Donovan Mitchell Stars in New SKIMS Campaign

With the Mitchell-led campaign, SKIMS is launching its second year as an official partner of the NBA. To further commemorate the moment, Complex spoke with the five-time NBA All-Star about how SKIMS fits into his day-to-day routine while on the road with the Cleveland Cavaliers. See the full conversation below.

What is your favorite SKIMS product and why?

My favorite SKIMS product has to be the Stretch 5” Boxer Briefs in Cocoa. They are soft and comfortable but durable for my active lifestyle. Not only does the elastic waistband look more modern, it gives me the flexibility I need on the court which is most important to me. Being able to partner with such an innovative company that has reinvigorated the underwear category especially for men is pretty special. Had a great time at the shoot too. Always potential for it to get a little awkward (laughs) but it was all good vibes on set. I felt comfortable just being myself and having fun with it.

How important is personal style to you? How do you see these pieces being integrated into some of your outfits during the season?

When I first got to the league, I only cared about comfort. I would throw on whatever I could find and head out the door. Now that my personal style has evolved, I’ve learned you can have both fashion and comfort. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. I think your personal style lets the world know more about you without having to say too much. It’s a way to express yourself and be able to show your swag and what you think is dope. Shout out to my stylist, Ashley North, too! I personally feel better when I’m more put together, even if it’s a comfortable hoodie and sweats getting on the team plane. Putting on SKIMS starts the road trip off right with getting my mind in a good place to go handle my business at the highest level.

Everyone’s idea of comfort is different. What makes clothing the most comfortable to you?

Comfort to me has a lot to do with the feel of the fabric … soft and stretchy for my base layer is usually my go to. I love SKIMS because it wears well and it’s the first piece of clothing I put on every day. It’s smooth on your body and feels good on your skin, whether you are trying to relax or be more active. I’m wearing the same SKIMS briefs in the game as I’m wearing when I’m playing Xbox on my couch at home.

What road trip is the toughest one during the season and how will these SKIMS products help with that?

The toughest road trips are the long stretches of being away for seven to 14 days. You miss the comfort of your home and routine. Bouncing from city to city and living out of a suitcase means you really need to think about what you are packing because you want it to be easy and comfortable. Which is exactly why I love having access to the best products from SKIMS. I’ll throw minimalistic, matching sets and underwear in my bag and know I am set. I pack items from both the Cotton and Stretch collections depending on what mood I’m in.

How much does overall comfort on off days/travel days during the NBA season impact your play on the court? What else is part of your routine to stay as relaxed as possible on game days?

I think comfort plays a huge role in what you do and how you perform on the floor. You need to take care of your body and mind in between training and games to maintain performing at a peak level for a whole season. I make sure I am always listening to music and watching film on game days to keep my routine. Everyone knows I have my game day routine and rituals scheduled down to the minute because that’s what keeps me mentally and physically locked in.

Image via Aidan Cullen/SKIMS

To tap into the same level of comfort and minimalism that helps Mitchell keep his head in the game, consider SKIMS-ifying your own life with a piece or two from the latest collections here. Mitchell’s timely SKIMS launch follows a Cotton Rib and Cotton Fleece-focused campaign featuring pop innovator Charli XCX, whose 2024 has certainly been one for the books.

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