You’ve probably seen the photos. Kim Kardashian, swaddled in a massive, earth-toned puffer against a backdrop of jagged Chilean peaks, looking more like a mountain explorer than a reality mogul. It’s a vibe. But honestly, when the Kim Kardashian North Face partnership first leaked, the internet didn't just break—it divided.
Critics called it "dangerous." Fans called it genius.
Most people think this was just another celebrity slap-a-logo-on-it deal. It wasn’t. This was a calculated merger of "snatched" shapewear aesthetics and hardcore alpine utility. If you've ever tried to look cute while skiing in sub-zero temperatures, you know the struggle is real. You usually end up looking like a marshmallow. Kim wanted to fix that.
The Strategy Behind the Puffer
Kim Kardashian has been skiing since she was a kid. She knows the slopes. But she also knows that traditional ski gear is, well, bulky.
The Kim Kardashian North Face collaboration, specifically through her brand SKIMS, was designed to solve the "Michelin Man" problem. By 2026, the partnership has evolved into a multi-year powerhouse that redefined what we call "Après-Skims." The first drop in late 2024 sold out in literally five minutes. People weren't just buying jackets; they were buying a silhouette.
Why the Colors Caused a Scene
One of the biggest controversies surrounding the collection was the palette. SKIMS is known for its neutrals—Bone, Onyx, Gunmetal, and those signature tan shades. When these were applied to high-performance North Face gear, safety experts on TikTok went into a frenzy.
The argument? If you're wearing a "Bone" (off-white) puffer and you get lost in a snowstorm, you are essentially invisible.
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"This is dangerous, guys," one viral TikToker warned. "If everyone’s out there wearing neutral colors, people are going to pass you by and think you’re a rock or a stick."
It's a fair point. Traditional ski gear is neon for a reason. However, the counter-argument from the SKIMS camp was simple: this isn't just for back-country expeditions. It’s for the lifestyle. It’s for the person who wants to look seamless between a run on the mountain and a hot chocolate in the lodge.
The Technical Specs (Yes, It Actually Works)
Don't let the "beige-tinted lens" fool you. This stuff is actually built for the cold.
The collection leveraged The North Face’s heritage technology. We’re talking about the 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket and the 1995 Denali Fleece, but reimagined with SKIMS’ body-hugging fits. They used DotKnit technology, which is a double-knit material engineered to wick moisture away from the skin while trapping heat.
- Refina Leggings: These aren't your average gym leggings. They are compressive but thermal, designed to be worn as a base layer under snow pants.
- The Nuptse Scarf: A weirdly popular hybrid that blends a scarf with a puffer jacket's insulation.
- Kids' Gear: By the 2025/2026 season, the line expanded into kidswear, meaning you can now see the entire Kardashian-West clan in matching monochromatic mountain gear.
More Than Just a Jacket
This partnership represents a massive shift in how heritage brands like The North Face stay relevant. They don't need to prove they can make a warm jacket—everyone knows they can. They need to prove they can be "cool."
Kim brings the "cool."
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She brings a massive, younger audience that might have previously looked at The North Face as "dad gear." By 2026, SKIMS has been valued at over $5 billion, and collaborations like this are exactly why. It’s the fusion of technical precision (North Face) and cultural dominance (Kardashian).
The Price of "Snatched"
It isn't cheap. Prices for the Kim Kardashian North Face items range from $55 for basic accessories to over $1,200 for the more technical one-piece ski suits.
Is it worth it?
If you’re a serious mountaineer doing 48-hour treks, maybe stick to the neon Gore-Tex. But if you’re heading to Aspen or Park City and want a base layer that actually makes you feel "held in" rather than just bundled up, the consensus is that the fit is unparalleled. The "Refina" line in particular has received rave reviews for its "second-skin" feel.
How to Style the Look Without Looking Like an Ad
You don't have to go full monochromatic to make this work. In fact, most fashion editors suggest breaking up the "set" look.
Try pairing the Onyx Nuptse with vintage denim for a city look. Or use the base layer bodysuits under a regular trench coat. The beauty of the SKIMS aesthetic is its versatility. It's meant to transition.
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Honestly, the real "Kim K" way to wear it is with oversized shield sunglasses and a pair of the insulated mules from the collection. It’s that "I just stepped off a private jet in the Alps" energy.
What’s Next for the Collab?
As we move through 2026, rumors are swirling about a possible "Spring/Summer" outdoor line focused on hiking and trail running. Given the success of the winter gear, it wouldn't be surprising to see SKIMS-colored hiking boots or technical windbreakers.
The North Face has also been collaborating with other high-fashion houses like Gucci and Cecilie Bahnsen, but the Kardashian link remains the most commercially successful. It’s the one that people actually wear on the street, not just on the runway.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Winter Wardrobe:
- Prioritize the Base Layer: If you can only afford one piece, get the Refina bodysuit. It's the most "SKIMS" part of the collab and works perfectly under any jacket you already own.
- Safety First: If you are actually skiing in heavy snow, add a bright accessory—like a neon beanie or goggles—to contrast with the neutral tones of the suit.
- Check the Resale Market: Because these drops sell out in minutes, sites like SSENSE or StockX are your best bet if you missed the initial release.
- Size Down for the "Snatched" Look: The North Face pieces usually run a bit big (relaxed fit), while SKIMS runs true to size. If you want that iconic Kim silhouette, don't be afraid to size down in the puffers.
The Kim Kardashian North Face era isn't just a flash in the pan. It's a blueprint for how luxury, shapewear, and outdoor performance will live together for the foreseeable future. Whether you love the neutrals or miss the neon, there's no denying that the slopes look a lot more like a runway these days.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Compare the Materials: Check the tag on your current base layers; if they aren't double-knit or "DotKnit," you might be losing heat through sweat.
- Audit Your Outerwear: Look for "1996 Retro" cuts if you want that boxy, high-fashion puffer shape that Kim popularized.
- Stay Updated: Follow the SKIMS "Coming Soon" page specifically in early December for the annual winter restocks.