Swimwear at H&M

Like most women I know, I dread buying a new swimsuit. Although I’m a Southern California native, learned to walk on the Venice Boardwalk, went to a high school with a water polo team, and drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to cure a hangover, I hate buying new swimwear. Typically I need to starve myself for a day and use a bottle of spray tan before I build up the courage to swimsuit shop and then end up spending $100 on a bikini, usually from Pacific Sunwear or a department store, that I’ll only wear for one season. This year, however, I came to the joyous discovery that H&M makes über-cheap and flattering swimsuits.

The tops and bottoms at H&M are sold separately so you can mix and match as you please. A gold lamé triangle top with an imitation Pucci-print bottom, maybe? From zebra stripes to surfer-girl flowers, Missoni-like zigzags, or cartoon clouds and rainbows, there’s a style for everyone. The separates go for about $13 each and there are also one-pieces available, like a black, belly-baring cut-out or the silver sex-pot one from H&M Loves Kylie, inspired by Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue. Not only are the pieces stylish and cheap, ten-percent of the proceeds from the 15-item H&M Loves Kylie swimwear line goes to WaterAid, which helps keep drinking water safe in the world’s poorest communities.