Nike (NYSE: NKE) has teamed up with Kim Kardashian’s Skims to launch a fresh activewear line called NikeSKIMS, finally hitting the market this week after some months of delay. The new brand aims to blend Nike’s sports performance expertise with Skims’ style and inclusivity, creating women’s apparel that works as hard in the gym as it does in everyday life.
NikeSKIMS introduces three collections: Matte, Shine, and Airy, featuring around 40 pieces designed to combine athletic function with versatility for lifestyle wear. The range offers everything from supportive bras and high-performance leggings to biker shorts and gym accessories, made with advanced fabrics that wick moisture and offer stretch for comfort and durability. The partnership is part of a broader push by Nike CEO Elliott Hill to refresh the company’s women’s segment, an area that has seen increased competition from brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga.
Skims, known for its popular shapewear and loungewear lines, brings its expertise in inclusive sizing and body-positive design to the collaboration. The new activewear line offers sizes from XXS to 4X, making the collection accessible to a wide customer base. For Skims, this partnership signals a strategic move into the $213 billion U.S. activewear market, providing access to Nike’s global manufacturing and distribution scale.
The launch had been planned for earlier this year but faced delays due to internal production adjustments. The wait has heightened consumer interest and set expectations high for the line’s success. Marketing campaigns feature top female athletes like Serena Williams, Sha’Carri Richardson, Jordan Chiles, and Chloe Kim, reflecting Nike’s commitment to maintaining its sports roots while appealing to a broader female audience.
NikeSKIMS is described as more than a co-branded collaboration. It is the foundation of a new standalone brand aimed at redefining women’s activewear by integrating technical performance with fashion-forward design. This fuels Nike’s strategy to reclaim momentum in women’s categories and strike a balance between lifestyle appeal and athletic credibility.
The release of NikeSKIMS underscores a notable shift for both companies. Nike expands its presence in women’s activewear beyond traditional segments, and Skims establishes itself firmly in the sportswear market. Together, they hope to address unmet needs for activewear that works seamlessly for exercise and everyday wear, challenging competitors and carving out a new niche.
As NikeSKIMS rolls out globally, starting with apparel and planning for footwear and accessories later, the market will watch closely to see how the blend of performance and inclusivity resonates with consumers.
