2026 · Independent event explainer
SKIMS Advent Calendar Controversy: What Happened?
The 2026 SKIMS Accessories Advent Calendar faced backlash after unboxing videos showed shoppers reacting negatively to the contents of a 12-day accessories box originally reported at $148 in the U.S. Critics questioned whether hair accessories, keychains and other small items justified the price. By November 9, SKIMS had acknowledged customer disappointment and was offering purchasers a refund or store-credit option, according to multiple reports. 1 3 4
Last fact-checked: November 11, 2026 · Back to the SKIMS Advent Calendar overview
Jump to: Timeline · Why the backlash? · SKIMS' response · Sources
At a glance
The 2026 12-day Accessories Advent Calendar, not the separate 25-day underwear calendar
No. The reporting describes specific dates, not live stock
A timeline of the controversy
The dates below distinguish product activity, creator posts and news reports. They do not imply that every social media reaction or customer email happened on the same day.
The holiday range launches
SKIMS' Holiday Shop launched on October 29 and included the Accessories Advent Calendar. Its product description presented it as twelve days of small accessories, including hair items and keychains. Contemporary reporting describes an original U.S. price of $148. 1 2
Type: Product launch reported by media · Source: Complex, November 7
Unboxing criticism gains attention
Complex reported that creator @wetsloppyswollen posted a critical unboxing on November 6. As the compartments were opened, the video highlighted clips, hair ties and other small accessories while the creator questioned the price. BuzzFeed also published a separate day-by-day unboxing discussion that day. 1 6
Type: Creator reaction and early coverage · Sources: Complex · BuzzFeed
The price-and-value debate is reported
Complex's November 7 coverage described criticism of the 12-day, $148 assortment on TikTok and other social platforms. The reaction focused on whether relatively small accessories met buyers' expectations for a premium-priced holiday gift. 1
Type: Media report · Source: Complex, November 7
SKIMS' response and listing status make headlines
CBS News reported widespread negative unboxing reactions and described the product as sold out with a waitlist at the time of its report. On the same date, Bloomberg, published by The Business of Fashion, reported that the calendar had been removed from the brand's site following complaints. The reports describe different observations of a changing listing; neither is a live, worldwide stock check. 3 4
Bloomberg also reported that SKIMS had apologized to buyers and offered a full refund for returning the calendar or store credit for keeping it. BuzzFeed separately described screenshots of messages purchasers said they received. 4 5
Type: Media reports and company response · Sources: CBS News · Bloomberg / BoF
Why did the calendar upset shoppers?
The central complaint was perceived value. Buyers who expected a more substantial assortment saw hair elastics, scrunchies, bobby pins, keychains and other small items in unboxing videos. Some commenters compared them with inexpensive everyday accessories. Those reactions explain the controversy, but they are opinions, not an independently measured value of the box. 1 3 6
The visibility of the opening process mattered too: viewers could follow the reaction from one numbered compartment to the next. For the complete published Day 1–12 list, see the contents guide; this page focuses on how the discussion developed.
Were the items hidden from shoppers?
The product was marketed as an accessories calendar. BuzzFeed reported that SKIMS listed the day-by-day items in the product page's Fit & Fabric information, although those details were easy to miss if visitors focused on promotional photos or the surprise-box format. 5
That creates two different questions: Was there a published contents list? Reporting indicates yes. Did customers feel the assortment was worth the price? Many clearly did not. The second is a judgment about expectations and price, not proof that every shopper was misled.
Watch the original reaction
One of the creators cited in early coverage was @wetsloppyswollen. You can watch the creator's original TikTok post, which is discussed in Complex's November 7 report. 1
Video: @wetsloppyswollen / TikTok · Watch original
For a separate news perspective, watch CBS News' report on the SKIMS Advent Calendar reaction, published November 9. 7
Original SKIMS Advent Calendar reaction
Video by @wetsloppyswollen on TikTok. Play here on demand, without autoplay.
Watch the original post on TikTokIf the embedded player is restricted in your region, use the original-post link above.
How did SKIMS respond?
By November 9, SKIMS had acknowledged that some purchasers were disappointed. Bloomberg reported that the brand offered customers a full refund when they returned the calendar, or store credit if they kept it. The company also said customer feedback would inform future releases. 4
The reported response is not the same as confirmation that every order has been refunded or that every region follows identical terms. If you bought the product, check the communication for your order and use SKIMS' official support for order-specific questions.
What about the product listing?
Frequently asked questions
What was the SKIMS Advent Calendar controversy about?
Was the 2026 calendar supposed to include underwear?
Did SKIMS disclose the contents?
BuzzFeed's reporting says a day-by-day list appeared in the product page's Fit & Fabric details. That does not settle whether shoppers thought it was good value. 5
Did SKIMS apologize or offer refunds?
Bloomberg reported an apology and an offer of full refunds for returns or store credit for customers who kept the box. Eligibility and process details should be checked with SKIMS. 4
Continue reading
Sources
SKIMS — Accessories Advent Calendar, original regional product URL (historical product details may no longer display)
Editorial note: This is an independent guide based on attributed reports and original-source links. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by SKIMS. Consumer reactions are presented as opinions, not as verified product defects.