SKIMS: The Power of Minimalist Advertising and Body Inclusivity

In a world where fashion advertising is often loud, overly stylized, and filled with exaggerated visuals, Skims has mastered the art of subtlety. Founded by Kim Kardashian, the brand has carved a unique identity through its minimalist campaigns, body diversity, and seamless social media presence, redefining the way shapewear and everyday essentials are marketed. With a focus on neutral color palettes, authentic representation, and understated yet powerful storytelling, Skims has successfully positioned itself as a modern, inclusive, and timeless brand.

One of the key elements that make Skims stand out is its commitment to diversity in body types. Unlike traditional shapewear brands that often cater to a single body standard, Skims celebrates real, unfiltered bodies. From petite to plus-size, and everything in between, Skims actually walks the talk when it comes to body diversity—you’ll see all shapes and sizes in their campaigns, not just the usual model types. The advertising does not rely on airbrushed perfection or unattainable beauty standards, instead, it embraces the natural form. Models are shown in realistic poses, unretouched skin, and natural lighting, reinforcing the message that comfort and confidence should be accessible to everyone. This inclusive approach not only resonates with a diverse audience but also builds a sense of trust and authenticity, making customers feel seen and valued. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to feel seen and valued when shopping for clothes?

A defining characteristic of Skims’ branding is its neutral color palette, which plays a crucial role in creating a timeless and sophisticated look. The brand avoids flashy colors and patterns, opting instead for soft, muted tones like beige, brown, taupe, and black. This choice is not just aesthetic, it reflects a deeper branding strategy. Neutral tones create a calming and cohesive visual identity, allowing the focus to remain on the product rather than being distracted by overwhelming designs. The simplicity of the colors also enhances versatility, making Skims pieces feel effortlessly chic and wearable for all occasions. This timeless appeal ensures that the brand remains relevant

WHY SKIMS STANDS OUT? 

Diversity in Body Types: A Brand for Everybody

One of Skims’ biggest strengths lies in its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Unlike traditional shapewear brands that cater to a single body standard, Skims ensures its products are available in a wide range of sizes, skin tones, and fits. You’ll see this in every Skims campaign—real people, not just airbrushed models, showing off the brand’s fits. 

Neutral Palette: The Key to a Timeless Aesthetic

At the heart of Skims’ brand identity is its signature neutral color palette. From beige, brown, and black to soft pinks and grays, every collection is designed to be versatile, classic, and effortlessly stylish. The idea behind this is simple neutral tones never go out of fashion. They are not tied to fleeting trends but instead create a sense of sophistication and longevity. This approach is exactly what makes Skims’ advertising so powerful, it never feels forced, yet it leaves a lasting impression.

Minimalist Design: Subtle Yet Impactful

Skims has built a brand identity that relies on clean lines, simple typography, and no unnecessary distractions. Its advertising focuses on the product and the wearer, rather than elaborate sets or excessive styling. This is evident in every campaign, including the latest Skims Cotton Collection campaign, which featured raw, natural-looking images of models in everyday settings. By eliminating over-the-top editing and heavy production, the campaign felt relatable and authentic, further strengthening the brand’s connection with its audience. Even Skims’ product designs follow this minimalist philosophy. From form-fitting bodysuits and seamless leggings to high-waisted underwear, every piece is designed to enhance the natural body rather than reshape it dramatically. This approach has helped the brand resonate with modern consumers who prioritize comfort, function, and effortless style.

Subtle Yet Impactful Video Ads

Skims’ video ads are a masterclass in understated storytelling. Instead of using high-energy music, fast cuts, or dramatic effects, Skims opts for slow-motion shots, close-ups of fabric textures, and intimate, natural poses. This approach makes viewers focus on the product’s quality, fit, and feel, creating an emotional connection rather than just a visual one.

SKIMS IS REDEFINING FASHION—ONE ICONIC CAMPAIGN AT A TIME

Skims doesn’t just make ads—it creates moments. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping Times Square stunt or a campaign with Hollywood’s biggest names, the brand knows how to grab attention. Here’s a look at the brand’s most impactful campaigns that have taken the fashion world by storm.

1. The WNBA “Fits Everybody” Campaign: Empowering Women in Sports

Skims has always championed body positivity and inclusivity, and this campaign took it a step further by aligning with the world of women’s sports. In May 2024, Skims launched its “Fits Everybody” campaign featuring WNBA stars like Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, Dijonai Carrington, Kelsey Plum, and Skylar Diggins-Smith. This campaign was a major milestone for both Skims and the representation of female athletes in fashion. Unlike traditional sports endorsements, which often focus on performance gear, Skims celebrated these athletes off the court, showcasing their elegance, strength, and femininity. The campaign resonated deeply, proving that sports stars can be both powerful and glamorous.

