SKIMS Men's Underwear Review: The Direct Answer Before You Buy
SKIMS men's underwear is a line of premium basics from Kim Kardashian's brand, made in cotton-modal blends, sold exclusively through SKIMS's own website. Yes, it exists. Yes, it is genuinely soft. And yes, you can do better for the price if gym performance or sustainability matter to you.
With shopping season approaching and skims mens underwear search volume peaking right now, this is the moment men are asking whether the brand delivers or just looks good on a billboard. The short answer: SKIMS offers attractive, comfortable everyday underwear with solid brand cachet. But if you train, sweat, or care about what your fabric does to the planet, the cotton-modal construction leaves real gaps that bamboo alternatives fill more convincingly.
Below you will find everything you need: fabric breakdown, style options, sizing, gym performance, a side-by-side value comparison, and a frank look at sustainability. By the end, you will know exactly whether SKIMS is the right buy, or whether a smarter alternative deserves your money.
If sustainable men's underwear is already on your radar, keep that tab open. It will be relevant.
Does SKIMS Make Men's Underwear?
Yes, SKIMS makes men's underwear. The brand launched its menswear category and offers boxer briefs, trunks, and briefs for men, available through the SKIMS website directly.
Two common mistakes trip up shoppers here. First, many readers search for SKIMS men's underwear on Amazon or in retail stores. You will not find it there reliably. SKIMS operates as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand, which means the official channel is skims.com. Third-party listings on major marketplaces should be treated with caution since SKIMS does not sell through them officially.
Second, some shoppers conflate the men's and women's lines, searching for men's styles among women's products or wondering whether men can wear women's SKIMS shapewear. They are separate categories with different cuts and constructions. The men's line is designed specifically for male anatomy.
One more thing worth knowing: SKIMS is the brand, not the manufacturer. Like most DTC companies, SKIMS designs its products and outsources production to third-party factories. That is a completely standard model in the industry, and it tells you nothing negative about quality. But it does mean "SKIMS" is a design and marketing identity, not a vertically integrated manufacturer.
SKIMS Men's Underwear: Quick Pros and Cons Pros:- Genuinely soft cotton-modal fabric with a luxurious drape
- Strong brand recognition and aesthetic appeal
- Three silhouette options (boxer briefs, trunks, briefs)
- DTC model means quality control stays closer to the brand
- Available only through skims.com, no retail or Amazon
- No publicly verified sustainability certifications
- US sizing only, no dual EU/US measurements
- Premium single-pair pricing with limited multipack options
What Is SKIMS Men's Underwear Made From?
SKIMS men's underwear is made from a cotton-modal blend. Yes, it contains cotton. That answers one of the most Googled questions about the brand directly.
Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric derived from beech wood pulp. It is significantly softer than standard cotton, holds its shape better after washing, and has a silky, draped feel that most men notice immediately. The cotton portion adds familiarity and breathability. Together, the cotton-modal blend creates a fabric that feels premium in a way that pure cotton simply does not.
Men researching material composition often prioritise stretch and softness, and the cotton-modal blend delivers on both. It moves with you, resists pilling reasonably well, and maintains its colour over multiple washes better than standard cotton underwear.
The gap is performance. Modal does not wick moisture the way technical fabrics do. Cotton, even blended with modal, absorbs sweat rather than moving it away from skin. For everyday desk-to-dinner wear, that is fine. For a serious training session, it becomes noticeable fast.
Bamboo viscose works differently. It naturally wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and carries inherent odour-resistant properties that cotton-modal blends do not match. [CITATION: Textile Exchange or similar authoritative fabric database on bamboo viscose moisture-wicking properties]
If you want to understand how cotton and bamboo underwear compare in more depth, that breakdown goes granular on the fabric science. Neither fabric is "bad." They simply serve different priorities. Know what you need before you choose.
SKIMS Men's Underwear Styles: What Are Your Options?
SKIMS men's underwear comes in three main silhouettes: boxer briefs, trunks, and briefs. Each serves a different preference, and the front opening question (which many readers raise) applies consistently across the range.
Boxer briefs are the longest option in the line, typically offering a mid-thigh inseam. They provide full thigh coverage, reduce chafing, and suit most body types. The front opening functions as a convenient fly for bathroom use without removing the waistband. Trunks sit shorter in the leg than boxer briefs, with an inseam that sits closer to the upper thigh. They offer a trimmer, more modern silhouette under fitted trousers. If you find boxer briefs bunch at the leg hem, trunks are worth trying. Briefs are the most minimal cut, with no inseam to speak of. They offer maximum freedom of movement and minimal fabric bunching.If SKIMS boxer briefs appeal to your length preference, TBô offers a directly comparable style with bamboo viscose construction. Take a look:
For the trunk cut, TBô's bamboo trunks sit in the same silhouette territory:
And if briefs are your default, there is a bamboo option for that too:
All three TBô styles feature men's underwear with a no-roll waistband, which is a practical detail that sounds minor until you have spent a day tugging your waistband back into place.
