With parenthood comes so many mysteries. Why do children only sleep-in when you have to be somewhere early in the morning? Where is that smell coming from in the boys’ room? When will she ever quit wetting the bed? There are just so many questions.
But you know the one that has bothered me the most over the last several years? What is causing small holes at the bottom of all of my t shirts? I know. A question with great eternal significance. What can I say? I’m pretty deep.
This may not seem like a parenthood problem, but seeing as it appeared only after the entrance of my first child, I’m throwing it in there. And it’s not just my problem. Almost every mom I’ve mentioned my holey shirts to has exasperatedly shared her own frustration and bewilderment over the issue too. I decided something had to be done.
I’ve had multiple theories over the years about these pesky holes. At first, I was sure it was our washer or dryer. I know that seems absurd given the fact that the holes always appeared in relatively the same area, but I went with it for awhile. What can I say? Deductive reasoning powers are weak in the face of sleepless nights and screaming babies. Obviously, this theory was faulty, but it was dis-proven once and for all when two more sets of washers and dryers came and went, but the holes continued appearing.
My other (and even weaker) speculation was that moths were eating my shirts. The holes admittedly look like they’ve been eaten away by tiny bug mouths, but again, the likelihood that the creatures only find the bottom middle of my shirts appetizing is slim to none.
The Culprit
Well, rest assured, folks, the mystery has been solved. The small holes at the bottom of shirts are caused by the shirt repeatedly rubbing between a pants’ button and a hard surface all day (in my case, the kitchen counter). Don’t you just feel like you’ll sleep better at night, now?
Just for the sake of you skeptics out there who have concocted some conspiracy theory as to why your shirts continue to be destroyed, I set out to test my theory. Rest assured, it was a highly scientific and extremely strict experiment.
First, I purchased a new and holeless shirt. (I know. I really took one for the team on this one.) Second, I wore said shirt with jeans for four days straight at home. Given the track record of my other shirts, that was easily enough time for the fabric to at least show the beginnings of hole formations. I ensured I maintained my normal routine all day, except I kept the front of my shirt tucked in to my jeans the whole time. And guess what? No holes! Not even the beginnings of holes. My theory was proven correct!
Now that the mystery had finally been solved, it was time to find a solution. Seeing as there is no way for me (and most of you) to avoid being up against the kitchen counter all day, an alternative remedy had to be formulated.
Initially, I tried just wearing buttonless pants during the day. For me, “buttonless” ends up being either workout shorts or sweatpants. I know the mom uniform that’s currently all the rage includes yoga pants, but this girl cannot wear yoga pants. It’s just obscene, and I totally loose my G-rating. It’s okay. Don’t be sad for me – I’m used to it. I’ve had to stay away from Spandex-ish material ever since I hit puberty. As a 12-year-old in ballet, my teacher was constantly tapping me on the rear, telling me to “pull it in.” Week after week I repeatedly assured her it was as “in” as it was going to go, but that didn’t stop her from continuing the instruction all year long.
Alas, after wearing buttonless pants for a week or so, I started to feel really unkept. That’s a little hard to avoid, being home all day schooling the kiddos, but if I’m dressed sloppily, it really compounds the problem. I am much more productive when I get ready for the day, and sweatpants just don’t provide me with that “Go get ’em!” attitude.
The Cure
After thinking through the alternative of living in elastic waste bands, and enduring the weight gain that inevitably comes with them, I made a decision. Ladies, it’s time to bring back the “the front tuck.” That’s right. In the Juniors departments, stores are all marketing tacky 90’s clothes anyway – Nordstrom is selling OVERALLS! So, why not use a staple from our childhood to our advantage?
If you want to feel better about it, you can refer to it in 2014 terminology. It is apparently now known as a “partial tuck” or a “half tuck.” But you and I know the truth. This isn’t some new phenomena or trend. We were sporting it way back it middle school, and it is most definitely the front tuck.
J.Crew
Besides, look at all of these people sporting it.
Random Model
J.Crew
Of course, since the problem is in the kitchen, we don’t have to go public with the tuck. It can be easily remedied on the way out the door.
Or we could just imagine we look as good in it as the ladies above, and tuck our shirts proudly. Who knows? Maybe the front tuck is the new yoga pants.
