Skims
United States
Skims is a Los Angeles based shapewear, underwear and loungewear brand founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede. It is privately held and was valued at about 5 billion dollars in late 2025. Skims has become one of the fastest growing intimate apparel brands, expanding from online only sales into stores, menswear and a partnership with Nike.
| Founded | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede |
| Chief executive | Jens Grede |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, United States |
| Ownership | Privately held |
| Segment | Shapewear, underwear and loungewear |
| Website | skims.com |
What is Skims?
Skims is an American brand selling shapewear, underwear, bras, loungewear and related apparel. It presents itself as a solutions oriented brand for every body, with a size range from XXS to 5XL and a palette of skin tone shades. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and is privately held.
History
Skims was launched in 2019 by Kim Kardashian, who acts as chief creative officer, and Jens Grede, who is chief executive. Emma Grede is a founding partner. The brand began as an online only business and grew quickly through product drops that often sold out.
Funding rounds lifted its valuation from 1.6 billion dollars in 2021 to 4 billion dollars in 2023 and about 5 billion dollars in November 2025, according to Wikipedia. Net sales reached around 1 billion dollars in 2024. Menswear was announced in 2023, and the brand opened a flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York.
Products and positioning
Skims competes in the accessible premium part of the market. Its range includes:
- Shapewear bodysuits, shorts and bras
- Underwear, bras and matching sets
- Loungewear, pyjamas and dresses
- Menswear, swim and maternity
- Activewear under the NikeSKIMS line
Business model and distribution
The core of the model is direct to consumer e-commerce supported by social media and the founder's reach. Skims has added own stores and wholesale through department stores such as Nordstrom in the United States, and collaborations such as NikeSKIMS, which offers sports bras, leggings, outerwear and footwear.
Why it matters
Skims shows how a founder led, digital first brand can reach billion dollar scale in intimate apparel within a few years. It has reset expectations around size inclusivity and drop driven marketing, and challenged established lingerie players such as Victoria's Secret.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Skims?
Skims is a privately held company co-founded by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, with Emma Grede as a founding partner. Outside investors have taken stakes in several funding rounds, the latest valuing the brand at about 5 billion dollars in 2025.
Who is the CEO of Skims?
Jens Grede, co-founder of Skims, is the chief executive. Kim Kardashian serves as chief creative officer.