Kim Kardashian’s Skims shapewear has taken the fashion world by storm, praised for its ultra-smoothing fabrics and sculpting designs that enhance curves while remaining comfortable for all-day wear. Now, the brand has taken things a step further with its new Ultimate Butt range — featuring shorts, leggings and bodysuits with built-in butt pads designed to make your bum look bigger, rounder and perkier.
But while SKIMS has built a reputation for quality and inclusivity, some of its pieces come with a hefty price tag—certain bodysuits and shaping sets from the new range cost upwards of £100. In fact, the cheapest item, the Butt-Enhancing Padded Shorts, clocks in at £78—not exactly an impulse buy.
If you love the idea of SKIMS but don’t want to splurge, you aren’t alone. We’ve been on a mission to find budget-friendly alternatives that offer similar smoothing, sculpting and seamless wear but without the premium price.
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First up, we have M&S’ Cool Comfort Seamless Bum Boosting Shorts. This £15 design is similar to Skims’ new Butt-Enhancing Padded Shorts, but £63 cheaper.
Like SKIMS, the M&S iteration has removable bum-boosting pads for a “subtle, natural-looking” lift and is seamless to avoid panty lines. One reviewer admitted they were “a little dubious” about the design, but “they make my clothes fit and look so much better.”
Another person said, “I have bought them in all three shades, and they give enhanced curves even under tight-fitting garments.” However, someone else wasn’t as impressed, saying they “make your bottom look a weird shape and do not look flattering.”
Over on Amazon, we’ve spotted a £32.99 alternative to Skims’ £131 Butt Enhancing Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. This SHAPERX Shapewear has removable bra cups, so you can customise the fit according to your body shape, and pads in the bum to tighten and lift buttocks.
Otherwise, Next offers Spanx’s Bust Mid Thigh Bodysuit for £56, which is strikingly similar to the SKIMS £88 Open Bust Bodysuit. Its open-bust design allows you to wear your own bra, while its built-in booty lifting zones offer a bum boost.
Besides the new launch, we’ve also found M&S’ Seamless Shaping Body, which looks similar to Skims’ £60 viral bodysuit. This £12 option features a compressive yet breathable, moisture-wicking finish that smooths without feeling restrictive. Its seamless design makes it invisible under clothes, and it is available in black and neutral rose quartz.
The non-padded body has earned an average 4.3-star rating, with customers praising its ability to “smooth out lumps and bumps.” One person said it’s “exactly what I needed with just enough stretch to hold in the bumps.”
However, someone noted that the wide straps “make it difficult to wear with a dress.” In that case, try Tu’s Control Shapewear Bodysuit—it has much thinner straps and is currently reduced to £11.20 from £14.
Still, if you fancy treating yourself, the new Ultimate Butt range will soon be available to shop via SKIMS.