——– Edited 7/29/14 ———
After publishing this post, I heard from several people who told me that they don’t lean against counters, but still get holes in their shirts. One woman’s guess was that they were due to the seat belt rubbing her shirts against the button on her pants. I would think the front tuck would help this issue, as well, but I wanted to include that possibility in the spirit of full disclosure. 🙂
So THAT’S where they come from!! Those little holes drive me crazy! You have saved my sanity….and my future T-shirts! Thanks!! 🙂
LOL! Isn’t it ridiculous? It has caused me so much frustration over the years. Glad to be of help. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks ! I thought I was going insane. I took the measure of spraying bug spray into my drawers and used Clorox wipes . I still noticed those tiny holes ! grrrr .
I certainly will be mindful and test your theory too.
OMG! My husband suggested I google this problem because it was driving me crazy. I first thought it was silver fish but the holes were always in the same place. So I stopped wearing a belt thinking it was that. Nope, still holes. Then I thought it was the seat belt and always pulled my top out over the belt. Nope, still holes. I believe it is the ends of pants by the button that rub and the fact that the t-shirts are so much thinner now. Maybe it happens when I lean on the counters…I don’t know. I will try the tucking in and see what happens. What I do is the minute I get home is take off my “good” tee and put something I don’t mind getting holes in because I believe they are inevitable. I do fix tee’s with iron on patches which work great if there is a pattern or design that will not show through. I’ve thought of just ironing on a hugh patch where the holes show up! lol Thank you for this article.
Sorry but I do NOT lean against the kitchen counter and guess what… HOLES!
I believe that it is caused by the seatbelt. Have you tried to prove or disprove that theory?
I’m with you on this one. I don’t lean against the kitchen counter either. But I have loosened my seat belt and do not get the holes anymore.
Interesting…..I have not tested out a seat belt theory. Maybe you could try a front tuck and see if that helps? Of course, if you’re wearing nice clothes, that’s probably not the best option. If you test it out, let me know what you find.
By the way, how do you manage to not lean against the counter while cooking or doing dishes? Maybe that’s what I need to work on most. 🙂
I don’t cook either and still have these holes. Must be the seat belt, I commute 1 hour each way daily.
I wear a coat or jacket over my tee shirts in the winter when wearing a seat belt and still get those disgusting holes. So don’t believe in the seat belt theory!!
I can not believe I am not the only one who faces this problem…I randomly googled it not thinking anything would actually come up when I glanced at your blog!!! THANK YOU!!!! I am not alone 🙂
Yes, you are not alone. Everyone I know deals with this issue. Wish I had more of a magic cure to offer you. Thanks for commenting!
No, it is some kind of bug…This problem started about 9 yrs ago–never before, for me at least–I’ve pulled a top out of the closet, with tag still on it & find holes–it’s been driving me crazy! It’s not from rubbing against jeans, car seat belt, counter tops, washer dryer, etc–I agree how would a bug know to only eat holes in front, around belly button–(although I’ve had them off to side as well)–I’m ready to call my local news team to see if they’d run a piece on it–maybe an entomologist would respond!
Strange, Janice. I noticed it around 8 or 9 years ago too. At the very least, I think that around that time manufacturers started using thinner fabrics that are more susceptible to holes.
I have long suspected the same culprit. Jean button and rubbing against the kitchen counter. I have also have sported the half tuck but somehow still end up with those pesky little holes. Granted there are fewer holes but eventually all my favorite tees end with them at some point. Such a bummer to ruin all those expensive t shirts! Now I buy cheap men’s v neck tee’s at Target and wear those around the house especially when I am cooking. I save my nice t’s for any outings.
You know, that is probably the best fix of all. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
It’s not just u ladies. I’m a 34 yr old guy and all my favorite tees have tiny holes in the front center just below belly button. Thanks for the tip. For me, it may be the belt tip rubbing against the tee and the kitchen/sink counter. I will try out your suggestions. Thank u.
I often thought of this theory. But then something baffling happened… I was pregnant wearing maternity jeans with no button, no zipper…. Just a big stretchy panel over my fat baby tummy. Still got them!!
I’m beginning to lean towards the kitchen counter theory also. First thought it was a belt, so I stopped wearing it but continued to find new holes. Then thought it was my seat belt so I purchased a Sherpa shoulder strap and placed it at the waist but still found holes. Thought there could be a sharp edge on the counter but can’t feel any. This summer I’ve been trying to change into workout pants as soon as I get home so I won’t be in the kitchen with pants which have buttons. The other day I realized I was leaning against the counter in my jeans and a new shirt. Interestingly enough, I could see a shine on my shirt where the metal button was rubbing against the shirt. I think the metal buttons wear against thin fabric enough to damage the material and then when the garment is washed/dried, the holes appear. Since changing into other pants when I get home, I am finding less and less holes in my shirts. I’ve also noticed it is happening to fairly thin shirts and never to heavier shirts or sweaters.
