What’s Making Holes in Your Clothes? Causes and Easy Ways I Prevent Them

There’s no single test that works in every situation, but a few patterns can help.

Friction Is More Likely When:

• Holes appear in the same location
• Damage is concentrated near shirt hems
• You notice holes mainly in frequently worn garments
• The fabric is thin or lightweight
• You regularly lean against counters or desks
• Other clothing stored away remains unaffected

Fabric Pests May Be More Likely When:

• Damage appears on stored clothing
• Multiple garments are affected
• Natural animal fibers are involved
• You notice larvae, shed skins, or webbing
• Damage occurs in dark, undisturbed storage areas

If you’re seeing signs of an infestation, addressing the source is more important than simply replacing damaged clothing.

What to Do With a Shirt That Already Has a Hole

Don’t automatically throw it away.

Small holes can often be repaired with a needle and thread, fabric patches, or professional alterations.

For an inexpensive T-shirt, a simple repair may be all that’s needed.

For wool, silk, cashmere, or sentimental clothing, professional repair may produce a much cleaner result.

And if you discover the cause early, you can prevent the same problem from affecting the rest of your wardrobe.

A Few Clothing-Care Habits That Pay Off

Protecting clothes is mostly about reducing unnecessary wear.

Try to:

• Follow care-label instructions.
• Wash garments at appropriate temperatures.
• Close zippers before washing.
• Avoid mixing delicate fabrics with abrasive items.
• Store clean clothes in dry, reasonably clean spaces.
• Keep closets free of excessive lint and debris.
• Avoid leaving damp clothing crumpled for long periods.
• Repair small snags before they become larger tears.

These aren’t complicated rules, but together they can significantly extend the life of your clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions