Kim Kardashian has responded to recent criticism of her Skims shapewear brand after she announced a new maternity line over the weekend.
David Livingston / Getty Images
On social media on Saturday, Kim revealed her latest venture would offer "comfort and support for your changing body during and after pregnancy" and would be available in various colours and sizes.
Kim Kardashian WestWhat you’ve been waiting for: @SKIMS Maternity is coming soon! Introducing Maternity Solutionwear™ that offers the best in comfort and support for your changing body during and after pregnancy. Launching on Wednesday, September 16 at 9AM PT / 12PM ET in 9 colors and in sizes XXS - 5X exclusively at SKIMS.COM. Join the waitlist now to receive early access to shop.
Chrissy Teigen, who confirmed her pregnancy last month, was one of the first people to praise Kim and and the maternity line, posting multiple videos to her Instagram story.
However, Kim's announcement was met with mixed reviews, with some questioning the need for shapewear during pregnancy.
Jameela Jamil was one of those critics, tweeting that women should "be allowed to be pregnant and get bigger" without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious of their body.
"I wish we could just normalize just focusing on the inside of a pregnant body, not the outside," Jameela continued in an Instagram caption. "You don't need your shape corrected or hidden."
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
"You just need to try and ride with this miracle and do your best to be as happy/comfortable as is possible within your circumstances," she added. "Pregnancy is hard enough, with enough worries already.
"And look if you're just doing it for support then great!" the Good Place actor finished. "But for the many I saw saying they need it to look less fat during pregnancy...you look fucking GREAT as you are!"
With the backlash spreading online, Chrissy added her own perspective, explaining that the shapewear wasn't about making pregnant women look smaller.
Chrissy agreed with a fan who said that pregnancy shapewear has offered them support and pain relief, adding that being told you look small when you're pregnant isn't actually a compliment.
Well, Kim saw the criticism and debate herself, responding on social media: "Skims maternity line is not to slim but to support."
SKIMSNOW AVAILABLE: SKIMS Special Anniversary Drop! 4 new shapewear styles, a new color, and a restock of our classic styles that have become your go-to for comfortable and smoothing support. Shop now at SKIMS.COM and enjoy free shipping on domestic orders over $75. Photo: #VanessaBeecroft
In further tweets, Kim explained what materials had been used in some of the garments and how it would help with discomfort and pain during and after pregnancy.
The KUWTK star finished: "I am incredibly proud to provide a solution that will provide comfort and support during the times that we all need it most."
In further Instagram videos, which Kim reposted to her own story, Chrissy went on to defend the maternity line once more, saying: "It is not at all about making pregnant women feel like our bodies aren't beautiful and miracles."
"None of us think that this is making us smaller," she added. "We do it so we feel high and tight and honestly it feels easier to get up, it feels easier to move around."