I’ll have to try the half-tuck also!
Oh. My. Goodness! I am glad I found this, I have been meaning to look it up for a while to see if anyone else was having this problem and to see if I was crazy. I seriously thought it was moths eating my clothes for the last few years, but as you stated “the likelihood that the creatures only find the bottom middle of my shirts appetizing is slim to none.” Besides the fact that my shirts are the only ones getting holes, not the kids and not the hubby, and I never see moths flying around my closet…lol. Your theory totally makes sense!! When I do dishes I do lean into the counter, and the holes are ALWAYS at the bottom of my shirts where the pant button would be. I will try to get into the habit of doing the front tuck while doing house chores and see if that helps. 🙂 THANK YOU for solving the mystery.
I also think the seat belts are the culprits. I bought 4 or 5 brand new blouses about a month ago and all but one have holes…ugh!!! I guess the front tuck it is!!!
I think it also has to do with tugging the front of a shirt down all day long to ensure belly coverage! I know when I wear low-rise jeans I end up tugging my shirt down a lot more or less mindlessly. But I also agree with the seatbelt or counter theory as well.
You’re all wrong. I conducted a RCT for and concluded it’s from zippers.
Hi, I am from Spain,,, and also have de same problem! I have googled this issue in Spain several times, but there aren´t much entries, so today, after discovered a new hole in a pajama, i have googled it in english, and, what a surprise, I have found this blog. !
this is really worry me. In Spain is told is when you lean again the counter at the kitchen, there are some kind of bug that stick on your shirt and eat it!. so, the thing is, more or less is going for the same way. We know is when you wear shirt with the button of the pants. But I don´t know what to do to avoid the matter.
As you can see, this is an international worry!
I felt so funny googling this subject but I’m totally frustrated because the holes seems to happen to my most favorite expensive cotton blend shirts. After reading this I’ve decided it’s a combination of things we may do throughout the day. For me I typically wash my my hands a lot and maybe the fact that I have to lean against the counter surface when doing so. I also agree with seatbelt theory along with doing dishes and cooking. Basically anything that forces contact between your shirt and pants. Thanks for this helpful post. I’ll be tucking!
Great ideas! I just did laundry and found more holes in my favorite light cotton t-shirt , so I googled. The button/counter idea is perfect, but I think also the weight of the fabric makes a difference. This never happened with my older heavier gauge cotton T’s – just started with the advent of the ultra-lightweight cotton fabrics. Thanks so much for this helpful article !
Thank you for this blog post! I’m just glad I’m not alone in this. I was really leaning towards moths but just couldn’t reconcile the fact that the holes were only in t-shirts and only in the front. Your theory and the seatbelt theory both make more sense!!!
So glad to find out that others are experiencing this too. I came up with the same theories as you did. I realized that I do lean against the kitchen counter often and thought that was the culprit. I also noticed that my seatbelt came across that spot too, so for me I think it is a combination of both. I like the idea of the front tuck. I can’t wait to try it!
I thought I was alone, it’s so crazy this happens to all my shirts in the same exact area. I have a new shirt on that I wore only 2 and already on the 3 wearing I have these fabulous holes…ugh !
I’m so glad this has been informative. I wish it were more helpful. Maybe thick shirts will come back into vogue? 🙂
My thick shirts still get “mystery holes” it just takes a little longer 🙁
As I sit here reading this on my iPad, I noticed that my iPad while sitting on my lap also sits in the same area and I have holes in this shirt right there, so basically anything that rubs your shirt against two hard surfaces will create tiny holes, which multipy and get bigger as you wash rand wear! Ugh! I hate tucking, but maybe a front tuck will be okay!
I believe its the cheap thin fabric manufacturers are using. Possibly from other countries. Any friction will rub holes in the fabric. I wore the same type jeans, pants for years and only within the last few years, have notices holes in all of my shirts. It isn’t from bugs!
AHHH! I literally have these holes in almost all of my shirts, and I keep sending Old Navy (where I buy most of my clothes) emails like WTF?! So interesting. Thanks for writing this. 🙂
I have the same problem which I only noticed since I started front-tucking my t-shirts. I never used to wear anything tucked in, and now I am convinced that it has something to do with the rubbing, pulling of the jeans or the belt. I noticed a few holes in a couple of my t-shirts, which I thought it was because they were just old. But it also happened in a couple of brand new ones just recently. Last time it happened was this morning, just before I went out, I made sure to check the bottom part of my t-shirt for holes & there was nothing. I was out for about 2 hours. When I got home, I checked my t-shirt and there it was, 1 tiny hole that obviously just happened in the 2 hours that I was out. I think the material is just too soft & delicate to withstand the rubbing of the denim material.