How Should SKIMS Men's Underwear Be Sized?
SKIMS men's underwear follows a standard US sizing system, running from Small through XXL or beyond depending on the style. The brand recommends sizing based on waist measurement, and general guidance suggests sizing up if you are between sizes, particularly for fitted styles like trunks and briefs where a tight fit can become uncomfortable quickly.
Check the specific size chart on the SKIMS product page for each style before purchasing, since inseam length and waist ranges can vary between silhouettes. Do not assume one size translates directly across boxer briefs and briefs.
One practical note: SKIMS does not publish dual EU/US sizing. If you are shopping from Europe or ordering internationally, you will need to convert manually, which adds friction to the purchase and uncertainty to the outcome.
TBô handles this differently by offering dual EU/US sizing on every product. If you are based outside the United States or regularly order from European sites, that eliminates the guesswork entirely. Sizing uncertainty is one of the most common reasons men return underwear. A brand that publishes both measurement systems removes that risk before you even check out.
Owners on sizing forums consistently flag that fitted underwear in particular (trunks and briefs) benefits from exact waist measurements rather than general size guesses. Measure once, order right.
Does SKIMS Men's Underwear Perform at the Gym?
Cotton-modal is comfortable at the gym, but it is not a performance fabric. SKIMS men's underwear will not let you down for a light session or a yoga class, but for high-intensity training, the fabric limitations show.
Cotton absorbs sweat. Modal is slightly more breathable than pure cotton, but it does not actively move moisture away from skin. During sustained cardio or heavy lifting, cotton-blend underwear tends to feel damp and heavy by the midpoint of a session. Owners across fitness communities report this as one of the more consistent disappointments with premium cotton-blend basics used for athletic purposes.
Moisture-wicking requires a hydrophobic fabric structure that moves sweat to the outer surface for evaporation. Cotton-modal blends are hydrophilic: they hold moisture rather than repel it. That is a fundamental material property, not a brand-specific failing.For gym use specifically, bamboo viscose performs more like a technical fabric. It wicks, regulates temperature, and resists the odour that builds when fabric stays damp against skin.
TBô's long boxer brief is worth considering if training is your primary use case:
If gym performance is your decision driver, see what else belongs in your men's gym bag essentials and check out the broader case for healthiest underwear for men before committing.
SKIMS Men's Underwear Price vs. Value: Is It Worth It?
SKIMS men's underwear is priced at the premium end of the everyday underwear market, typically in the range of $28 to $40 per pair depending on the style. Whether that is worth it depends entirely on what you are paying for.
The table below puts SKIMS and TBô side by side for a direct comparison:
| Feature | SKIMS | TBô |
|---|---|---|
| Price per pair | ~$28-$40 | Competitive premium pricing |
| Fabric | Cotton-modal blend | Bamboo viscose |
| Moisture-wicking | Limited (cotton absorbs) | Yes (active wicking) |
| Odour control | Not specified | Yes (inherent bamboo property) |
| Sizing system | US only | Dual EU/US |
| Sustainability claim | Not specified | Bamboo-based, eco-positioning |
| Availability | SKIMS.com (DTC only) | TBô website (DTC) |
| Multipack options | Limited | Yes (per-pair cost drops significantly) |
The price sensitivity angle is real. Many men searching for SKIMS underwear are specifically looking for discount codes, sale periods, or multipack bundles because single-pair prices feel steep. SKIMS does not consistently offer multipacks in the way some brands do, which pushes the per-pair cost up further.
TBô's multipack options shift the value equation considerably. If you are buying three or more pairs at once, the per-pair cost drops and the bamboo construction gives you more functional performance per pound spent. That is a meaningful difference if you are stocking up rather than buying one special-occasion pair.
If the opposite of fast fashion matters to your purchasing decisions, the value case for investing in fewer, better, more durable pairs gets even stronger.
What to Buy Instead: Affordable Alternatives to SKIMS Men's Underwear
The best affordable alternative to SKIMS men's underwear is TBô's bamboo viscose range, which offers better moisture management, dual EU/US sizing, and a stronger sustainability position at a competitive price point.
You do not need to overpay for premium feel. Bamboo viscose is naturally soft, naturally breathable, and naturally odour-resistant. These are qualities that cotton-modal blends approximate but do not match. Here are four TBô options that cover the same silhouette range as SKIMS:
Each of these is built with flatlock stitch construction, which eliminates the internal seam bulk that causes chafing during high-movement activities. It is a construction detail that makes a physical difference over a long day, and it is something you rarely see discussed in brand-level reviews.
