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Sunday, March 26th
Zappos isn't just for shoes. You can find a pretty impressive selection of swimwear for the whole family, including popular brands like Kate Spade, Billabong, Hurley, Nike, Michael Kors and many others.
Lots of choices, but not sortable by size
You'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of swimsuit choices here. Hopefully you have at least a basic idea of what you're looking for: you can use the filters to shop by brand name, swimwear features like SPF protection or drawstring waist, design themes like nautical or stripes, price range, and so forth. The one noticeably missing filter was size! If you have an account with Zappos and save your sizing preferences, it'll give you that as an option - otherwise, you'll have to hope that in the list of results you get by using the other filters, you come across one that you like that also happens to be available in the size you need.
Mostly recreational swimwear here
Most of the swimwear sold by Zappos falls in the fashion category: fun options for poolside or playing by the shore, but not much you'd use to compete in a triathlon or go surfing. There are a few options, though, if you need something for more active use: we found around 50 by Nike and a handful by Speedo that would work.
Free shipping, 365-day return policy
Shipping is always free here. You've also got a full 365 days to return your purchase for a refund - but before you get too excited, remember that all items need to be in unworn, unwashed condition to qualify, including the original tags and any hygienic liners. Still, that's pretty decent if you want to get a swimsuit for a vacation that's a few months away without having to worry that you're out of luck if it doesn't fit by then.
Swimsuits aren't the priority
It's pretty clear that shoes are still Zappos' main focus: despite having nearly 2000 options for women's swimsuits alone, we didn't see a single one that had more than a dozen customer ratings. That makes it hard to see how they do once someone gets it home and tries it on. How's the fit? The material? You'll be taking your best guess here, unless you've already tried it on somewhere else or have a brand that you know is a good match for you.
Customer satisfaction on the decline?
Customer satisfaction with Zappos varies. On the positive side, the BBB gives this retailer its highest recommendation, with an "A+" rating and accreditation. It's easy to find lots of compliments for Zappos from shoppers who have used the store more than once for everything from shoes to purses - and now swimsuits as well. On the other hand, some people are unhappy with Zappo's using Amazon for most of its delivery fulfillment. Others describe receiving merchandise that's obviously been used, or being accused of trying to return items they damaged and then having their account closed. There's not much feedback specifically about swimwear and customer service in either direction.
Nothing to love or hate
Zappos has some things going for it: generous return policy, wide selection of swimwear for just about everybody, and well-known brands that people want. At the same time, they don't seem to have the reputation for fast delivery and no-hassle returns like they used to. It's not a bad place to get a swimsuit, but you might want to try a higher-rated store first.
Let's face it: most of us really don't like shopping for swimwear, even when we have hundreds of options right at our fingertips. Standing in front of a changing room mirror, under harsh lighting and with barely enough room to turn around, is not exactly a recipe for a mood-boosting retail experience. What if it didn't have to be that way?
Good news: it doesn't! You can buy your next swimsuit online and try it on in the privacy of your own home, no fluorescent lights required. Snap a photo and text your friends to see if they like it, use a filter to see how you'd look wearing it at the beach - it's really that easy.
But wait. Do stores really let you return swimsuits if you don't like how they look or fit? Yes! Of course, you usually have to keep the hygienic liner in place, the tags attached, and return it in unworn, unwashed condition in order to be eligible for a refund.
Better yet, many top online retailers of swimwear make it easy to get the right fit on your first try. How? Some provide tools that take your measurements and your feedback on how certain brands fit you (e.g. too small, too large, true to size) to give you an approximation of how any particular trunks, bikinis or one-pieces might fit. Also, look for detailed customer reviews: they're usually sortable by height and weight so you can choose ratings from shoppers with your same body type, and many times they even include candid photos.
There are a lot of online swimwear retailers to consider, from household name brands you already recognize and love to lesser-known stores with plenty of trendy and classic styles you might not find anywhere else. Where should you shop? Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you pick:
TopConsumerReviews has evaluated and ranked today's top online retailers of swimsuits. We're confident that this information will help you find the perfect apparel for your next trip to the beach or pool!
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