Chamois Shopping?

I've learned what I don't like about the shorts that I have. That gives me a starting point in things to be aware of - but how do I shop for shorts? The fitting room doesn't come with a bike seat, and since I'm trying them on swim suit style (over the undies) - how am I to know how they'll fit or perform on the bike?

How do YOU shop for shorts? Any tips, tricks, or hints out there? I would prefer to try on before paying, if & where possible - and don't want to abuse TE by going the Zappos route (order 15 pair to find the one that works, and return the rest.)

I shop by process of elimination. I've learned that some companies' products fit me better, or perform better, so I start there first. Then I look for obvious problem areas, like seams or deep ridges in the chamois that will rub or give me welts. I use the enlarge photo feature on TE's site to look at the details of the chamois. I also look at the rest of the short, because sometimes it is something other than the chamois that bothers. I consider the short's fabric content for skin rash potential, whether the short seams are flatlocked, how many panels are used in the construction, and the gripper. Then, if I narrowed it down to a couple, I call the terrific staff at TE, have them pull the shorts, and ask specific questions. As for whether it will work on the bike seat, there is no way of knowing until you go out & ride.

considering i do all my shopping online, i use TE's websight to figure out what the chamois looks like. i'll also google the specific short to see what different sights have to say about them. i've lucked out so far that the ones that i have ordered fit great.