Dual EU/US sizing is included across the range, so international shoppers are not left doing conversion maths before checkout. And unlike SKIMS, TBô publishes its sustainability positioning clearly rather than leaving it unspecified.
Sustainability: How Does SKIMS Compare to Bamboo Basics?
SKIMS does not publish specific sustainability certifications or detailed environmental claims for its men's underwear line, at least not in ways that are publicly verifiable and widely confirmed. That does not mean the brand is irresponsible. It means you cannot make an informed comparison on this dimension without those disclosures.
Bamboo viscose has a clear sustainability positioning: bamboo grows quickly, requires no pesticides in cultivation, and uses significantly less water than conventional cotton. [CITATION: Canopy or Textile Exchange - bamboo vs. conventional cotton water and pesticide use comparison] The viscose production process does involve chemicals, and responsible brands use closed-loop processing to minimise environmental impact. That is a known and documentable claim.
If environmental credentials are a serious factor in your purchase decision, the information asymmetry here matters. You can evaluate a bamboo-based brand's claims against published production standards. You cannot evaluate claims that are not made.
What genuine sustainability in men's underwear looks like:- Published fabric sourcing standards (FSC certification for bamboo, OEKO-TEX for fabric safety)
- Closed-loop viscose processing to reduce chemical runoff
- Transparent manufacturing partner disclosure
- Carbon footprint reporting or offset claims
For a broader look at what makes underwear genuinely sustainable rather than just marketed that way, the guide to sustainable men's underwear covers this with specifics. And if you are exploring more circular consumption habits broadly, the growth of online thrift shopping offers an interesting angle on reducing textile waste altogether.
SKIMS Men's Underwear FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Men buying premium underwear want answers before they commit, especially at $30+ per pair. These are the questions asked most often about skims mens underwear, answered plainly.
Does SKIMS manufacture menswear products?
Yes, SKIMS makes a dedicated men's underwear line including boxer briefs, trunks, and briefs. The range is available exclusively through the SKIMS website and is designed specifically for male anatomy, separate from the women's product line.
What material is SKIMS men's underwear made from?
SKIMS men's underwear is made from a cotton-modal blend. Modal is a semi-synthetic fibre derived from beech wood pulp, known for its softness and drape. The blend produces a smooth, stretchy fabric that feels noticeably more luxurious than standard cotton, though it absorbs rather than wicks moisture.
How should SKIMS men's underwear be sized?
SKIMS uses a standard US sizing system based on waist measurements. The brand generally recommends sizing up if you are between sizes. Always check the specific size chart on the product page, as dimensions can vary between boxer briefs, trunks, and briefs.
Does SKIMS men's underwear contain cotton?
Yes. SKIMS men's underwear is made from a cotton-modal blend, so cotton is a primary component. If you are looking for a cotton-free option with active moisture management, bamboo viscose alternatives are worth considering. Learn more in healthiest underwear choices for men.
Does SKIMS Men's Underwear perform well at the gym?
For light activity, yes. For high-intensity training, the cotton-modal construction absorbs sweat rather than wicking it, which leads to a damp, heavy feel mid-session. Technical fabrics (bamboo viscose, synthetics) outperform cotton blends for sustained athletic use.
What are affordable alternatives to SKIMS men's underwear?
TBô's bamboo viscose boxer briefs, trunks, and briefs offer comparable softness with better moisture-wicking and odour control. Dual EU/US sizing is available across the range, and multipack options reduce the per-pair cost meaningfully.
Is SKIMS men's underwear sustainable?
SKIMS does not publish specific sustainability certifications or detailed environmental claims for its men's line. Brands with verifiable bamboo or organic cotton sourcing, closed-loop processing, and published manufacturing standards provide more accountability for eco-conscious shoppers.
The Verdict: Is SKIMS Men's Underwear Worth It?
SKIMS men's underwear is worth buying if you want a soft, attractive, brand-name everyday pair and you are not training hard in it. The cotton-modal construction is genuinely comfortable for desk work, evenings out, and low-intensity movement. The brand cachet is real, the fabric feels premium, and for one-pair special-occasion purchases, it delivers on its promise.
Beyond that narrow use case, the value proposition weakens. No published sustainability credentials, limited gym performance, US-only sizing, and single-pair pricing that adds up quickly all work against it. If you are buying multiple pairs, or if performance and eco-credentials matter, the maths shifts away from SKIMS.
TBô's bamboo alternatives cover the same silhouettes with better moisture management, odour resistance, dual sizing, and a transparent sustainability position. The Pearl White 3-Pack is the most sensible starting point if you want to try bamboo basics at a value-per-pair price that SKIMS cannot match:
Still deciding? See why bamboo beats cotton for everyday underwear and give yourself the full picture. Your comfort is worth making an informed choice about. The TBô Tribe has 400,000+ members who made exactly that call. You might as well see what they found.
0 comments