With all of the computer technology today, shopping for a bathing suit can be easier than ever. So, stop crying in the stores when something doesn't fit and sit down at your computer to enter bathing suit heaven. All you have to do is point and click your way around to find that perfect store, and viola, there they are right in front of you. Online bathing suit shopping allows you to mix and match tops with bottoms, view what the suit looks like on, and best of all: you get to pick the color!

While searching the Net, I came upon many sites offering swimwear for all shapes and sizes. The styles this year have so much variety that anyone can find that perfect bathing suit. Of the most popular, tankinis and one-piece tummy-tuckers were offered everywhere at some great prices.

A great online site for women is Victoria's Secret, home of the Body by Victoria Swim Collection. You have to view these suits online or in a magazine because they are not offered in retail stores in Southwest Virginia. While you're there, make sure you explore the Summer 2000 collection. All of their suits offer smooth shapes that conform to your body and stretch as you do. They have the halter top, which resembles a sports bra, with a U- neckline that ties behind the neck. Victoria's also has the Shaping Bikini top that fits like a bra with under-wire for support. The advantage of this is that it comes in bra sizes, so you don't have to worry about buying the wrong size. The most popular bathing suit on the market right now is the tankini, which was offered on every site, even . Victoria's tank has a hidden under-wire for support, and it sits like a tank top for comfort. Their one-piece Maillot has a scoopneck, low-scoop back, and high-cut leg to show curves like crazy, yet it covers just enough.

A new line of popular suits are the A-Lined Skirt bikinis. This is a regular top with a swim skirt for the bottom that sits low on the hips. Their swim collection comes in all imaginable colors, go to the site to see for yourself.

My next favorite site with versatility is jcrew.com. J. Crew's site, which allows you to find the style and color that's just right for you. Their one-piece suits are solid or two-toned colors with a high-cut leg. J. Crew offers two-piece suits galore, and you can mix and match the tops and bottoms to create a look that no one else on the beach will have. The tops range from the traditional French top to the new tankini. An interesting style is their crop top. It doesn't show as much as a string, but it doesn't hide as much as a tankini. The great thing about J. Crew's swimwear collection is that you can pick a bikini in one color with a halter tank in another. Their prices are a little high, but in order to find a bathing suit that fits and lasts, it is well worth the extra cash.

For the more rustic and outdoor styles of the summer, check out American Eagle's collection. Their prices are more reasonable, ranging from $23 to $35. AE's swimwear line consists of tankinis (again), under-wire tops, Bandeau tops (strapless), and triangle tops for those who dare to bare. Unfortunately, they left out the men's collection. I guess they assume boys will be boys and will wear any pair of shorts they already have sitting in their drawers.

However, Eddie Bauer didn't forget the male species when they designed their swimwear collection. They offer new men's "water shorts" for only $36. The great thing about these shorts is that they are comfortable with an elastic/drawstring waistband and fast-drying nylon. Men do not have to worry about showing all they have when they step out of the water this summer because the water shorts dry quicker than the average trunks. An additional accessory on these "water shorts" is a removable stretch belt with plastic snap closure. You can wear it if you want, but you can also take it off. For your most precious valuables, these shorts have two front zip pockets and a key loop.

For a more hip and stylish look, Eddie Bauer has the men's "technical trunks," which resemble cargos. They are 100% nylon, lightweight, and also fast-drying. The drawstring waist and mesh lining offers men comfort and style. This trunk has a back zippered pocket and a D-ring key holder. Check out their web site for more details.

This summer, the most popular style for men are the tropical-print trunks that you can find anywhere. Next in line for the favorites are the cargo- pocket swim trunks.

JCPenney's line is even more reasonable with their Morro Bay Cargo swimwear starting at only $18. Men seem to prefer a basic, uncomplicated look for the water. All they care about is comfort and making sure their trunks have mesh lining. If they only knew how good they have it!