stretchy, and actually invisible under clothes. No pinching, no seams, no drama.

• Fits Everybody Triangle Bralette – Soft, simple, and supportive for everyday wear.It’s the “I forgot I’m wearing a bra” bra.

• Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Shorts – The shapewear staple. It smooths everything without vacuum-sealing your internal organs.

• Soft Lounge Slip Dress – It went viral for a reason. Throw it on for errands, dinner, or just to feel cute at home.

• Cotton Rib Tank and Boxer – The low-key set that makes you look polished while doing absolutely nothing.IMO, a sleeper hit.

Why These Win First

They’re versatile, they’re comfortable, and they solve real problems. You can wear them every day, not just for special occasions. Also, the color range?

Chef’s kiss. You actually get nudes that match your skin tone—what a concept.

Underwear That Disappears (In a Good Way)

If your underwear shows through, it’s not “seamless,” it’s a prank. Skims nails the invisible-under-clothes game, especially with Fits Everybody.

• Fits Everybody Thong – Ultra-thin, stretchy, and barely-there.Perfect for leggings and bodycon.

• Fits Everybody Cheeky Brief – A little coverage without lines. Ideal under jeans and dresses.

• Cotton Jersey Dipped Thong – For cotton lovers who want breathable, comfy basics.

Sizing and Fit Tips

These stretch a lot, so don’t size up “just in case.” Stick to your usual size. If you’re between sizes, you can go down for a snug, invisible fit.

FYI, the waist doesn’t roll if you pick the right size.

Bralettes You’ll Actually Keep On After Work

We all own that one bra we dramatically rip off at 6 p.m. This isn’t that. Skims bralettes feel like a cloud but still give light support.

• Fits Everybody Triangle Bralette – Everyday comfort for A–C cups.No wires, no problem.

• Fits Everybody Scoop Neck Bralette – More coverage, great under tees and knits.

• Cotton Jersey Underwire Bra – If you want structure with the softness of cotton, this one balances both.

Support Level Cheat Sheet

• Light: Triangle bralette
• Medium: Scoop neck bralette
• Structured: Cotton underwire or the Naked underwire styles

Shapewear That Doesn’t Feel Like Punishment

You asked for smooth, not suffocated. Skims shapewear actually breathes and moves with you. Wild, right?

• Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Shorts – The first-timer favorite.Smooths thighs, tummy, and butt with no VPL.
• Seamless Sculpt High-Waist Brief – Great under dresses when you don’t want the short leg.
• Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit – Wear your own bra and still get full-body smoothing.

How to Not Hate Your Shapewear

• Size correctly. If it’s impossible to pull on, you sized down too far.
• Step in. Don’t yank from the top—treat it like tights.
• Choose the right compression level.Skims labels range from light to strong. For daily wear, start with medium compression.

Lounge Pieces That Double as Outfits

Skims isn’t just underwear city. The lounge sets and dresses exploded for a reason—they’re comfy but still look intentional.

• Soft Lounge Slip Dress – Clings in the good way, not the “I can see your lunch” way.Layer with a cardigan and sneakers, done.
• Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress – Same fabric, more coverage. Date night without trying too hard.
• Cotton Rib Tank + Boxer or Legging – Elevated basics for home and errands. Pair with an oversized button-down and you look styled.

Color Strategy

If you plan to wear them out, go for deeper shades like Onyx, Cocoa, or Mineral.

They read less “pajamas” and more “cool minimalist who drinks iced coffee year-round.”

The Nude Palette That Actually Works

Skims’ biggest flex? The inclusive nude range. You can finally match your skin tone under white tops without a ghostly outline.

• Best for Fair to Light – Sand, Clay
• Best for Medium – Mica, Sienna
• Best for Tan to Deep – Umber, Cocoa, Onyx for sheer-proofing

How to Pick Your Nude

Match your undertone, not just depth:

• Cool: shades with a rosy cast
• Neutral: balanced beige-browns
• Warm/Golden: richer caramel tones

Try two nearby shades if you can.

Lighting matters. IMO, go one shade darker under white tees to avoid show-through.

What to Buy First: A Simple Starter Kit

Not sure where to begin? Build a mini wardrobe that covers daily life and occasional smoothing.

1. Fits Everybody Thong in your nude shade + black
2. Fits Everybody Triangle or Scoop Bralette to match
3. Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Shorts for dress days
4. Cotton Rib Tank as your go-to base layer
5. Soft Lounge Slip Dress for comfy-cute vibes

This combo works across outfits: leggings, jeans, bodycon, office dresses, you name it.

It’s the “capsule closet” of Skims, FYI.

Care and Longevity: Keep Them Soft and Snatched

Treat them right and they’ll last. These aren’t museum pieces, but handle with a little care.

• Wash on cold, delicate cycle.
• Use a mesh bag for bras, undies, and shapewear.
• Skip the dryer—hang or lay flat to dry.
• Avoid fabric softener on shapewear. It can kill compression.

When to Replace

If compression feels loose, bands are wavy, or straps stretch out, it’s time.

Most everyday pieces last 6–12 months with regular wear. Rotate a few to extend their life.

FAQ

Do Skims run small?

Some shapewear runs snug by design, but underwear and bralettes in Fits Everybody stay true to size. Check the size chart for measurements, not just letters.

If you’re between sizes in shapewear, go up for comfort.

Which Skims pieces work best under tight dresses?

The Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Shorts or the Open-Bust Bodysuit smooth everything without lines. Pair with the Fits Everybody Thong if you just need a minimal layer.

Are Skims worth the price?

IMO, yes—especially the underwear, bralettes, and lounge dresses. The fabrics feel luxe, the fit flatters, and the color range beats most competitors.

Start with a couple essentials before going all in.

What’s the difference between Soft Lounge and Fits Everybody?

Fits Everybody is a lightweight, ultra-stretchy microfiber for underwear and bralettes. Soft Lounge is a ribbed, silky knit used for dresses and sets—comfy but substantial enough to wear outside.

Can I work out in Skims?

Skims has activewear, but the core essentials we’re talking about aren’t gym gear. You can wear the bralette for light movement or yoga, but for sweat sessions, go with proper activewear support.

Which colors should I buy first?

Start with your nude shade and Onyx (black). Add a fashion color or Cocoa if you love deeper tones that double as outerwear.

Building around neutrals gives you the most mileage.

Final Thoughts

If you’re Skims-curious, start with the everyday icons: Fits Everybody underwear and bralettes, a Soft Lounge dress, and one shapewear piece. You’ll actually wear them, a lot. From there, you can branch into cotton sets or go bolder with bodysuits.

Keep it simple, pick smart shades, and enjoy the magic of basics that don’t feel basic.