Shopping for swimwear on the internet has a lot of advantages. But there is one potential downside - you cannot try things on before you buy.

You can reduce this risk, however, by choosing sites with plenty of product information and customer advice.

Yzea has to be one of the most glamorous sites on the net. Pink graphics and stylish photography may seem frivolous but the business of shopping is taken very seriously, with a customer service that is hard to beat.

You can view the entire swimwear range (mostly bikinis) quickly and easily. Click on a style that catches your eye and you will find model photos, colour swatches and product pictures which can be rotated through 360 degrees, so you can make an informed choice.

Delivery takes about 48 hours at an additional charge of £2.

Mail order company Boden has a great summer selection of swimwear. For men, there are bright boxer-style trunks patterned with sunflowers, seafood, fish and Hawaiian prints.

The women's range includes formats to suit every shape and size, in pretty florals and colour combinations, with bikinis, vest tops, classic and extra support swimsuits, shorts and sarongs. There are mini-versions, too, for fashion-conscious girls and boys.

Add £3 for delivery, which can take up to 14 working days.

If you have trouble finding swimsuits long enough in the body, try Long Tall Sally.

This is a well-designed and presented site from the retailer specialising in affordable clothes for tall women. The range is not enormous but includes some sexy all-in-ones with animal prints or crocheted panels, as well as some sporty styles, many available up to size 20. Orders are generally despatched in 24 hours, with a delivery charge of £2 for orders under £30 and £3 for those over.

If you really want to splash out (in more ways than one) head for Net-a-Porter.

This is perhaps THE place to buy high-fashion items from big designer names, with price tags to match. The dedicated swimwear department consists mostly of very trendy, itsy-bitsy bikinis, costing from £80 to £400 and guaranteed to cause a stir on any beach.

All items are clearly displayed with enlargeable front and back views and fabric swatches, plus stock information. There is a hefty £7.50 postage charge and delivery times vary by the item.

A final note. It is worth familiarising yourself with returns policies before you buy. Remember that non-faulty items can only be returned unworn.

www.yzea.co.uk
www.boden.co.uk
www.longtallsally.co.uk
www.net-a-porter.com