Skims has become a household name in the world of shapewear, lounge, and intimates. But many fans still wonder: who owns Skims? In this article, we explore Skims’ ownership, leadership, and financial standing, along with a look at its parent companies and brand structure.
SKIMS Profile
Skims is a fashion and shapewear brand based in the United States. It was launched in September 2019 by media personality and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, along with Jens Grede and Emma Grede. The company specializes in shapewear, underwear, loungewear, and more recently, menswear.
Skims was created to solve a common problem: most shapewear lacked inclusivity in sizing and skin tone. The founders aimed to develop a brand that combined comfort, functionality, and representation for all body types and complexions.
The brand quickly resonated with consumers. Its marketing leaned heavily on Kim Kardashian’s celebrity reach, combined with a modern, inclusive brand message. Skims also focused on direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales through its own website, allowing greater control over branding and customer experience.
Company Details
- Founded: 2019
- Founders: Kim Kardashian, Jens Grede, Emma Grede
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Industry: Apparel – Shapewear, Intimates, Loungewear
- Business Model: Direct-to-consumer (DTC), online-first with selective retail partnerships
- Valuation (2025): Over $4 billion
- Core Products: Shapewear, underwear, bras, loungewear, and menswear
- Size Range: XXS to 5X (varies by product)
- Shades: 9+ inclusive skin tones
- Retail Partners: Nordstrom, SSENSE, and select pop-ups
- Investors: Thrive Capital, Imaginary Ventures, Kim Kardashian, Jens Grede.
Major Milestones
2019 – Brand Launch
Skims launched in September 2019 and sold out of many items within minutes. The initial collection focused on shapewear in a wide range of shades and sizes.
2020 – Expansion Into Loungewear
In response to growing demand for comfort-focused apparel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Skims introduced loungewear. The new products, including robes, pajama sets, and bralettes, became popular with customers looking for both style and comfort.
2021 – $1.6 Billion Valuation
After gaining immense traction in its first two years, Skims secured outside investment. A Series B funding round valued the company at $1.6 billion.
2022 – High-Profile Partnerships and Continued Growth
Skims collaborated with Fendi, marking its entry into high fashion. The collection, led by Kim Jones and Kim Kardashian, sold out quickly. The company also expanded its retail presence through pop-ups and a partnership with Nordstrom.
2023 – $4 Billion Valuation and Entry Into Menswear
A Series C funding round led by Thrive Capital pushed Skims’ valuation to $4 billion. The company also launched Skims Mens, entering a new market segment with boxer briefs, undershirts, and performance wear.
2024 – Official Underwear Partner of Team USA
Skims was selected as the official underwear and loungewear provider for Team USA at the Paris Olympics. This move reinforced the brand’s global recognition.
Who Owns SKIMS: List of Shareholders
SKIMS, founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian, Jens Grede, and Emma Grede, has evolved into a $4 billion shapewear and lifestyle brand. Its ownership structure includes a mix of founders and prominent investors.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the major shareholders of Skims as of 2025:
| Shareholder | Type | Estimated Ownership | Role / Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Kardashian | Co-founder / Individual | ~35% | Brand ambassador, creative lead, marketing strategy, global visibility. |
| Jens Grede | Co-founder / Individual | ~35% | CEO, operations lead, business strategy, investor relations. |
| Emma Grede | Co-founder / Individual | ~8% | Chief Product Officer, product development, diversity and inclusion initiatives. |
| Thrive Capital | Venture Capital Firm | ~10–12% (est.) | Led Series C round, strategic financial support, long-term investor. |
| Imaginary Ventures | Venture Capital Firm | ~3–5% (est.) | Early investor, consumer brand expertise, long-term support. |
| Wellington Management | Institutional Investor | Undisclosed | Led 2023 funding round, institutional backing, growth funding. |
| D1 Capital Partners | Institutional Investor | Undisclosed | Participated in Series C round, global expansion support. |
| Lone Pine Capital | Hedge Fund | Undisclosed | Invested in 2022 round, focus on high-growth companies. |
| Greenoaks Capital | Venture Capital Firm | Undisclosed | Provided funding and strategic support in recent rounds. |
| Alliance Consumer Growth | Private Equity Firm | Undisclosed | Specialized consumer growth support, product expansion, and scale expertise. |
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is the co-founder and largest individual shareholder of Skims, owning approximately 35% of the company. She plays a pivotal role in the brand’s creative direction, marketing strategies, and product design. Her influence and global recognition have been instrumental in Skims’ rapid growth and cultural impact.
