Sophisticated, coordinated swimwear fashion at H&M this summer
It's all about being stylish and coordinated when you're on the beach or by the pool this summer. The look is elegant and sophisticated; pattern and prints are very much to the fore, as are trendy accessories and embellishments such as pearls, shells and sequins.
H&M swimwear will be available in a range of colours: brown, green, orange and yellow, as well as black, turquoise, pink and white, which is the leading colour to be seen in this spring. Ethnic patterns and plain bikinis will be hottest for this season, but for the more romantically inclined there will also be a range of floral patterns to choose from.
The triangle bikini this season will be in fresh and new designs with double and pearl-studded ties. Hipsters, with or without buckles, and halterneck tops also really set the tone.
But for those of you who really want to look great and feel good about yourself this summer, H&M is launching the Romantic Allover bikini this spring, and raising money for charity in the process.
Bikini buyers can feel great knowing that not only do they look fantastic in this beautifully designed item of beach-wear, but 10 per cent of the money spent on this gorgeous two-piece will go directly to WaterAid.
In vibrant floral print and embroidered with sequins, the flattering halter-neck design with supportive cups ranges in size from A-D. Priced at £9.99 for the top and £6.99 for the matching briefs, it is the conscience-free summer buy of 2006 and will be available in all H&M stores that have an underwear department.
"We are delighted to be working with H&M for this our fifth WaterAid bikini," says WaterAid's development manager corporate and events, Clare Cain.
"It's a great way for women of all ages to help communities where WaterAid works to provide clean water and hygienic toilets. There are over one billion people living in the world today without access to clean, safe water, by buying the WaterAid bikini, H&M customers are making a very real difference to the lives of some of the poorest people in the world."
For men this summer, the must-haves for the beach are longish surfshorts or shorter 70s-inspired jersey trunks. Pocket embellishments, drawstrings and contrasting seams are important details. Surfshorts are plain, multicoloured or patterned with tropical flowers and jungle prints. Colours are khaki, brown, yellow and orange or fresh pastel blue, pink, black and white.
The kids' and teenagers' swimwear contains lots of bright colours, as well as the classic khaki, black and navy blue. Flowers and stripes are popular for girls - bikinis and swimsuits with ties, smocking and ruching. For both younger and older boys H&M have surf shorts with tropical motifs, cartoon and pirate prints, and plain shorts with drawstrings and pocket details.
Accessories are important and really add the finishing touches to your own personal style. Choose from the wide range of matching flip-flops, straw bags, jewellery, sunglasses, hats and sarongs.
