Dolphin shorts or Dolfins are a specific style of unisex shorts worn for athletics. They are typically very short and were originally made from nylon with contrasting binding, side slits, and rounded corners, with a waistband at the top—a style popular in the 1980s.[1][2]
The name is from Dolfin, the American company that first produced this style of shorts in the 1980s.[2] Due to their shortness, they are sometimes identified as a form of hotpants.[3]
One high-profile wearer of "dolphin shorts" is Richard Simmons, who boasted of owning 400 pairs of vintage Dolfins in 2012.[4]
Orange Dolfin shorts are specified as part of the uniform for waitresses at Hooters restaurants.[3][5]