I Tested Skims Butt-Enhancing Shapewear — Here’s My Review

Every body is different, and I personally have never wished upon a star for a bigger butt. But if there was anyone who could change that, it would be Kim Kardashian. “With Skims new shapewear you can get a butt, boobs, and amazing curves immediately,” she promises in the Fairy Butt Mother campaign, written and directed by Michelle Wolf and Ben Carey respectively — the same duo behind the video teasing the viral Skims Nipple Push-Up Bra.

Being the workout enthusiast that I am, I’ve executed many a squat in my day, and my butt and thighs are usually the reason I have to go up a size in jeans, then struggle with a waist gap. I never thought a fuller, rounder, more-lifted booty would do me any good until I tried on the Skims Push-Up Butt Enhancing Padded Mid Thigh Bodysuit ($158) and Skims Butt Enhancing Padded Legging ($88). While the pieces didn’t exactly glide on like butter, and definitely took some getting used to, they actually made me appear more sculpted — or at least like I retained a shape similar to that of the Kardashian-famous derrière. “We love showing how looking and feeling your best should be as simple and easy as putting on Skims,” the co-founder and chief creative officer states in the collection’s press release. And even though I didn’t initially feel like butt pads would make me feel my best, the gleefully surprised smile on my face suggests otherwise, doesn’t it?

Ahead, I break down the pros and cons of the The Ultimate Butt drop and offer my full review of the latest and bestselling Skims offering.

About the Skims Butt Enhancing Collection

What I Like About the Skims Butt Enhancing Collection

Let’s be honest, the most likable thing about the Skims Butt Enhancing collection is that it works. The difference in my shape (pictured above) is obvious. The fabric of the leggings and bodysuit is also just as comfortable, smooth, and “snatching” as any other Skims pieces I’ve tried. The brand’s signature blend of polyamide and elastane has a lifting and contouring feel that’s not at all impacted or lessened by the addition of butt pads.

What’s more, my enhanced shape was actually convincing to my partner. “Whoa, that actually looks real,” my boyfriend exclaimed while pointing at my newly enhanced butt cheeks as he emerged from the bedroom to watch me take these comparison shots. I also like that most of the pieces in The Ultimate Butt drop come in every signature neutral shade, as well as the full size range spanning XXS to 4X. After all, the universality of Skims is not something to be limited to any one collection.

The Skims Push-Up Butt Enhancing Padded Mid Thigh Bodysuit in Clay (back) and Skims Butt Enhancing Padded Legging in Onyx (inside out).

What to Consider Before Buying the Skims Butt Enhancing Collection

The actual feel of the Butt Enhancing products is worth noting. Because there are sewn-in pads at the rear that add a whole two inches of volume, sitting down or brushing your behind against any given object takes some getting used to. Your newly-sculpted bum might appear to be yours, but it actually belongs to the fabric of your clothing. So, there’s that — alas, it is fake. If you like the leggings specifically, you should also note that they only come in Onyx for now and are sadly waitlist-only at time of posting.

The push-up bodysuit also isn’t the easiest to shimmy into. It took me at least two minutes to secure everything in place, adjusting the straps so that my bust was padded at the right level and each butt pad was also properly situated. In short, it makes for an awkward struggle, so make sure you allow ample time for getting dressed if you plan to wear it underneath your clothes. That being said, your outfit will have to be well-considered to ensure full coverage of the shapewear down to the raw cut leg opening, which could fall a bit too low if you’re trying to pull it off with a minidress. My advice is to also check out the Skims Butt Lifting Open Bust Bodysuit ($80) if you’re seeking a bit less coverage — while this one still has thin shoulder straps, it can be worn with any bra of your choosing. As for the legs, you may have to do some careful cutting to make the bodysuit or shorts work with micro hemlines.

Where Is the Skims Butt Enhancing Collection Available to Shop?

The Skims Butt Enhancing collection is available to shop in-store and on the brand’s website, and select products are available to shop at Nordstrom — the Skims Butt Pad Midthigh Shorts ($78) and Skims Butt Enhancing Lifting Shorts ($60) — and Harrods — the Skims Butt Enhancing Padded Shorts ($91) in Sienna, Clay, and Onyx shades.

Rating

★★★★☆

Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.