Skims is a global phenomenon. Backed by Kim Kardashian and valued at billions, it dominates the shapewear and loungewear space. But when it comes to actual gym performance and premium construction, how does it hold up against a brand built specifically for athletes? Here is an honest comparison between Catar Cottega and Skims.
Skims is a US-based brand founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019. It started as a shapewear line and expanded into loungewear, swimwear, underwear and basics. Skims is a lifestyle brand built on celebrity influence, massive marketing budgets and mainstream appeal. Their audience is broad: anyone who wants comfortable, body-hugging basics.
Catar Cottega is a Netherlands-based premium gymwear and streetwear label. Built for serious athletes and style-driven individuals. Where Skims focuses on comfort and loungewear, Catar Cottega focuses on performance fabrics, gym-ready construction and a dark, minimal identity that crosses from training to street.
These are two very different brands with overlapping audiences. The woman who wears Skims at home might be looking for something that performs at the same level in the gym. That is where Catar Cottega comes in.
Skims is known for soft, stretchy fabrics that feel great on the skin. Their Fits Everybody line is their most praised collection for consistency and comfort. However, quality across the full range is inconsistent. Customer reviews on Trustpilot and other platforms frequently mention pilling after just a few wears, see-through fabrics, thin construction and seams that unravel. For a brand at this price point, durability is a real concern.
Catar Cottega builds for the gym first. The Empower Seamless Leggings use high-density nylon-spandex engineered for compression, stretch recovery and squat-proof performance. The streetwear range, including the Bullet Vest Sweater, uses 400GSM heavyweight cotton. Every product lists exact fabric specifications. No surprises after the first wash.
This is the fundamental difference between these two brands.
Skims is loungewear and shapewear. It is designed to look good under clothes or around the house. Their leggings are not engineered for squats, deadlifts or high-intensity training. They are designed for errands, coffee runs and casual wear. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is important to understand what you are buying.
Catar Cottega is built for the gym. Every legging is squat-proof tested. Every fabric is selected for moisture management, stretch recovery and compression during heavy lifts. The Performance 1/2 Zip Top is designed for layering during warm-ups and outdoor training. These are not lounge pieces disguised as activewear. They are engineered for athletes.
| Product | Skims | Catar Cottega |
|---|---|---|
| Leggings | €70 - €150 | €55.00 |
| Hoodie | €85 - €95 | €145.00 (400GSM) |
| T-Shirt | €40 - €55 | €65.00 |
Skims leggings are actually more expensive than Catar Cottega, despite not being built for gym performance. Their Cotton Jersey leggings retail around €70, while the Cloud and premium lines go up to €150. Catar Cottega's seamless leggings at €55 are engineered for heavy training and cost less.
For hoodies, Catar Cottega is priced higher at €145, but that reflects 400GSM heavyweight construction versus Skims' lighter loungewear hoodies at €85-€95. You are paying for fabric that is built to last years, not seasons.
The T-shirts are close in price, but serve completely different purposes. Skims tees are soft basics. Catar Cottega tees are structured, heavyweight pieces designed for both training and streetwear.
Skims is celebrity-driven. The brand exists because of Kim Kardashian's influence. The aesthetic is neutral tones, soft textures and mainstream appeal. It is designed to be safe, accessible and universally flattering. Millions of women wear it.
Catar Cottega is athlete-driven. No celebrity endorsements, no billion-dollar marketing machine. The brand grows through quality, word of mouth and a visual identity that is intentionally dark, minimal and exclusive. Limited drops, no mass restocking, no sales. You either get it or you do not.
Skims has a significant volume of negative reviews on Trustpilot and BBB. Common complaints include slow shipping, poor customer service, inconsistent sizing and difficulty getting refunds. At their scale, individual customers often feel overlooked.
Catar Cottega operates at a scale where every customer is valued. Direct communication, fast support and an unboxing experience designed to feel premium from the moment the package arrives. When you order from Catar Cottega, you are not just buying a product, you are entering a community.
Skims and Catar Cottega serve different needs. Skims is excellent for loungewear, shapewear and everyday basics. It is comfortable, well-marketed and widely available.
But if you train seriously and want your wardrobe to reflect that, Skims will not cut it in the gym. Catar Cottega is built for women and men who demand performance fabrics, gym-ready construction and a brand identity that stands apart from the mainstream.
Skims is what you wear on your rest day. Catar Cottega is what you wear when it is time to work.
Related reading:
Want the deep dive? Read our complete guide to seamless activewear covering knitting tech, fabric science, sizing and care.
Related from our Performance line: Performance 1/2 Zip Top. Engineered for athletes who train with intention. Available in our 2026 drop.
