Online sales showed a significant increase last month amid signs of returning consumer confidence, according to a new report.

Shoppers spent £4.2 billion online in July, 15.7 per cent more than was spent in June and 16.8 per cent more than July 2008.

The driving force for the increase appeared to be the clothing, footwear and accessories sector, which showed growth of 18 per cent month on month and 17 per cent year on year, the latest Internet Measurement Research Group Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index said.

The report suggested that in the last six months consumers have been encouraged by new summer lines and heavy discounting and promotions.

Clothing retailers have also been effective in turning more visits to their websites into final purchases in July, due to more sophisticated targeting strategies to shift summer stock for autumn fashions.

Online sales of electrical items also rose – up to 11 per cent from June – with twice as many men shopping online compared to women.

Cameron McLean, of online payment service PayPal, said: “Men love the quick and efficient nature of the internet, especially when it comes to buying technology and gadgets.

“Men are also spending more online than women. The average online spend over the last six months was £2,602 for men compared to £1,930 for women. Men, in fact, spent more than women in every category except groceries and clothing, suggesting that the female pound is still responsible for the growth in online sales of clothing, accessories and footwear year on year.”

The report also showed that sales of alcohol online tumbled in July, as drinkers were forced to cancel picnics and barbecues due to heavy rainfall. Sales fell 15 per cent month on month and 23 per cent year on year.