Jens Grede
Jens Grede, co-founder and CEO of Skims, holds an estimated 35% stake in the company. He oversees the brand’s operations, strategic planning, and expansion initiatives. Under his leadership, Skims has achieved significant milestones, including international store openings and product line diversification.
Emma Grede
Emma Grede, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Skims, owns about 8% of the company. She is responsible for product development and innovation, ensuring that Skims’ offerings meet the diverse needs of its customer base. Emma’s background in fashion and commitment to inclusivity have been vital to the brand’s ethos.
Thrive Capital
Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is one of Skims’ significant institutional investors. While the exact percentage is undisclosed, Thrive Capital has participated in multiple funding rounds, contributing to Skims’ valuation growth and providing strategic support for its expansion.
Imaginary Ventures
Imaginary Ventures, co-founded by Natalie Massenet and Nick Brown, is an early investor in Skims. The firm specializes in consumer-focused brands and has supported Skims through its growth phases. Imaginary Ventures’ investment underscores confidence in Skims’ market potential and brand vision.
Wellington Management
Wellington Management, a Boston-based investment firm, led a significant funding round in 2023, valuing Skims at $4 billion. Their involvement indicates institutional confidence in Skims’ business model and future prospects. Wellington’s investment is expected to aid in Skims’ product innovation and global expansion efforts.
D1 Capital Partners
D1 Capital Partners, a global investment firm, participated in Skims’ Series C funding round. Their investment aligns with their strategy of backing high-growth companies in the consumer sector. D1 Capital’s support provides Skims with additional resources for scaling operations and exploring new markets.
Lone Pine Capital
Lone Pine Capital, a hedge fund known for investing in growth-oriented companies, joined Skims’ funding efforts in 2022. Their participation reflects confidence in Skims’ trajectory and the leadership team’s ability to execute its vision.
Greenoaks Capital Partners
Greenoaks Capital Partners, a venture capital firm, also invested in Skims during its funding rounds. Their involvement brings additional expertise and financial backing, supporting Skims’ continued growth and innovation.
Alliance Consumer Growth
Alliance Consumer Growth, a private equity firm focusing on consumer brands, has invested in Skims to support its expansion and product development initiatives. Their experience in scaling consumer businesses adds strategic value to Skims’ growth plans.
Who is the CEO of SKIMS?
As of 2025, Jens Grede serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Skims, the shapewear and lifestyle brand co-founded with Kim Kardashian and Emma Grede in 2019. Under his leadership, Skims has evolved into a global fashion powerhouse, valued at $4 billion, with a diverse product range and a growing international retail presence.
Background and Career
Jens Grede is a Swedish entrepreneur with a rich background in fashion and marketing. Before Skims, he co-founded the denim brand Frame and was involved in various ventures that connected celebrities with fashion brands. His experience in brand building and marketing has been instrumental in Skims’ rapid growth and popularity.
Leadership at Skims
As CEO, Grede oversees Skims’ strategic direction, operations, and expansion efforts. He has been pivotal in transitioning Skims from a digital-first brand to one with a significant brick-and-mortar presence. In 2024, Skims opened flagship stores in major cities, including a three-story location on New York’s 5th Avenue, enhancing the brand’s physical retail footprint.
Strategic Vision
Grede’s vision for Skims includes expanding its product lines and entering new markets. He has emphasized the importance of inclusivity and innovation in product development. Under his guidance, Skims has launched men’s collections and collaborated with major brands like Nike to create the NikeSkims line, focusing on women’s training apparel and accessories.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Grede has indicated plans for Skims to go public, stating, “We think it deserves to be a public company.” The company continues to explore opportunities for growth, including expanding its retail presence in Europe and diversifying its product offerings.
SKIMS Net Worth
As of 2025, Skims is valued at approximately $4 billion, maintaining its valuation from the previous year. This valuation was achieved following a $270 million Series C funding round in July 2023, led by Wellington Management, with participation from Greenoaks Capital Partners, D1 Capital Partners, and Imaginary Ventures.
