Skims is owned by co-founders Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede, and Jens Grede. Kardashian holds the largest individual stake at approximately 35%, while together with the Gredes, they maintain majority control of the company valued at $5 billion in November 2025.
The company secured $225 million in funding led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives in November 2025, increasing its valuation to $5 billion. Skims announced plans to expand into beauty products in 2026 and acquired SKKN by Kim in March 2025. The brand launched its flagship NikeSKIMS partnership with Nike in February 2025, combining technical expertise with inclusive design.
Key Stats
Skims reached a $5 billion valuation following a $225 million funding round in November 2025.
The company recorded approximately $750 million in revenue for 2023, showing strong growth momentum.
Approximately 70% of Skims customers are Gen Z or millennials, reflecting the brand’s cultural relevance.
Skims operates 18 stores across the United States and 2 locations in Mexico as of late 2025.
Who owns Skims?
Skims operates as a privately held company with ownership distributed among its founding team and institutional investors.
Kim Kardashian remains the single largest individual shareholder with an estimated 35% ownership stake. This substantial holding places her net worth at approximately $1.7 billion, with Skims representing the largest component of her wealth.
Co-founders Jens Grede and Emma Grede hold significant stakes alongside Kardashian. Together, the founding trio maintains majority control, ensuring they retain strategic decision-making authority over the company’s direction and operations.
Institutional investors have gradually entered the ownership structure through multiple funding rounds. Goldman Sachs Alternatives led the most recent investment in November 2025. Previous major backers include Wellington Management, BDT & MSD Partners, Thrive Capital, Imaginary Ventures, Greenoaks Capital Partners, Lone Pine Capital, and D1 Capital Partners, similar to how major venture firms invest in leading apparel retail companies.
Skims Origin, Founders And Early Years
Kim Kardashian founded Skims out of personal necessity after years of struggling to find shapewear that matched her skin tone and body type.
She partnered with Swedish entrepreneur Jens Grede and British businesswoman Emma Grede in 2019. Jens Grede serves as CEO while Emma Grede holds the position of Chief Product Officer. Their combined expertise in brand building and retail operations proved essential.
The company launched on September 10, 2019, after initially facing controversy over its original name “Kimono.” Following criticism for cultural appropriation, Kardashian changed the name to Skims, derived from the concept of pieces that “skim” close to the skin. The first collection generated $2 million in sales within minutes, selling out its initial inventory in 10 minutes.
Largest shareholders of Skims
Kim Kardashian holds the dominant ownership position with her 35% stake. Her personal investment and brand influence have been instrumental in driving the company’s rapid growth trajectory.
Jens and Emma Grede collectively own substantial equity that, combined with Kardashian’s holdings, gives the founding team majority control. This structure allows them to maintain long-term strategic vision without external pressure.
Goldman Sachs Alternatives became a major institutional shareholder through the November 2025 funding round. The investment firm’s participation signals confidence in Skims’ expansion plans and market positioning.
Wellington Management joined as a lead investor during the July 2023 Series C round that valued the company at $4 billion. Other significant institutional stakeholders include BDT & MSD Partners, Greenoaks Capital Partners, Imaginary Ventures, Lone Pine Capital, and D1 Capital Partners. These firms have participated across multiple funding rounds, demonstrating sustained belief in the brand’s potential.
Who is on the board of directors for Skims?
While Skims maintains private company status and does not publicly disclose its complete board composition, key leadership positions are held by the founding team.
Executive Leadership
Jens Grede serves as CEO, providing strategic oversight and managing day-to-day operations. Kim Kardashian holds a co-founder role with significant influence over brand direction and creative decisions. Emma Grede operates as Chief Product Officer, overseeing product development and innovation.
Strategic Advisors
Representatives from major institutional investors likely hold board seats or advisory positions. John Howard, CEO of Irving Place Capital and Skims board member, has publicly praised the Gredes’ brand-building capabilities.
Given the company’s institutional backing from firms like Goldman Sachs, Wellington Management, and BDT & MSD Partners, executives from these organizations typically participate in governance through board representation. This structure balances founder control with institutional expertise and oversight.
Skims Mission Statement
Skims operates under the mission to provide solutions-oriented apparel that sets new standards for inclusivity in intimate wear.
