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It’s annoying to put on the perfect shirt for your outfit only to realize that a hole or two are staring back at you. How on earth did that tear get there? A variety of reasons could be to blame—from pests like moths to the laundry cycle to how you store your clothes.
If you can figure out what is causing these holes, then you can take the necessary steps to make sure it doesn’t keep happening. We spoke with several experts to find out the most common reasons for holes in clothes, how to identify the cause, and their best tips for preventing rips from forming in the future so you aren’t stuck sewing endless holes.
Pests
While moths are often the first type of pest people think of when it comes to creating holes in clothes, the following critters can also cause havoc: carpet beetles, crickets, silverfish, cockroaches, termites, and even rodents. These pests are particularly attracted to natural fibers like cotton and wool.
“Because infestations can get serious quickly, you want to identify the pest as soon as possible and assess whether or not you need to call an expert to come take care of the problem,” says Brett Bennett, director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions. Check for signs of pests—such as larvae, droppings, webbing, cocoons, or shedded skin—especially in dark corners of your closet. Look for scattered, irregular holes that typically indicate a pest infestation or holes near gnawed edges of clothing due to rodents.
To deter rodents, seal cracks in walls, set traps, and store clothes in metal or heavy-duty plastic containers, says Nicole Saunders, interior design specialist and founder of The Design Build Vault. To keep moths and other insects away, Nate Banks of Hickory, North Carolina, CEO of Crazy Compression sock company, recommends cleaning clothes before storing them and keeping items in airtight containers with moth repellent like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
Harsh Laundry Chemicals
Sometimes the process of washing and drying your clothes can cause holes to form in shirts, pants, and other items. Chemicals in detergents, bleach, and fabric softener can weaken fabrics over time. This is especially the case for clothing that you wash frequently. Banks suggests going gentle to prevent holes. “Use mild detergents and follow the care instructions on the label.” Opt for pH-neutral cleaning products and do a complete rinse cycle with only water to minimize the effects of chemicals on your clothing.
Improper Storage
How you store your clothes can also result in holes appearing. Avoid keeping items in damp areas, says Saunders. “Storing clothes in humid or poorly ventilated areas can lead to mold or mildew, which eats away at the fabric. Holes appear alongside black or gray spots. Check for musty odors or visible signs of moisture in storage areas,” she says. Saunders suggests using silica gel packets or dehumidifiers to maintain dry conditions, cleaning and drying clothes before storing them, and avoiding tightly packing them together to promote airflow.
Banks warns against crowding your closets. “Overstuffed closets or rough storage surfaces can wear down fabrics, creating tiny holes over time,” he says. “Give your wardrobe some breathing room. Use padded hangers, fold items neatly, and for small things like socks, individual compartments keep them safe and sound.”
Stains
Another possible reason for those holes could be acidic stains from sweat and aluminum-based deodorant. “Sweat or certain deodorants can cause acidic reactions, weakening fabric over time,” explains Saunders. Holes located along collars and in underarm areas—often also accompanied by yellow, stiff areas—are usually a result of these types of stains. “Wash clothing promptly after wearing, and use deodorants labeled as low-acid or fabric-safe. Make sure to rinse well and avoid leaving clothes in a damp heap, as this can also cause acidic stains,” she says.
Friction
Finally, most people don’t realize that sharp objects rubbing against your clothes could be the culprit. “The main thing I have seen that causes little holes in clothing is leaning on the counter while wearing pants with a button,” says Amélie Saint‑Jacques, professional home organizer and owner of Amelie Organizes LLC in San Antonio, Texas. “A lot of people don’t realize this, but if they have small holes at the bottom front of their tops, it is typically from the button of their pants rubbing against their kitchen countertop through the top.” To remedy this, she suggests either tucking in the front of your shirt while working in the kitchen or wearing pants without a button.
Holes can also form due to friction in the washer or dryer. “Clothes rub against zippers, hooks, or buttons in the machine, with delicate fabrics like cotton and silk being especially vulnerable,” says Joseph Passalacqua, owner and CEO of Maid Sailors in New York City. “You can identify this issue by checking if holes align with zipper or hook contact points. Prevention is straightforward: always use mesh laundry bags for delicate items and fasten all zippers and hooks before washing,” says Passalacqua.
