Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the mockups. Those sleek, earthy-toned puffer jackets with a tiny SKIMS logo nestled right next to the iconic The North Face Half Dome. It looks right. It feels inevitable. Yet, as of right now, a formal The North Face and SKIMS collab doesn't actually exist in the physical world.
That hasn't stopped the internet from manifesting it into a fever dream.
Fashion moves fast. We’ve seen Gucci team up with The North Face to create high-fashion hiking gear that mostly just goes to brunch in Aspen. We’ve seen Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS partner with Fendi and even Swarovski. The logic is there. The "gorpcore" aesthetic—basically wearing gear designed for Everest to grab a latte—is at an all-time high. People want technical performance, but they want it to fit like a second skin.
The Rumor Mill and Why We’re Obsessed
Why are we even talking about this? Well, it’s mostly because the "Kim K effect" is a powerhouse that refuses to quit. Kim has essentially reinvented the "basics" category. Before SKIMS, shapewear was something you hid. Now, it’s the outfit. On the flip side, The North Face has spent the last five years morphing from a "dad’s camping jacket" brand into the ultimate streetwear status symbol.
When you think about the DNA of these two giants, the potential for a The North Face and SKIMS collab is basically a masterclass in brand synergy.
- The Silhouette: SKIMS is famous for the "Fits Everybody" squeeze. The North Face is famous for the "Nu赤" puff. Putting them together creates a contrast that stylists live for.
- The Palette: SKIMS owns those muted tones—ochre, clay, sand, espresso. The North Face loves a bold primary color but has recently pivoted toward tonal, minimalist collections like their "Black Series."
- The Utility: Imagine a thermal base layer that actually cinches you in. That’s the gap in the market.
Honestly, it’s surprising it hasn't happened yet. We’ve seen the "North Face Aesthetic" evolve through partnerships with MM6 Maison Margiela and Supreme. Those drops sold out in seconds. If Kim Kardashian put her stamp on a Himalayan Down Parka, the resale market would likely implode within twenty minutes of the launch.
What a Real Partnership Would Look Like
If these two finally sat down in a boardroom, the result wouldn't just be a logo flip. It would have to be functional. Realistically, a The North Face and SKIMS collab would likely focus on "après-ski" culture.
Think about it.
You need something to wear under the heavy gear. Most ski thermals are bulky or, frankly, ugly. A SKIMS-engineered base layer using The North Face’s FlashDry technology? That’s a product people would actually use. It solves a problem. It’s not just "fashion." It’s "function-fashion."
The North Face has a history of letting collaborators play with their icons. When Gucci took over, they added floral prints to the tents. When KAWS got a hold of it, they turned the jackets into abstract art. A SKIMS version would probably go the opposite direction: extreme minimalism. We’re talking seamless construction, bonded seams, and a fit that looks painted on, even when it’s rated for sub-zero temperatures.
The Business Logic Behind the Hype
Let’s look at the numbers, or at least the trajectory. SKIMS was recently valued at around $4 billion. The North Face, owned by VF Corporation, is a multi-billion dollar pillar of the outdoor industry.
When big brands collaborate, they aren't just looking for sales. They’re looking for "brand heat."
The North Face needs to stay relevant to Gen Z, a demographic that views hiking as a photo op. SKIMS needs to prove it has "technical" legs—that it’s more than just lounge-around-the-house gear. A The North Face and SKIMS collab validates both. It gives the outdoor brand a "cool girl" endorsement and gives the shapewear brand "rugged" credibility.
It’s also about the "drop" culture.
Both brands have mastered the art of the limited release. You know the drill. The countdown starts on the app. The site crashes. The items appear on StockX for 300% of the retail price by noon. It's a proven formula. By combining their fanbases, they create a demographic Venn diagram that covers almost everyone from the hardcore mountaineer to the person who just wants to look snatched at the grocery store.
Addressing the Misconceptions
There is a lot of misinformation out there.
If you see a "Leaked" image of a SKIMS x TNF jacket on a random Pinterest board, check the source. A lot of these are AI-generated concepts or "concept art" created by talented digital designers who just want to see what it would look like. While they look incredibly convincing—complete with realistic lighting and texture—they aren't official.
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Neither brand has confirmed a project is in the works.
However, Kim Kardashian is known for "easter eggs." She’ll wear a vintage piece or a specific brand for months before an announcement. We haven't seen her rocking a lot of TNF lately, which might mean the rumors are just that—rumors. But in the world of fashion marketing, "no" often just means "not yet."
The Gorpcore Evolution
To understand why a The North Face and SKIMS collab is the ultimate dream for fashion nerds, you have to understand Gorpcore. The term, coined by Jason Chen back in 2017, refers to "Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts." It’s the aesthetic of wearing high-end camping gear in urban environments.
It’s a weird trend.
Why do you need a Gore-Tex shell that can withstand a monsoon when you’re just walking from the subway to your office? Because it represents a certain lifestyle. It says you’re active, prepared, and have the disposable income to buy a $600 jacket. SKIMS fits into this because it’s the "inner layer" of that lifestyle. It’s the comfort part of the equation.
What to Watch For Next
If you’re holding out hope for this partnership, keep your eyes on a few specific things.
First, watch for The North Face’s presence at Paris Fashion Week. They’ve been leaning harder into the high-fashion space every year. Second, keep an eye on SKIMS’ expansion into performance wear. They’ve already dipped their toes into swimwear and "sport" collections. A move into "outdoor" is the next logical step.
Third, look at the "friends and family" of both brands. If you start seeing the Jenner sisters or North Face-sponsored athletes like Jimmy Chin sharing the same space, something might be brewing.
Fashion is about the unexpected.
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A few years ago, the idea of a luxury house like Balenciaga working with Crocs seemed insane. Now, it’s a staple of the "ugly-cool" movement. A The North Face and SKIMS collab isn't even that radical—it's just smart business.
How to Style the Look (Even Without the Collab)
Since you can't buy the official collection yet, you can recreate the vibe yourself. It’s actually pretty easy.
- Start with the Base: Grab a SKIMS Mock Neck bodysuit or a pair of their "Fits Everybody" leggings in a neutral color like 'Onyx' or 'Cocoa.'
- Add the Volume: Layer a classic The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket over it. The contrast between the tight base and the bulky jacket is the core of the aesthetic.
- Keep it Tonal: Try to match the colors. A tan SKIMS set with a tan TNF puffer looks intentional and high-end.
- Accessories Matter: Heavy-duty boots and a sleek beanie.
This look is basically the unofficial uniform of SoHo and East London anyway.
Actionable Steps for the Fashion-Forward
Don't get scammed by fake "pre-order" sites claiming to have the The North Face and SKIMS collab. They are everywhere, and they are predatory.
If you want to be the first to know if this actually drops, sign up for the mailing lists on the official SKIMS and The North Face websites. Follow their official Instagram accounts—not the fan pages. Look for the "Blue Check" or the verified badge.
If a drop does happen, it will likely be through the "SKIMS Early Access" program or The North Face "XPLR Pass." Joining these loyalty programs is the only real way to get a head start. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of the bots.
Ultimately, whether this collab happens or not, the trend it represents isn't going anywhere. We want clothes that make us feel secure, warm, and stylish all at once. If Kim and the team at TNF can figure out how to put that in a box and sell it, they’ll have the biggest hit of the decade on their hands. For now, we wait and watch the "leak" accounts.