Since Reading this blog, everything makes sense in the world. For me it’s my belt and I know this because I have always had issues with holes in the bottom front of my shirts. It always took some time for my shirts to wear and form holes so I was quite confused with how many holes I was creating. About 1 month ago I bought a new belt and a ton of new shirts.. The belt was pretty cheep but its usually convered anyway. All of a sudden, what would normally take about a year of wear before I started seeing holes, happened within a month with my new shirts. After reading this blog, I took off my belt and felt the corners of the buckle… quite sharp and i’m sure not shirt friendly. This new belt has been wearing holes in my shirts and an accelerated rate and I now have 3 new shirts with holes in them.. belt go bye bye. I can’t afford buying new shirts every month. So in conclusion, my betls have been the culprit with the premature wear of my shirts.
I have been battling this problem as well and have always thought i was the only one dealing with it. I feel relieved I’m not alone. I have made an attempt to fix this problem. Now keep in mind I do not tuck ANYTHING in. I am not a shirt or sweater tucker in! This is an idea my seamstress and I are experimenting with. I gave her two pairs of jeans (my worst offenders) a few days ago and she removed the jean button above the zipper on both pants. She then darned the holes closed and sewed on a strong velcro patch. Yah, I know, velcro, lol! The velcro is all the way to the edge of the top flap so when closed, it lays flat aginst the waist. You cannot tell! When you button your jeans, the edge of the top flat always seems to curl out which I think can contribute to the problem. Not with the velcro. Shirts drape nicer too. I am really hoping this goes a long ways to prevent those stinkin holes. Just make sure when you wash your jeans you close the velcro flap. If you have a cheap pair of jeans, give it a shot.
Just curious if this has helped?? I’d be willing to trade zippers for velcor and no holey shirts lol…
Ok, to add to my post below, i think the jean button itself along with the flap edge that curls out are the main culprits. Ok, that and the current jean front rise that seems to be in fashion. Counter tops, seat belts, cheap fabric, etc are contributing factors. I can wear thin fabric shirts with yoga pants and will NEVER have a hole there. Jeans?- yep, hole.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been mystified for months! Had some of my co-workers on the case as well, many of the same theories came to mind. Looks like I will be on my way to keeping clothes longer and spotting a new style! PS I was too embarrassed to google it, thought it would come up with no results! Phew. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I have been trying to solve this problem for 4 YEARS!!!! It has happened to most of my shirts and happened in my house here as well as during the 2 years I lived in Switzerland so I knew it wasn’t the washer or my detergent. Plus it doesn’t happen to my husband or children’s clothes. I think the quality of women’s clothes over the years has deteriorated also so that is part of the problem.
Sign, I thought that was what my problem was, but I work from home and alas typically wear yoga pants daily so I don’t think it is from the button rubbing, though I never thought of the kitchen counter. I have tile with grout so maybe that is causing it to snag on my shirt.
I have a theory I haven’t seen anywhere before. I suspect it is a new perfume that I started wearing about the same time these holes started appearing. I give a spritz just under my neck and it lands on the front top of my t-shirts…I’ve stopped doing that and so far, no mystery holes! Time will tell though…
My theory has always been that it is the metal buttons on my jeans creating some kind of reaction with the fabric that moths are then attracted to. We have a moth problem. It only happens when I wear jeans but I rarely rub up against the kitchen counter and it was happening before I had a stone counter anyway! Perhaps Levis or a jeans manufacturer could give an opinion….?
I have noticed this happening to my t-shirts over the past couple of years and could not figure out what was causing it. I thought it might be moths (even though I’ve never seen any months) so I bought some cedar blocks to put in my drawers, still getting holes. And it only seem to be happening to my cotton t-shirts. The THIN cotton t-shirts. I couldn’t figure out what was happening. It wasn’t happening to my husband’s t-shirts, just mine! I’m not so sure it is the button on jeans, I think that button might be contributing to the problem. I think the real problem has to do the cleansers that we use in the kitchen to clean the counters. With the disinfectants in the cleansers and the thinness of the t-shirts, I feel that the cleansers are “eating” our shirts! Also, I’m not sure how tall everyone is, but I’m short, 5’0″. The other day I wore a white t-shirt to work. There were no holes in it when I left in the morning. The pants that I had on did not have a button on the waist on the outside, just inside. But that morning our cleaning person cleaned the bathroom sink. He has a habit of spraying some kind of disinfectant cleaner and letting it sit on the sink for a while. And I know he doesn’t rinse the sink very well. Now the sink hits me just below my belly button, so when I reach for the soap dispenser I lean against the sink. Well, when I got home that night, there were two holes in my shirt just below my belly button. I have also noticed these small holes on the cuffs of my long sleeve t-shirts. Maybe it’s time we start letting the manufacturer’s know how we feel about these thin shirts. I know the ones I bought were not cheap and I can not afford to keep buying new shirts. Also, maybe if they started making clothes in America instead of overseas it would help!