The brand positions itself as creating “the next generation of underwear, loungewear and shapewear” with an explicit focus on serving diverse body types and skin tones. This commitment translates into practical offerings spanning sizes XXS to 5XL with over nine shade options across product lines.
The company’s stated goal emphasizes continuous innovation to advance the industry. Skims aims to bridge comfort and style while empowering individuals to feel confident. This philosophy extends beyond product development into marketing campaigns that feature diverse body types and celebrate authenticity.
Body positivity and accessibility form the foundation of the brand’s identity. Rather than following traditional shapewear marketing that emphasized concealment, Skims reframes its products as enhancement tools that work with natural body shapes. The mission reflects Kardashian’s personal frustrations with existing shapewear options and her vision for a more inclusive market.
How did Skims get its name?
Skims emerged from a controversial rebranding necessitated by cultural appropriation concerns.
Kim Kardashian originally planned to launch the company as “Kimono Intimates” in June 2019, playing on her first name. The announcement sparked immediate backlash from Japanese communities and cultural advocates who viewed the name as disrespectful to the traditional Japanese garment with centuries of cultural significance.
The mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa, wrote directly to Kardashian requesting she reconsider the name and trademark application. Social media erupted with criticism under hashtags like #KimOhNo, creating a significant public relations challenge. The controversy highlighted concerns about celebrity cultural appropriation and trademark exploitation.
Within one week, Kardashian announced she would change the brand name. After consultation and consideration, she selected “Skims” in August 2019. The new name references how the garments “skim” close to the skin, emphasizing the products’ form-fitting nature and comfort. Kardashian acknowledged her oversight and credited fans and followers for providing feedback that led to the change.
The swift rebrand demonstrated crisis management capability and willingness to respond to community concerns. While initially costly, the name change ultimately allowed the brand to launch with greater cultural sensitivity and broader acceptance.
Skims Products And Services
Skims has evolved from a shapewear specialist into a comprehensive apparel brand serving multiple categories.
The core product line remains shapewear designed to smooth, lift, and contour various body areas. Collections include full-body suits, high-waisted shorts, bras, and targeted solutions for specific garment needs. Each piece comes in nine shade options to match diverse skin tones, a differentiating feature in the industry dominated by traditional players like established intimate apparel manufacturers.
Loungewear represents a major expansion category that gained significant momentum during the pandemic. The Fits Everybody collection features stretchy, comfortable pieces including t-shirts, leggings, and robes that accommodate size fluctuations. Sleepwear options provide similar comfort-focused designs for nighttime wear.
The brand launched menswear in October 2023, introducing underwear, t-shirts, socks, and tank tops designed specifically for male customers. This expansion opened new market opportunities and aligned with the NBA partnership announcement. Swimwear collections offer 19 different silhouettes across seven colors, maintaining the inclusivity focus.
Skims operates through multiple retail channels. The company started as direct-to-consumer via its website but has expanded into wholesale partnerships with retailers including Nike, Nordstrom, and Selfridges. Physical retail presence includes standalone stores in major U.S. cities and international locations. The brand’s partnership strategy mirrors approaches used by successful athletic brands like Adidas in building market presence.
Skims company history timeline
FAQ
What is the net worth of Skims?
Skims reached a $5 billion valuation following a $225 million funding round led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives in November 2025, up from $4 billion in July 2023.
When did Skims come out?
Skims officially launched on September 10, 2019, after rebranding from its original name “Kimono” following cultural appropriation concerns raised in June 2019.
Is Skims an American company?
Yes, Skims is an American company headquartered in Culver City, California. The brand operates stores across the United States and internationally while maintaining U.S. operations.
Who owns Skims?
Kim Kardashian owns approximately 35% and is the largest shareholder. Co-founders Jens and Emma Grede hold substantial stakes, with the trio maintaining majority control of the privately-held company.
Is Skims still operational?
Yes, Skims remains highly operational and continues rapid expansion. The company recorded $750 million in 2023 revenue and operates 20 physical stores while planning further growth initiatives.
Skims market cap in 2026?
Skims operates as a private company without public market capitalization. The company’s most recent valuation stands at $5 billion as of the November 2025 funding round.