Revenue and Profitability
In 2023, Skims reported $750 million in revenue, marking a 50% increase from the previous year’s $500 million. The company has been profitable, with an estimated net profit of $190 million in 2023.
Skims benefits from high gross margins typical of the apparel industry, likely in the 50-60% range. Its direct-to-consumer model and the marketing influence of co-founder Kim Kardashian contribute to lower customer acquisition costs compared to traditional retailers.
Ownership and Stake Value
Kim Kardashian, co-founder of Skims, holds an estimated 35% stake in the company. At the current valuation, her stake is worth approximately $1.4 billion, making Skims the most valuable asset in her business portfolio.
Strategic Partnerships and Expansion
In early 2025, Skims announced a partnership with Nike to launch a new women’s activewear brand, NikeSkims. This collaboration aims to introduce training apparel, footwear, and accessories for women, debuting at select U.S. retail locations and online, with plans to expand globally by 2026.
Additionally, Skims is set to open its first UK flagship store on Regent Street, London, by summer 2026. This expansion follows the brand’s existing presence through concessions in Selfridges and Harrods, marking a significant step into the UK market.
Here’s an overview of the SKIMS net worth from 2019-25:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (Valuation) | Key Milestones and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~$10 million | Skims officially launched. |
| 2020 | ~$100 million | Early success and growing demand during pandemic. |
| 2021 | ~$500 million | Expanded product lines; high demand for inclusive sizing. |
| 2022 | ~$1.6 billion | Raised Series B funding led by Thrive Capital. |
| 2023 | ~$4 billion | Closed Series C round; revenue hit $750 million. |
| 2024 | ~$4 billion | Expanded into men’s and physical retail stores. |
| 2025 | ~$4 billion | Partnered with Nike; UK flagship store announced. |
Brands Owned by Skims
As of 2025, Skims has expanded its portfolio beyond its original shapewear line to encompass a diverse range of products and brands. This growth includes strategic acquisitions and the development of new product lines, positioning Skims as a comprehensive lifestyle brand.
Here’s a list of the major brands owned by Skims:
| Brand / Entity | Type | Launched / Acquired | Key Focus | Ownership Status | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKKN by Kim | Acquisition | Acquired in 2025 | Skincare, cosmetics, and fragrance | Fully owned by Skims | Originally launched under Coty; now merged into Skims for unified lifestyle vision. |
| SKIMS Mens | Internal Brand Launch | Launched in 2023 | Men’s basics: underwear, socks, shirts | Owned and operated by Skims | Introduced to target a new demographic beyond women’s wear. |
| NikeSKIMS | Co-branded Collaboration | Announced 2025 | Women’s activewear, shoes, and accessories | Joint brand (Nike + Skims) | Global launch plan; combines Nike’s sportswear with Skims’ inclusivity ethos. |
| The North Face x Skims | Limited Edition Collab | Released in 2024 | Skiwear and winter fashion | Co-branded (limited edition) | 14-piece collection; expanded Skims into performance winterwear. |
| Fendi x Skims | Luxury Collab | Released in 2021 | High-end shapewear, swimsuits, leather pieces | Co-branded (limited edition) | Generated over $1 million in early sales; merged high fashion and shapewear. |
| Swarovski x Skims | Fashion/Jewelry Collab | Released in 2023 | Crystal-embellished fashion and accessories | Co-branded (limited edition) | Launched with Swarovski for a glam capsule line; debuted at NYC flagship. |
SKKN by Kim
In March 2025, Skims acquired the beauty brand SKKN by Kim from Coty, consolidating Kim Kardashian’s beauty and fashion ventures under one umbrella. This acquisition allows Skims to expand into skincare, cosmetics, and fragrance, with plans to launch new products in these categories starting in 2026. The move aims to streamline the brand’s offerings and create a unified lifestyle experience for consumers.
SKIMS Mens
Launched in October 2023, SKIMS Mens marked the brand’s entry into men’s apparel. The line includes underwear, t-shirts, socks, and tank tops, designed with the same focus on comfort and inclusivity that defines the women’s line. The introduction of SKIMS Mens reflects the company’s commitment to catering to a broader demographic and expanding its market reach.
