Amazon Shapewear vs. SKIMS: An Honest Review
If you’ve spent even five minutes scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve stumbled across at least one influencer, friend, or even a celebrity raving about SKIMS shapewear. Kim Kardashian’s brand has pretty much taken over the internet when it comes to comfy, smoothing basics that somehow manage to look good on literally everyone — no matter your body type, size, or style. And to be fair, it’s easy to see why so many people swear by it: the pieces are sleek, minimal, and claim to blend seamless support with everyday comfort in a way that feels totally effortless.
But at the same time, let’s be real — not everyone wants to drop $70 on a bodysuit or sculpting short, no matter how dreamy the fabric feels. And that’s exactly where Amazon steps in. If you do even a quick search for ‘SKIMS dupe’ or ‘shapewear bodysuit,’ you’ll find pages of lookalike options that promise pretty much the same smoothing effect and barely-there vibe — all for a fraction of the price. Some even have thousands of five-star reviews claiming they’re just as good as the real thing.
So, naturally, the question pops up: Is it actually worth spending your hard-earned money on the real deal from SKIMS — or can you get away with saving your cash and grabbing one of these viral Amazon shapewear dupes instead? Should you splurge for the fancy name, or stick with the budget version and hope no one can tell the difference?
I decided it was time to find out for myself. So, in the name of internet research (and, let’s be honest, my own curiosity), I went ahead and ordered a handful of Amazon’s highest-rated shapewear pieces that promised to be SKIMS twins — plus a couple of classic SKIMS bestsellers that everyone always talks about. I wore them, washed them, layered them under outfits, sat in them for hours, and really put them to the test in my daily life.
Now, I’m ready to share my honest take on how these two really stack up. So if you’ve been eyeing SKIMS or filling your Amazon cart with shapewear that claims to be ‘basically the same,’ keep reading — because I’ve got all the details, all the pros and cons, and exactly what you need to know before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
What I Tested
To make this fair, I made sure to test items that matched up closely in style, color, and purpose. I wanted to see if the affordable versions could truly compare in real life.
- SKIMS Fits Everybody Bodysuit vs. Amazon Bodysuit Dupe
This is probably SKIMS’ most famous piece — it’s everywhere online. I picked up the Amazon version that everyone on TikTok says is a “perfect dupe.” - SKIMS Sculpting Short vs. Amazon High-Waist Control Shorts
A classic for smoothing under dresses — I grabbed Amazon’s best-reviewed alternative for this too. - SKIMS Cotton Rib Tank vs. Amazon Ribbed Tank
Not shapewear exactly, but SKIMS basics get a lot of hype, so I tested a simple ribbed tank from both.
Fabric & Feel
One of the first things I noticed was the fabric difference.
- SKIMS: The fabric really is buttery soft. The Fits Everybody Bodysuit feels super silky, stretchy, and lightweight — like a second skin. Same with the Sculpting Short — it has a nice balance of stretch and compression that feels firm but not suffocating. The Cotton Rib Tank is thick, with a quality rib knit that holds its shape wash after wash.
- Amazon: The Amazon bodysuit dupe is surprisingly close in look — but the fabric is slightly rougher, not quite as smooth. It does the job visually but doesn’t feel as luxurious. The high-waist shorts are decent and definitely add light compression, but they roll down more easily and the seams are more noticeable under clothes. The ribbed tank is actually a really solid find — soft, stretchy, and holds up fine, just not quite as premium-feeling as SKIMS.
Fit & Comfort
Next up: how they actually fit on the body.
- SKIMS: The bodysuit has a sculpting fit but feels weightless. It hugs every curve without digging in. The shorts smooth everything out and stay in place. The tank is fitted but not tight — super flattering for everyday layering.
- Amazon: The bodysuit dupe has a slightly tighter neckline and less stretch around the bust. It does shape, but it’s a bit less forgiving if you’re between sizes. The shorts do shape your tummy and thighs but can pinch at the waistband if you’re sitting for long periods. The tank fits well and looks cute under jackets or cardigans, just not quite as tailored-looking as SKIMS.
Color Options
Both brands have a pretty good range, but SKIMS wins for inclusivity.
