In November 2025, SKIMS, the shapewear and apparel brand co‑founded by Kim Kardashian, announced a new funding round of $225 million, a deal led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives with participation from BDT & MSD Partners. This new influx of capital brought the company’s valuation to an impressive $5 billion, marking one of the largest funding rounds for a consumer brand this year. Since its founding in 2019, SKIMS has enjoyed rapid growth, with this funding further cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing fashion brands in the industry.
The funding will be pivotal in accelerating SKIMS’ ongoing expansion. Beyond its core shapewear offerings, the brand has broadened its range to include loungewear, swimwear, and menswear. Additionally, the company has built a robust retail presence, with 18 stores across the U.S. and its first international franchise locations opening in Mexico. As the company scales, this round of funding will fuel further physical store openings and international growth, broadening its reach even more.
For Kim Kardashian, SKIMS represents a major entrepreneurial milestone. The brand has helped boost her personal net worth, which is estimated at nearly $2 billion. More than just a fashion label, SKIMS has evolved into a lifestyle brand that resonates deeply with diverse consumers, positioning it for continued success.
Moving Beyond Shapewear: SKIMS’ Growing Product Line
When SKIMS first launched, its inclusive sizing and neutral tones made it an instant hit, especially for consumers looking for shapewear that caters to a wider range of body types. As the brand has grown, SKIMS has expanded its offerings to include loungewear, swimwear, and even menswear, allowing it to tap into new markets and customer demographics. This diversification has been key to broadening the brand’s appeal and securing its spot in the competitive fashion market.
SKIMS’ decision to branch out from shapewear into these other categories has helped the brand capture more attention and maintain its rapid growth trajectory. Its swimwear and menswear lines are now attracting a wider range of consumers who might not have originally considered SKIMS when it was primarily a shapewear brand.
Retail Strategy: SKIMS Brings the Brand to Life
What sets SKIMS apart from many other digital-first fashion brands is its effective transition into brick-and-mortar retail. The company has opened 18 retail locations in major U.S. cities, creating immersive shopping experiences that reflect the brand’s aesthetic. These physical stores are designed to engage customers and offer a unique, hands-on experience, making them much more than just places to shop. They are designed to deepen customer engagement, bringing the brand’s identity to life in a tangible way.
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This strategy has been crucial in creating a stronger bond with consumers. While many e-commerce-focused brands have struggled to make the leap to physical stores, SKIMS has embraced this transition, positioning its retail locations as vital touchpoints for building brand loyalty and community.
SKIMS’ stores are designed not just for shopping, but for creating memorable experiences. The design of each location is intended to reflect the brand’s inclusive, forward-thinking ethos, further connecting with customers who are looking for a brand that shares their values.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Position
SKIMS’ partnerships have been another key factor in its rapid growth. The brand is now the official underwear partner of the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball, a significant move that has bolstered its visibility and credibility. These partnerships have helped SKIMS solidify its position as a mainstream apparel company, moving beyond its celebrity roots to become a recognized name in the industry.
The brand’s marketing strategy has also contributed significantly to its success. With Kim Kardashian’s global influence, SKIMS has been able to build an incredibly strong social media presence that drives both engagement and sales. The company’s campaigns frequently feature diverse models and emphasize inclusivity, which resonates with consumers who value representation in the brands they support. SKIMS’ approach has helped it build a loyal following, especially among those who feel underrepresented by traditional fashion companies.
Moreover, SKIMS’ emphasis on inclusivity has allowed it to attract a broad customer base. Offering a wide range of sizes and shades, the brand caters to a variety of body types and skin tones, which sets it apart from many other brands that are limited in their offerings. This inclusive approach has earned SKIMS a devoted customer base, helping it grow in an ever-competitive market.
Expanding Globally: The Road Ahead for SKIMS
With the recent $225 million funding round, SKIMS is set to expand internationally, building on the success of its U.S. operations. The brand has already opened franchise locations in Mexico, marking its first steps into the global market. Over the next year, SKIMS plans to enter additional international markets, expanding its presence and allowing the brand to reach new customers worldwide.
This global expansion raises exciting possibilities for the brand, but also challenges. Consumer preferences can differ greatly across regions, and SKIMS will need to adapt its offerings to meet local demands while maintaining its core brand identity. The brand’s ability to balance global consistency with local relevance will be crucial to its success as it ventures into new international markets.
Physical stores will play a vital role in SKIMS’ global expansion. By opening locations in major international cities, the brand plans to offer immersive experiences that deepen customer loyalty and reflect SKIMS’ unique identity. These stores will complement the brand’s robust online presence, providing customers with multiple touchpoints to engage with SKIMS.
What’s Next for SKIMS and Its Global Growth
As SKIMS continues to grow, the future will depend on the brand’s ability to maintain its momentum and adapt to the ever-changing global market. The $225 million funding round provides the resources needed for this expansion, but execution will be key. Maintaining high product quality, staying true to the brand’s ethos of inclusivity, and ensuring consistency across markets will be essential as SKIMS scales further.
While there has been speculation about the potential for an eventual public offering, for now, the focus seems to be on expanding its physical retail footprint and continuing to build its international presence. As SKIMS enters new markets, it will be important for the brand to remain flexible and responsive to local needs while staying true to the values that have made it successful.
For Kim Kardashian, SKIMS represents a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey. The brand has already achieved significant success, but the true test will be how it navigates the challenges of global expansion while maintaining the consumer loyalty that has been key to its rise.
SKIMS’ growth story is a reflection of broader trends in the fashion industry, brands that focus on inclusivity, authenticity, and delivering experiences rather than just products are resonating with today’s consumers. As SKIMS continues to grow, it will be an important case study in how celebrity-founded companies can evolve into global brands that have a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
