I'll be honest: I wanted to love Skims. The branding is gorgeous, Kim Kardashian's marketing is compelling, and those 9 nude shades are genuinely innovative. But after ordering three times (and being stuck with pieces that didn't fit because of their return policy), I started looking for alternatives.
What I found was surprising: there are brands making better shapewear than Skims—with better policies, better compression, and often better prices. Here's my honest guide after testing the alternatives.
Why People Look for Skims Alternatives
- Final sale policy – Intimates can't be returned. If it doesn't fit, you're stuck with it.
- Light compression – Great for smoothing, but not enough for formal wear or real shaping.
- Sizing runs small – Many customers need to size up, but with final sale, you can't exchange.
- Constant stockouts – Popular sizes and colors sell out quickly and take months to restock.
- Premium pricing for hype – You're paying for the celebrity connection, not superior technology.
Our #1 Skims Alternative
Everything Skims should be: effective compression, genuine comfort, and a 60-day return policy that lets you actually try before committing.
Try HEYSHAPE Risk-Free →HEYSHAPE vs Skims: Side-by-Side
| Feature | HEYSHAPE | Skims |
|---|---|---|
| Returns | 60 days, free returns | Final sale (no returns) |
| Compression | Firm, effective shaping | Light smoothing only |
| Price Range | $49 - $89 | $32 - $98 |
| All-Day Comfort | Excellent (12+ hours) | Good |
| Nude Shades | 4 options | 9 options |
| Size Range | XS - 4XL | XXS - 4X |
| Stock Availability | Usually in stock | Frequent stockouts |
HEYSHAPE
Why HEYSHAPE Is Better Than Skims
- 60-day return policy – Try it, wear it, return it if it doesn't work. No final sale anxiety.
- Actual compression – Firm shaping that works for formal wear, not just light smoothing.
- Stays in place – No rolling, no adjusting, no riding up throughout the day.
- True seamless design – Invisible under even the thinnest fabrics.
- Better value – Superior technology at comparable (or lower) prices.
- Consistent sizing – Runs true to size, and you can return if it doesn't fit.
Free shipping on $75+ • 60-day free returns
Other Skims Alternatives Worth Considering
Honeylove
Best for maximum waist definition with built-in boning. More structured than Skims, but less comfortable for all-day wear.
Learn more →Spanx
The original. Available everywhere, reliable quality. Main downside: rolling at waistband is still an issue.
Learn more →Commando
Great for lightweight smoothing if that's all you need. Similar compression level to Skims with better return policy.
Learn more →Yitty (Lizzo)
More affordable option with good size range. Focuses on comfort over compression. Worth trying if budget is priority.
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Try a Better Alternative?
HEYSHAPE offers everything you wanted from Skims—plus a 60-day return policy that lets you actually try it. No more final sale gambles.
Shop HEYSHAPE Risk-Free →