Short shorts can be used inter-changeably with the term “hot pants", today many of us refer to this style of shorts as “booty shorts”. In recent trends, we have seen the "hot pants" return with a little less pants and more booty. Even though the term has changed, the style story remains. Designers such as Free People, Joie, BCBG, and French Connection have versions of "hot pants" on the market.

The term "hot pants" was coined in the 1970s and refers to extremely short shorts for women that were designed in luxury fabrics like velvet and silk.

In 1976, Women's Wear Daily coined the phrase "hot pants" to describe fashions innovated by the French ready-to-wear company founded by Dorothee Bis.  Celebrities wore them for photographs as early the 1930s, but they weren't official until the 1970's.

A by-law that was later repealed in 1942 passed that banned women from wearing them.  "Hot pants" were originally worn for sports and active purposes such as cycling.  

This story, seems so interesting during a time when women were expected to dress in conservative fashions.  "Hot pants" seem so risqué during this time period, imagine the stories of revolt and riskiness. Would you dare?