- SKIMS: They’re known for offering lots of shades of nude for different skin tones. It’s genuinely nice to find a bodysuit or short that matches your skin instead of being too light or dark.
- Amazon: Some dupes have neutral options, but they usually stick to basics like black, white, or one or two beige tones. If you want an exact nude match, SKIMS is your best bet.
How They Look Under Clothes
This is the big test — because the whole point of shapewear is to disappear under outfits.
- SKIMS: The bodysuit is seamless and invisible under tight dresses. The shorts smooth everything without showing lines. The tank is easy to tuck in with no bunching.
- Amazon: The bodysuit dupe is pretty invisible too, unless your dress is super thin. The shorts can show slight seam lines if you’re wearing something really clingy. The tank is fine under jackets but can ride up a bit if you move around a lot.
Washing & Care
- SKIMS: They hold up surprisingly well. After multiple washes, they don’t lose shape or get stretched out — but I always air dry them to be safe.
- Amazon: Not bad at all — but the fabric can pill faster and the elasticity fades sooner. I noticed the bodysuit dupe needed extra care to keep its shape. The shorts are fine for a few wears but may get looser over time.
Price & Value
This is where Amazon wins, hands down.
- SKIMS: For the real deal, you’ll pay around $60–$70 for the bodysuit, $30–$40 for the shorts, and about $40 for the tank.
- Amazon: Most dupes cost $20 or less. Some bundles come with two or three items for the price of one SKIMS piece.
Pros & Cons: Amazon vs. SKIMS
Amazon Shapewear Pros
- Way more affordable — you can grab multiple colors without guilt.
- Pretty similar look — at first glance, they really do the job.
- Easy to order & return — Prime shipping, fast swaps.
Amazon Shapewear Cons
- Fabric isn’t as luxe — slight scratchiness, less smoothing.
- Fit can be trickier — especially if you’re curvier or between sizes.
- Durability — they can stretch out or lose shape faster.
SKIMS Pros
- Unmatched softness — truly feels premium.
- Inclusive colors — better nude shades for every skin tone.
- Holds up over time — stays smooth and fitted after many washes.
- Superior fit — more forgiving, no rolling or awkward seams.
SKIMS Cons
- Pricey — definitely an investment.
- Limited sales — they don’t discount often, so you’ll pay full price.
Table of Contents
FAQs — Amazon vs. SKIMS
Q: Do Amazon shapewear dupes really look the same in real life?
A: From a distance or under clothes, they’re surprisingly close — but you’ll feel the difference when you touch the fabric or wear it for hours.
Q: Is SKIMS worth the money?
A: If you wear shapewear often or want pieces that last a long time, the fit and comfort do justify the price. But if you just need a one-off for a special outfit, Amazon can totally work.
Q: Which brand is better for plus sizes?
A: SKIMS has a better size range, with inclusive fits that stretch comfortably without digging in. Amazon dupes often run small and can roll or pinch.
Q: How do you wash them?
A: Always wash shapewear on a gentle cycle in cold water and air dry. For pricier pieces like SKIMS, this really helps them last longer.
Q: Are there any Amazon shapewear pieces that are better than SKIMS?
A: For basics like tanks or casual bodysuits you layer under jackets, Amazon can be just as good — especially if you’re on a budget.
Final Thoughts: Should You Save or Splurge?
So, bottom line: Should you go with Amazon or stick to SKIMS? Here’s my honest take — if you want high-quality shapewear that fits like a dream, feels silky soft, and stays smooth and supportive wash after wash, SKIMS really is worth the hype. They nailed the fabric, the inclusive sizing, and that subtle smoothing magic that makes you feel confident without feeling squeezed.
BUT — if you’re just testing shapewear for the first time, shopping on a tight budget, or only need it for the occasional wedding guest dress or event, the Amazon dupes do a perfectly decent job. They don’t feel quite as luxe and won’t last forever, but they’ll save you a good chunk of money.
My Personal Verdict
For me, it’s a mix. I love my SKIMS bodysuit for when I want to feel extra smooth and snatched — but I keep a couple of Amazon pieces in my drawer for backup, layering, or days when I know I might spill coffee all over myself (oops).