Dolphin shortsDolphin shorts or Dolfins are a style of unisex shorts designed to be worn for athletics.DescriptionsDolphin shorts are a style of unisex shorts designed to be 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 They are typically very short and were originally made from nylon with contrasting binding, side slits, and rounded corners, with a waistband at the top—a style popular in the 1980s.HistoryThe name is from Dolfin, the American company that first produced this style of shorts in the 1980s.Popular culture Due to their shortness, they are considered a form of hotpants. One high-profile wearer of dolphin shorts was Richard Simmons, who boasted of owning 400 pairs of vintage Dolfins in 2012., Orange Dolfin shorts are specified as part of the uniform for waitresses at Hooters restaurants.