UK shoppers are flocking online to buy clothes, and especially lingerie, despite the ongoing impact of the credit crunch, according to new research.

The latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index reveal an 85 per cent jump in clothing sales this April.

The study also reports a 72 per cent year-on-year growth in online lingerie sales.

Snow and rain this April appears to have encouraged UK shoppers to spend nearly £326m on clothes and online footwear sales.

The figures are a sharp contrast to sales on the high street, where the British Retail Consortium reported that clothing and footwear fell to their worst for at least eight years.

Julia Reynolds, chief executive of lingerie website Figleaves.com, said: " The lean and fit will survive the credit crunch.

"Our experience tells us that retailers with strong brand values and a clear target customer will stand out during an unsure economic environment.

"To introduce changes in fashion seasons online, e-tailers need to communicate with customers and use various marketing methods. Email alone is no longer sufficient."