Let's face it, shopping for a new swimsuit is never fun. It's the same routine every year: you take 15 suits into a dressing room and consider it a win if one of them looks half-way decent. A few years ago I stopped this annual torture fest altogether and started shopping for my swimsuits exclusively online.

Sure, it's unlikely you'll find your dream suit with just one order, so to play it safe, shop the websites that offer in-store returns. Lands' End, J.Crew and Nordstrom all offer the option of returning online purchases in the store, saving you the cost of postage or shipping which can range from $4.95-$6.50 per order to return.

Shopping for swimsuits online offers several benefits over a trip to the mall. You can search most sites by style (two-piece, one-piece, embellished, solid); body type (pear, hour glass, apple, full bust); flattering solutions (slender suits, DD-cups, mastectomy), price, fabric and more! Lands' End offers the most complete swim finder, allowing you to enter in your anxiety zones, the bra type, and whether you need all over control or just the tummy.

Moms everywhere seem to favor Lands' End, particularly in suburban Boston where I live. You can't swing a towel at the country club pool without hitting a mom in a swim mini. If you're looking for a unique suit, check out Nordstrom. I found a number of great-looking suits including this glamorous gray Juicy Couture shirred bandeau swimdress. To me it just screams weekend at the Hamptons. For classic swim separates, try J.Crew, where the patterns range from stripes and polka dots to florals and fishies.

Have you bought a swimsuit online? How did you find the experience?
At the very least, you'll have to agree the lighting is better. Much, much better.