On the 14th of October, Skims released what they call their ‘most daring panty yet,’: the Faux Hair Micro String Thong. Boasting an inclusive size range (XXS-4XL), 12 colours, and the choice of curly or straight hair, Skims has given consumers the freedom to switch up the colour and style of their pubic hair, as promoted in their ad campaign, which features the imagined game show ‘Does the Curtain Match the Drapes?’
"... the thong is currently sold out in every colour and size."
The thong is priced at 34 GBP, a small price to pay to keep up with Kim, who many would consider a trailblazer for pop culture. However, keen customers will have to wait for a potential restock, as the thong is currently sold out in every colour and size.
But what does Skims’ launch of a bush-esque thong tell us about the current cultural zeitgeist? Earlier this year, people online began to praise female pubic hair after a Tik Tok was posted in which a woman described a review for swimwear posted on Etsy as ‘full bush in a bikini’ -with many describing the prevalence of women no longer removing their pubic hair as the Internet’s current favourite buzzword: chic.
It appears Skims has jumped on the ‘natural’ trend (ironic, considering the thong is made up of 82% nylon). But this isn’t Skims’ first attempt at the organic, yet man-made, look – last year they released a bra with fake nipples included, to mimic the appearance of going braless.
"... it was only a matter of time until the pendulum swung..."
With the last decade dominated by trends such as the BBL and lip filler, it was only a matter of time until the pendulum swung, and a more unaltered look was en vogue. So why would anyone buy this accessory rather than simply ditch the razor? It’s hard to sell something that most people can achieve simply by skipping their upcoming Brazilian wax appointment, but Skims have worked hard to commercialize an aspect of the female body that was, until very recently, deemed ‘gross’ by both men and women in society.
Skims continue to feed women the paradox they’ve been hearing their whole lives: you’re perfect the way you are - but our product will make you even more perfect. Does the bush debacle say more about our relentless consumerism, or our fear of the natural woman?