I used to shave down for swimming. But now it's mostly just trim work. I'm a wookie too so there's no point in trying to constantly shave. Plus, it itches like mad when it grows back. Especially chest and armpits. So my suggestion is trim vs shave. Otherwise, man up and get it waxed. Then it will stay gone for longer, but be prepared to get waxed a lot 'cause it still comes back pretty quick.
And actually, girls thought it was really fun to rub up against you when you're shaved. I now think it maybe had something to do with girls actually liking girls though (I like to think all do just a little bit).