Impact:

  • Skims became the official underwear partner of the WNBA.
  • The campaign went viral, amplifying the importance of diverse representation in fashion.
  • Sales of the “Fits Everybody” collection skyrocketed, with many styles selling out within days.

2. The Times Square Balloon Spectacle: Marketing on a Grand Scale

Skims is no stranger to bold marketing moves, but its March 2025 stunt took things to a whole new level . The brand unveiled a 60-foot-long inflatable of Kim Kardashian wearing a blue bikini in the middle of Times Square. This massive installation was impossible to ignore. It became a social media sensation, with pedestrians stopping to take selfies and influencers posting about the unexpected spectacle.

Impact:

  • The campaign generated millions of impressions on social media within hours.
  • It positioned Skims as a master of viral marketing.
  • The swimwear collection it promoted saw record-breaking sales.

3. The Swim Shop Collection Launch: Bold & Trendy Beachwear

Following the buzz from the Times Square spectacle, Skims launched its much-anticipated     Swim Shop collection in March 2025. This collection featured everything from animal-print bikinis to sleek cover-ups, swim capris, and even a wet T-shirt design. With an emphasis on flattering fits and high-quality fabrics, the collection was designed to make everyone feel confident in swimwear. The campaign featured diverse models, ensuring representation across all body types.

Impact:

  • The collection was widely praised for its stylish yet comfortable swimwear options.
  • Social media influencers and celebrities embraced the collection, fueling its popularity.
  • The campaign proved Skims’ ability to dominate yet another fashion category.

4. Swarovski: Adding Sparkle to Everyday Wear

In November 2023, Skims partnered with Swarovski, the renowned Austrian crystal company, to co-design a collection of body jewelry, intimates, and ready-to-wear items. This collaboration introduced crystal-embellished Skims staples, such as mesh dresses and bodysuits, blending the brand’s innovative fabrics with Swarovski’s iconic crystals. The collection was launched at Swarovski’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and was also available online through Skims’ website.

Impact:

  • The collaboration positioned Skims in the luxury fashion space, appealing to high-end consumers.
  • Social media buzz skyrocketed, with influencers and celebrities flaunting the dazzling pieces.
  • The limited-edition collection sold out quickly, proving the demand for glamorous yet wearable shapewear.

5. Skims x Pop Stars: When Music Meets Fashion

Skims has tapped into the power of pop culture by collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry. From sultry campaigns featuring Sabrina Carpenter to edgy visuals with Charli XCX and effortlessly cool moments with SZA, these collaborations have made Skims a go-to brand for music and fashion lovers alike.

Each campaign perfectly blends the artist’s unique style with Skims’ signature aesthetic, creating viral moments that dominate social media and reinforce the brand’s cultural relevance.

Impact:

  • Sabrina Carpenter: Brought a youthful, playful energy to Skims’ campaigns, attracting Gen Z fans.
  • Charli XCX: Delivered an edgy, futuristic vibe, positioning Skims as a brand that pushes boundaries.
  • SZA: Represented effortless confidence and body positivity, resonating with a diverse audience.
  • Other Pop Stars: Skims has also worked with Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey, further embedding itself in the music and fashion crossover space.

THE LEGACY OF SKIMS: MORE THAN JUST A BRAND

Skims isn’t just another shapewear brand anymore—it’s a global sensation that blends fashion, inclusivity, and pop culture effortlessly. Through groundbreaking campaigns, strategic collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to redefining beauty standards, Skims has positioned itself at the forefront of modern fashion. What sets Skims apart is its ability to tap into the pulse of contemporary culture. Skims just gets modern culture—that’s what makes it stand out. By aligning with powerful figures across industries whether in entertainment, sports, or luxury the brand has cultivated an identity that is aspirational yet relatable. Every campaign is a statement, challenging outdated norms and reinforcing the idea that confidence and style belong to everyone. From celebrating age inclusivity to merging comfort with high fashion, Skims has proven that innovation in apparel isn’t just about fabric and fit but about storytelling and impact.

Beyond aesthetics, the brand’s marketing genius lies in its ability to create viral moments. Whether through unexpected partnerships, celebrity endorsements, or visually striking campaigns, Skims continuously finds ways to keep its audience engaged and excited. The result? Collections that sell out within hours, social media flooded with praise, and a brand that remains at the center of fashion conversations worldwide.

As Skims continues to push boundaries, one thing is clear: it’s not just shaping bodies it’s shaping the way the world sees fashion. With every campaign, the brand is rewriting the rules, proving that true influence isn’t just about trends, but about creating a lasting cultural impact. And if its journey so far is any indication, the revolution has only just begun.