Wait. Stop scrolling. If you came here expecting to see a link to a $600 puffer jacket with a tiny SKIMS logo embossed on the sleeve, I have to level with you right now: it doesn’t exist. Not yet, anyway.
The internet is currently obsessed with the idea of a Skims and North Face collab. It makes sense. We live in an era where high fashion and "gorpcore" (that trendy outdoor-utility aesthetic) have basically merged into one giant, expensive blob. We’ve seen Gucci team up with The North Face. We’ve seen Fendi partner with Skims. So, naturally, the collective brain of TikTok decided that Kim Kardashian and the kings of Everest-ready gear were the next logical step.
But here’s the reality. As of early 2026, there has been no official announcement, no leaked lookbook, and no drop date for a partnership between these two giants.
It’s a fascinanting case study in how "leak culture" and AI-generated mockups can trick even the most seasoned hypebeasts. People are literally sharing AI-rendered images of Kim K in a Nuptse jacket made of buttery, sand-colored shapewear material, and they’re asking for the "add to cart" link. Honestly? I get the hype. It's a brilliant idea on paper.
Why Everyone Thinks a Skims and North Face Collab Is Real
Usually, when a rumor this specific catches fire, there’s a spark somewhere. For this one, the spark is mostly just pattern recognition.
Kim Kardashian is a marketing genius. She’s built Skims into a multi-billion dollar behemoth by leaning into "solutions." Meanwhile, The North Face has spent the last five years pivoting from "serious mountain gear" to "staple of the SoHo sidewalk."
Think about the Fendi x Skims drop back in 2021. That was the blueprint. It took the technical, body-hugging DNA of Skims and slapped a luxury logo on it. It sold out in seconds. Then look at The North Face. Their collaboration with Gucci was arguably one of the most successful brand crossovers in history. They realized that people want to look like they’re ready for a blizzard while they’re actually just grabbing an iced latte in West Hollywood.
If you look at the current trajectory of "outdoor glam," a Skims and North Face collab would be the final boss of streetwear.
The rumors started swirling harder when Kim was spotted in more technical, oversized outerwear that looked suspiciously "TNF-adjacent." Then came the Pinterest mood boards. Then the "leaked" price lists that turned out to be totally fake. It’s a cycle. One person makes a "What I’d design if I were Kim" video, and three days later, it’s being reported as a confirmed drop by "insider sources" who are really just teenagers with a Canva account.
The Problem With Modern Hype Cycles
We’re in a weird spot with fashion news. Social media moves faster than supply chains.
A brand like Skims usually plans its drops six to twelve months in advance. If a Skims and North Face collab were actually in the works, we’d likely see trademark filings or "paparazzi" shots of Kim wearing a prototype months before the release. That’s her classic playbook.
What we’re seeing instead is a massive amount of "demand-pull." The audience is literally begging for the product, which, in the business world, is usually a signal for brands to start talking.
What a Real Partnership Would Actually Look Like
Let’s indulge the fantasy for a second. If these two actually sat down in a boardroom, what would they make?
It wouldn't just be a brown jacket.
Skims is about the "second skin." The North Face is about the "outer shell." A collab would have to bridge that gap. We’d probably see thermal base layers—leggings and long-sleeve bodysuits—engineered with TNF’s FlashDry technology. Imagine a bodysuit that actually keeps you warm at 20 degrees Fahrenheit but still has that signature Skims compression.
- Materials: We’d expect a mix of recycled nylons and the ultra-soft modal fabrics Skims is famous for.
- Colors: You know the palette. Bone, Ochre, Umber, and maybe one "safety orange" or "summit gold" as a nod to TNF’s heritage.
- Pricing: This wouldn't be cheap. A standard Skims bodysuit is $60ish. A TNF puffer is $300+. Toss in the "collab tax," and you’re looking at $500 for a jacket.
The nuance here is the fit. The North Face is notoriously boxy. Skims is notoriously snatched. Combining those two vibes is a design challenge that would either be a total disaster or the most flattering winter gear ever created.
The "Gorpcore" Influence on Skims' Recent Moves
Even without an official Skims and North Face collab, Kim is clearly reading the room.
The "Skims Outdoor" collection was a massive hint. It featured heavier fabrics, leggings with more utility-focused seams, and a vibe that screamed "I might go on a hike, but I’m definitely taking a selfie first."
Brands are no longer staying in their lanes. Arcteryx is being worn at fashion shows. Salomon sneakers are on every runway. Skims is trying to capture that "active but aesthetic" market. Honestly, the only thing missing from their current lineup is genuine technical insulation.
They’ve done swimwear. They’ve done bridal. They’ve done menswear. Outerwear is the only frontier left to conquer.
Why It Might NEVER Happen
There’s always a catch.
The North Face is owned by VF Corporation. They are very protective of the "performance" aspect of their brand. While they do fashion collabs, they generally prefer partners that bring a specific heritage to the table.
Skims, while massive, is still seen by some "serious" outdoor enthusiasts as fast-fashion adjacent, even though their quality is actually quite high. There might be a branding friction there. Would The North Face risk their "extreme weather" reputation for a line of bodysuits? Maybe. They did it for Gucci, after all.
Also, Kim has been very focused on the Skims "Performance" and "All-In-One" lines. She might decide she doesn't need a partner. Why split the profits with The North Face when you can just hire their former lead designers and build "Skims Snow" yourself?
How to Spot Fake Collab News
If you’re hunting for the Skims and North Face collab, you need to be skeptical.
- Check the Hardware: Look at the zippers and tags in "leaked" photos. AI usually struggles with the tiny text on zipper pulls.
- Verify the Source: If the news is only on a "hype" Instagram page with no link to a major fashion publication like WWD or Vogue, it’s probably clickbait.
- The "Kim Test": Has Kim posted a cryptic story with a mountain emoji? No? Then it’s not happening this week.
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. The "Fits Everybody" puffer sounds like a dream. But until we see that official press release from the VF Corp investor relations page or a massive billboard in Times Square, keep your wallet closed.
Actionable Steps for the Hype-Savvy
If you really want this aesthetic but don't want to wait for a collab that might be a ghost, here is how you build the look right now.
Buy the "Skims Outdoor" Leggings: They have the thickest weight and the best "utility" feel of anything in her current lineup. Use them as your base layer.
Source a Vintage TNF Nuptse: Go for a neutral color like "Kelp Tan" or "Gardenia White." These match the Skims color palette perfectly.
Watch the "Skims News" Twitter (X) accounts: There are a few fan-run accounts that track trademark filings. That is where you will see the first real evidence of a Skims and North Face collab. Look for filings under "International Class 025" (clothing) that mention both entities or a new joint venture name.
📖 Related: Why the As Seen on TV Broom Actually Matters for Your Back
Sign up for the Skims "Waitlist" emails: They don't spam as much as you'd think, and they always send out early access links for their biggest partnerships 24 hours before the general public gets them.
Check the Resale Market: Sometimes, samples do leak. Sites like Grailed or Depop are where prototypes usually surface if a disgruntled employee or a stylist's assistant decides to make a quick buck. Just be prepared to pay a 400% markup and risk getting a fake.
The reality of fashion in 2026 is that the line between "real" and "rumor" is thinner than a Skims micro-thong. Stay skeptical, keep an eye on the trademarks, and don't believe everything you see on a TikTok "leaks" account.