NikeSKIMS
In early 2025, Skims announced a partnership with Nike to create a new women’s activewear brand, NikeSKIMS. This collaboration aims to combine Skims’ expertise in body-positive design with Nike’s performance-focused apparel, offering a range of training apparel, footwear, and accessories for women. The initial launch is set for select U.S. retail locations and online, with plans for global expansion by 2026.
The North Face x Skims
In December 2024, Skims collaborated with The North Face to release a 14-piece skiwear collection. The collection includes beanies, leggings, fleece jackets, and outerwear, all designed in Skims’ signature neutral tones. This partnership allowed Skims to enter the luxury skiwear market, offering stylish and tailored alternatives to traditional bulky ski apparel.
Fendi x Skims
In October 2021, Skims partnered with Italian fashion house Fendi to create a capsule collection of branded shapewear, leather dresses, and swimsuits. The collaboration was inspired by a 1978 Fendi collection and generated significant sales upon release. This partnership highlighted Skims’ ability to merge luxury fashion with its inclusive design philosophy.
Swarovski x Skims
In November 2023, Skims collaborated with Austrian crystal brand Swarovski to launch a collection featuring tops, skirts, jewelry, and sportswear adorned with crystals. The collection debuted at Skims’ flagship store in New York City and was well-received for its blend of glamour and innovation. This partnership showcased Skims’ versatility in merging jewelry design with ready-to-wear fashion.
Final Thoughts
So, who owns Skims? The answer is a mix of celebrity influence, entrepreneurial leadership, and smart investment. While Kim Kardashian is the public face and major shareholder, Jens Grede runs the company as CEO. Venture firms like Thrive Capital also play a big role in its growth and valuation.
Skims continues to grow, innovate, and lead in the shapewear space. Its diverse ownership structure allows it to blend celebrity-driven branding with a strong business strategy.
FAQs
Is Skims a public company?
No, Skims is a privately held company. It has not gone public yet.
Does Kanye own part of Skims?
No, Kanye West does not own any part of Skims as of 2025. Although he was previously married to Kim Kardashian, and may have influenced the brand’s aesthetic in early stages, there is no public record or confirmed data indicating that he holds any ownership stake in the company.
What percent of Skims does Kim own?
Kim Kardashian owns approximately 35% of Skims. This makes her the largest individual shareholder in the company. Her stake is currently valued at around $1.4 billion, based on Skims’ $4 billion valuation in 2025.
Who owns 35% of Skims?
Kim Kardashian owns 35% of Skims. She is also one of the co-founders and serves as the brand’s most influential public face, playing a central role in product design, marketing, and brand direction.
Who runs Skims?
Jens Grede is the current CEO of Skims. He manages the company’s operations, expansion, and strategic partnerships. Kim Kardashian, as co-founder and majority stakeholder, is involved in creative decisions, but day-to-day leadership is handled by Jens Grede. His wife, Emma Grede, is also a co-founder and serves on the board.
How did Skims get its name?
The name Skims was chosen to reflect the brand’s core product: shapewear that “skims” the body. The brand initially planned to launch as “Kimono,” but faced backlash for cultural insensitivity. Kim Kardashian rebranded it as “Skims” in 2019, emphasizing inclusivity and comfort.
Who owns Skims company?
Skims is privately owned by a mix of individual founders and institutional investors. The major shareholders include:
- Kim Kardashian (35%)
- Jens and Emma Grede (combined ~20%)
- Wellington Management, D1 Capital, Greenoaks Capital, Imaginary Ventures, and others hold the rest through funding rounds.
Who owns Skims clothing?
The Skims brand and its clothing line are owned by Skims Body, Inc., a private company headquartered in Los Angeles. The company owns all intellectual property, designs, and production for the Skims clothing collections, including shapewear, loungewear, and apparel.
Who founded Skims?
Skims was founded in 2019 by:
- Kim Kardashian – Co-founder and creative lead
- Jens Grede – Co-founder and current CEO
- Emma Grede – Co-founder and board member
Together, they launched Skims with the goal of creating inclusive, innovative, and comfortable shapewear for all body types.