Kim Kardashian announced a new maternity collection is coming soon from her Skims shapewear brand, and it's already sparking lots of mixed opinions.
Alongside a photo of the upcoming line, Kardashian announced that the new Maternity Solutionwear will offer the best in comfort and support for changing bodies during and after pregnancy.
The line will officially release on Sept. 16 in nine neutral-toned shades ranging from sizes XXS - 5X.
While Kardashian expressed enthusiasm for Skims' latest offerings. Not everyone seemed to feel the same.
"What's the point of even being pregnant if you have to hide the journey of your bump/ everything that comes with being pregnant?," @julezdesiree said.
Another Instagrammer @taliamceja questioned, "Isn't wearing shapewear dangerous for your pregnancy putting that pregnancy at risk?"
@Ellie.m.olson shared her sentiments saying "No one should be using these the belly is meant to grow. Putting pressure on a growing belly can cause birth defects. Smh."
Several others echoed similar feedback.
Since posting, Kardashian's post has received over 2 million likes, and the conversation surrounding the maternity line has continued to grow with opposing thoughts.
As a response, the reality star and businesswoman took to Twitter to defend the new Skims maternity wear.
"To anyone who has an issue with maternity solution wear, and if you haven't been pregnant before you may not know the struggle of what it's like carrying all of this weight the way I did along with millions of strong women, @skims maternity line is not to slim but to support," Kardashian tweeted.
MORE: Kim Kardashian West explains why she changed the name of her shapewear lineIn addition to her initial tweet responding to the backlash, she continued with a thread further explaining that the belly parts of the maternity line pieces don't slim your belly and feature a sheer, thinner layer of material compared to the rest to the garment.
"It provides support to help with the uncomfortable weight being carried in your stomach which affects your lower back and the compression on the leggings helps with pain relief caused by swelling," Kardashian added. "It is also worn after you have given birth and provides the comfort and support that most women need after delivery especially if you are recovering from a cesarean."
To anyone who has an issue with maternity solutionwear, and if you haven’t been pregnant before you may not know the struggle of what it’s like carrying all of this weight the way I did along with millions of strong women, @skims maternity line is not to slim but to support.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 13, 2020
Kardashian also pointed out that the Skims maternity category was created in response to tens of thousands of pregnant women who wrote to the brand requesting it.
She concluded the thread stating, "Based on the majority of positive feedback we have received so far from pregnant women around the world, I am incredibly proud to provide a solution that will provide comfort and support during the times that we all need it most, during pregnancy and after."
Model Chrissy Teigen, who recently announced her third pregnancy, chimed in to further defend the concept by posting a series of Instagram stories explaining why pregnant women would appreciate the collection.
"On the controversy that is pregnancy shapewear: it's not to be smaller, Teigen tweeted. "These brands aren't pressuring us to be smaller. Thanks for looking out for us everyone but we're good!"
Piggybacking on Teigen's sentiments, many other women agreed that wearing shapewear while pregnant was comforting in that it helped with back pain, helped smooth lines, gave abdominal support and also helped to prevent swelling and pain.
