Kim Kardashian West's shapewear line is releasing a maternity collection, and some shoppers aren't happy about it.
On Sunday, the reality star defended her decision to create "solutionwear" options for pregnant women and new moms after many people criticized the collection, saying it encourages women to hide their stomachs.
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In a long Twitter thread, the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star explained that the maternity line's goal is "not to slim but to support."
"The belly part doesn’t slim your belly, it’s actually sheer and a thinner layered material compared to the rest of the garment," Kardashian West wrote. "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."
She said "tens of thousands of pregnant women" wrote in to the brand requesting a maternity line and admitted that she had always wanted similar products when she was pregnant. She also added that many new moms need a bit of extra support, especially after undergoing a cesarean section.
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"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," her statement continued.
The new collection, which is set to launch this week, includes nursing bras, bodysuits, leggings and high-waisted underwear crafted to support women during their maternity journey. It's available in nine colors and in sizes XXS-5X.
Author and expectant mother Chrissy Teigen quickly came to Kardashian West's defense and filmed video clips for her Instagram story of herself wearing items from the SKIMS maternity line.
Kardashian West's followers seemed to have mixed reactions to the new products. Many mothers were thrilled to hear about the supportive shapewear solutions.
Still, others worried about the message the products will send to pregnant women.
And some didn't think they looked all that comfortable after watching Teigen's Instagram story.
I was definitely excited about this and then I saw lovely Chrissy’s stories and saw this and doesn’t seem comfortable, maybe consider making changes to the waste line, again is just a suggestion! pic.twitter.com/OmAx1ZqO7p
— Leonafearless89 (@leonafearless89) September 14, 2020
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