For most guys, clothes shopping is not at the top of the list of fun things to do. To make matters worse, it can be tough for many men to figure out if what they are buying is in style, or if it will ostracize them from society. Mens shorts can be a tough item for many men to buy, since there is such a variety of styles. However, there are a few tips that can come in handy.

If you go shopping by yourself, it can be difficult to determine what looks good on you. Enter the female friend – a woman who, in her innate female wisdom about fashion, will be a good guide to what is flattering on you and what looks ridiculous. Of course, in a pinch, you could ask a female salesperson, but chances are that she is more interested in selling you a pair of shorts than giving you honest advice. So, just tell one of your female friends that you could use some help and chances are, she will be excited to come along on the shopping trip. And besides, aren’t you more concerned with how women think the shorts look on you than with your own opinion?

If you cannot find a woman to go with you, you still have some options. Read GQ, Details, and other male fashion magazines to get an idea of what is in style. Think about buying mens shorts that have a classic style as opposed to a trendy style. And, think about function – if you need to do yard work in the shorts, pick a more rugged fabric. If you are playing basketball, the fabric should be breathable. And if you’re just buying shorts to lounge around the house in, pick something you’re comfortable wearing.