What to know before you buy

The Fallout Vault 101 Athletic Shorts blend Vault-Tec styling with performance features. If you are deciding on size or wondering how to keep the print and fabric in good shape, start with the confirmed specs: the shorts are made from 91% recycled polyester and 1% spandex, with a 2.56” (6.5 cm) inseam. That short inseam means a free, athletic cut that works well for running, gym sessions, or casual wear.

The four-way stretch and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric are designed to move with you and dry quickly. The listing also notes UPF 50+ protection, which is useful for outdoor training, though the exact coverage area is not specified. Keep in mind that product colors may vary slightly depending on your screen.

Confirmed fabric and features

  • Fallout Vault 101 Athletic Shorts: Materials: 91% Recycled Polyester / 1% Spandex The small spandex percentage gives the shorts stretch without making them clingy. Recycled content is certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

    Fallout Vault 101 Athletic Shorts

    Fallout Vault 101 Athletic Shorts

  • Fallout Vault 101 Athletic Shorts: Four-way stretch moisture-wicking microfiber fabric This fabric moves in all directions and pulls sweat away from your skin, so the shorts stay comfortable during active use.

  • Fallout Vault 101 Athletic Shorts: UPF50+ Protection If you run or train outdoors, the fabric offers sun protection. The listing does not state whether this applies to the whole garment or just the main panels.

How to choose your size

The shorts are available in sizes S through 3XL. The listing does not include a detailed size chart with waist or hip measurements, so your best reference is your usual athletic shorts size. Because the fabric has four-way stretch, the shorts can accommodate a range of body shapes, but the short 2.56” inseam means the fit is intentionally brief.

If you prefer a longer coverage or plan to layer over compression tights, consider sizing up. The elastic waistband with a flat white drawstring lets you adjust the fit, but the shorts do not have a built-in liner or compression layer.

  1. Check the inseam first: At 2.56” (6.5 cm), these are short athletic shorts. If you are used to a 5” or 7” inseam, expect a noticeably higher cut on the leg.
  2. Use your usual shorts size as a starting point: The four-way stretch fabric is forgiving, but without a size chart, ordering your typical athletic shorts size is the safest bet.
  3. Consider sizing up for a looser fit or layering: If you want extra room in the leg or plan to wear the shorts over tights, one size up should work without the waist becoming too loose thanks to the drawstring.

Caring for the print and fabric

The shorts feature an all-over print with Vault-Tec lineart, a yellow “101” on the left leg, and a Vault-Tec logo on the right leg. The printed design is hand-sewn and cut, so the care routine matters for keeping the colors and fabric performance intact. The listing does not provide specific washing instructions, but the material composition and OKEOTEX Standard 100 certification suggest a gentle approach.

  1. Wash inside out in cold water: Turning the shorts inside out protects the printed areas from abrasion. Cold water helps preserve the polyester fibers and the print’s vibrancy.
  2. Skip fabric softener and bleach: Fabric softener can coat the moisture-wicking fibers and reduce their performance. Bleach may damage the spandex and the print.
  3. Air dry or tumble dry on low: High heat can shrink or warp the spandex content and may cause the print to peel over time. Air drying is the gentlest option.

What the listing doesn’t tell you

The product page confirms the shorts are OKEOTEX Standard 100 certified and that the recycled content meets the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), but it does not include a detailed size chart, specific washing instructions, or information about the pocket depth. The mesh side pockets are noted but their capacity is not specified. If you plan to carry a phone or keys, test the pocket fit before relying on them during a run.

The UPF 50+ rating is a useful feature, but the listing does not say whether the protection covers the entire garment or only the main fabric panels. For prolonged sun exposure, treat the shorts as providing sun protection on the covered areas only.