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The Ultimate SKIMS Knitwear Guide

The Ultimate SKIMS Knitwear Guide: Cozy Knit vs. Soft Lounge vs. Cashmere vs. Textured Knit

Not all knits address the same needs. Some are designed to hold warmth without effort, some are made to feel like a second skin, and some are meant to look polished without sacrificing comfort. If you’ve ever ordered a “cozy” piece that felt too warm for your climate, or a “soft” piece that needed more thoughtful care than expected, you already understand why knitwear choices deserve more than a single label.

This guide breaks down four SKIMS knit collections—Cozy Brushed Alpaca, Cozy Knit, Soft Lounge, Cashmere (including featherweight and wool blends), and Textured Knit—so you can choose based on warmth, stretch, drape, sheerness, care, and styling goals.

The Fabric Philosophy: “Knit” Isn’t One Thing

Knitwear can be built—that is, knit—from very different fibers and in varying thread structures. That’s what determines how a piece feels on your body, how it moves, and how it performs over time. At SKIMS, our four knitwear collections cover distinct solutions to your warmth needs, from thermal comfort to elevated layering.

Here’s a simple cheat sheet on our knits:

Cozy Knit is your warmest statement. Soft Lounge is your most wearable base. Cashmere is your most elevated warmth. Textured Knit is your most structured workhorse.

Cozy Knit: The Thermal Powerhouse

Cozy Knit is designed to deliver warmth and a plush feel. The signature looped texture (often described as bouclé-like) helps trap heat, which is why it can feel surprisingly warm in mild climates. But if you live somewhere with real winter, it can be the piece you reach for repeatedly.

What to know before you wear it everywhere: SKIMS customer feedback says that a plush Cozy Knit can lose its “new” softness if washed incorrectly. Using heat, aggressive detergents, or fabric softener can change the texture. If you’re investing in Cozy Knit pieces, plan to care for them like a specialty knit. (This includes the socks, to keep them in their best, warming shape.)

Styling direction: Cozy Knit works best when you let the texture do the work. Keep the base layers of your outfit clean and streamlined.

Product pairings (when you want a smooth foundation):

Under a Cozy Knit top layer, try a supportive, minimal base like a Cotton Rib Tank + leggings or a Fits Everybody Slip Dress. (And something invisible like a Naked Cheeky Hipster and Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra to keep sleek lines.)
On the note of undergarments, if you’re wearing a lighter Cozy Knit shade, consider choosing underwear in a shade close to your skin tone for a quieter look.

Soft Lounge: The Viral “Second Skin”

Soft Lounge is the collection people reach for when they want incredible softness that looks sleek but feels effortless, thanks to the body-skimming fit that still moves and stretches with complete comfort. The modal-and-elastane blend is known for comfort and flexibility, so it works especially well for long days, travel, and sensitive-skin preferences.

And because it’s lightweight and flexible, Soft Lounge pieces also layer exceptionally well. If you’re building a closet that does more but with fewer pieces, this is a strong foundation. If you’re between sizes and want the signature close fit, many shoppers prefer sizing down. If you want more coverage or plan to wear a dress as a standalone daytime look, staying true to size (or sizing up) can feel more comfortable.

Product pairings (for no-show foundation layers under fitted styles):

When you want some lift to your bust without bulk or visible straps, choose a Fits Everybody Strapless Bra under a bodycon Soft Lounge slip dress. (The Fits Everybody collection is crafted to offer a smooth shape without a rigid feel.)
If you want more shaping for a night-out look, consider SKIMS shapewear shorts under the dress—choose light support if you want comfort-first shaping.

Cashmere: Elevated Warmth, With Real-World Considerations

The perfect cashmere is about the warmth-to-weight ratio. Cashmere feels light on the body while still being insulating, so it’s ideal for polished layering. SKIMS Cashmere and Featherweight Cashmere are premium knits, but there’s a practical detail between them that matters: sheerness can vary, especially in lighter shades and featherweight styles.

If you love the featherlight feel but want a more opaque result, choose darker shades, avoid overstretching the knit, and consider what you’re wearing underneath (nude undergarments would be best).

When you want to look refined, feel comfortable, and stay warm without bulky layers, SKIMS cashmere of any kind is probably the right choice.

Product pairings:

For lighter-colored cashmere, a bralette like the Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette in a close-to-skin tone can reduce any undergarment show-through.
For a polished, no-show look under a cashmere dress, look for smooth, minimal-seam underwear rather than textured lace. Anything Soft Smoothing Seamless should do the trick.

Textured Knit: The Structured Workhorse

Textured Knit is perfect when you want knit comfort with a more “finished” look. Its mid-weight knit structure helps it hold shape, reads more refined, and also travels like a dream. It’s a strong option when you want a looser shape without any cling.

One consistent point from community feedback: some Textured Knit bottoms run long, which can be ideal if you’re tall and frustrating if you’re petite. For petites, checking the product measurements before ordering can save time.

How it fits into a wardrobe: Textured Knit is a stylish bridge between lounge and street. It can read like an intentional set—think pairing a skirt with a matching wrap sweater—better yet, finish it all with the bralette and full-length over-cardigan, too—but it wears like comfort.

Product pairings (for a clean base under structured knits):

If you’re wearing a knit skirt or pant and want a smooth waist and hip-line, choose seamless underwear that sits flat and doesn’t create a line. You could also try shapewear underwear or a Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Short.
For structure up top, wear a smoothing bra that supports without adding volume. You could also try an unlined demi bra.

Choose Your Knit: A Simple Decision Guide

If you want a fast answer, match your priority to the collection built for it:

You want maximum warmth and plush texture. Choose Cozy Knit.
You want the softest, most flexible “second skin” for layering. Choose Soft Lounge.
You want elevated warmth with a refined finish. Choose Cashmere.
You want structure, coverage, and an everyday polished look. Choose Textured Knit.

If you’re building a capsule: start with Soft Lounge as your base, add Textured Knit for structured sets, and choose either Cashmere (polished warmth) or Cozy Knit (maximum warmth) depending on your climate. You can mix and match pieces accordingly.

Body Type and Climate Practicality

Different knits behave differently across bodies and environments.

Curvy and plus-size shoppers: Soft Lounge is often favored for stretch and comfort, but if waistbands roll for you in certain pant styles, sizing up can reduce tension. If you prefer less cling, Textured Knit tends to feel more secure and structured.
Petite and tall shoppers: Textured Knit bottoms can run long, while maxi lengths in cashmere can feel dramatic. Petites often do best by checking garment length and planning for tailoring or platform shoes when needed.
Climate mapping:
- Humid cold (coastal winters): Soft Lounge layers well without overheating.
- Dry cold (true winter): Cashmere delivers warmth without bulk, and Cozy Knit adds maximum insulation.
- Mild or transitional seasons: Textured Knit is an easy everyday option.

The Longevity Lab: Care That Keeps Knits Looking New

Great knits are built to be worn, but they also deserve the right care.

Washing guidelines that help most pieces last longer:

Turn items inside out (especially Soft Lounge and Textured Knit).
Use cold water.
Wash Soft Lounge in a mesh laundry bag to reduce snagging.
Avoid fabric softener for Cozy Knit, and avoid heat drying for Cozy Knit and cashmere.
Air dry flat when possible.

Storage rule that protects shape: folding is the safest default for storing your knits. Hanging them can stretch your knits over time, especially softer, drapier pieces.

FAQs

Does SKIMS Cozy Knit pill after washing?

Its delicate microfibers can pill or clump if washed with fabric softener or dried with heat. Cold wash and air dry help protect the texture.

Is SKIMS Cashmere actually 100% cashmere?

SKIMS describes Cashmere and Featherweight Cashmere as 100% Grade A cashmere, but blended lines exist in the broader assortment. Always confirm the specific product page for fiber content.

Is the SKIMS Cashmere sheer?

Featherweight styles can be semi-sheer, especially in light colors. Choosing a close-to-skin-tone underlayer and avoiding overstretching the knit (purchase your true size or a size up) can help.

Which collection is best for sensitive skin or eczema?

Soft Lounge is commonly preferred for its smooth, soft feel. Individual sensitivity varies, though, so checking fiber content and seam placement is smart.

Can I wear the Soft Lounge dress in public?

Yes. For a more elevated look, pair it with an oversized blazer or trench. In lighter shades, consider sheerness or tightness in direct sunlight—prioritize invisible undergarments or shapewear.

How do I stop my Soft Lounge dress from snagging?

Avoid wearing sharp jewelry, coat zippers, or bags with exposed hardware. And when it’s time for laundry, wash in a mesh bag so the fabric doesn’t catch on zippers or hardware.

Do I need to wear a bra under Soft Lounge dresses?

Many do. A smooth, simple t-shirt bra can add support without changing the clean, body-skimming look. If you want to hide the straps, go for a strapless bra.