I don’t think it’s cleaners, I get the holes and only use vinegar to clean my counter tops. I agree, I think it’s a combination but mostly due to cheap manufacturing and thin shirts! I hate having to double layer even my t-shirts, so annoying.
This has been driving me nuts. My favourite new jumper has three big holes in it! I thought there is NO WAY it’s from rubbing. It MUST be bugs, or my washing machine but now I’m starting to think that maybe I was wrong. But I could swear I put my clothes in the washing machine holeless and they come out with holes….
However I did put on a sleeveless top on this morning and guess what?!? Holes in the chest area!! Really??
It’s carpet beetles..
if you think its carpet beetles how did you get rid of them??
I’m so grateful for your article. I, too, am a homeschool mom who wants to appear like I’ve got it together; but now that a good 50% of my shirts have embarrassing holes at the belly button, I look like I raided the Goodwill dumpster for their rejects!
I will be implementing your “tuck” method (if I have enough brain cells left to remember!).
I have done everything. I even froze all my clothing thinking it was moths. I have suspected the leaning on counter thing too. But have 5 small holes and only wore it once! IT’S SUCH a shame and waste of money!!!!! Glad I’m not alone!!!!!
I always thought they (the little holes) could be due to either wearing a belt and getting the top caught when fastening the belt, or getting the top caught in the zip of a pair of trousers when zipping up.
NO IT IS NOT SEAT BELTS OR COUNTERS OR DETERGENT OR ANYTHING ELSE WE ARE GUESSING ABOUT. I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT MY MOM WEARS A RED SHIRT FOR WORK AND ELASTIC PANTS AND SHE HAS HOLES! I HAVE SLEEP TEES THAT I SLEEP IN WITH UNDERPANTS AND STILL HOLES. THESE HOLES ARE MAKING ME CRAZY. ITS NOT BUGS OR BABY FEET NONE OF THESE ARE LOGICAL. WE HAVE BEEN WEARING JEANS FOR OVER 100 YEARS AND DID NOT GET HOLES. ITS NOT JEANS EITHER. SOMEONE FIGURE THIS OUT OR I SAY WE BAN PURCHASING ANY MORE OF THESE TOPS. IF ANYONE KNOWS A PLACE TO SHOP THAT DOES NOT END UP WITH HOLES IN TOPS, SHOUT OUT PLEASE! (That sounded like a Doctor Suess book) WHATEVER I AM SO ANNOYED WITH THESE BLASTED HOLES.
I think it’s a conspiracy, clothing manufacturers are using cheap fabric so we have to buy new clothes every season. So wasteful. Anybody that wears aprons during house chores find this to be a solution?
I wear a tank top under my Tshirt 80% of the time and all of my tank tops are hole free but not the t-shirts. So it can’t be the top of my jeans like I thought. I also thought it could be my wedding ring catching on my shirts when I give them a little pre-wear-stretch but again, none on the tank tops I wear at the same time and wash at the same time as the tshirts. These holes are maddening!!!!’
sounds funny but by a new shirt and wear it backwards , holes appear on the back of the shirt now
I’m going to try this and see what happens….
I thought I was the only one with this problem! I haven’t thought of the counter top issue! I have to admit I now hand wash all of the thin t shirts and it seems to help. I also started tucking in my shirts whenever I could (since I also noticed the button/belt issues). I am with everyone that the real cause is poor quality. My husband never has any issues with any of his tshirts because they are better quality (meaning thicker).
I just googled this question and came across this article. All of my shirts were being ruined by these mysterious holes. I finally decided that it was a combination of things. Definitely the rubbing against the counters (especially granite) was part of the problem, and seatbelts too. And as I was reading below, yes, we have been doing these things for years, but I also think that water softeners and fabric softeners are breaking down the fabrics rather quickly. Since we moved and no longer have a water softener, the mysterious little holes seem to be less of an issue. I have been trying to use less fabric softener. Enough to be effective – not destructive.
I have never, ever used water softener or fabric softener, and the holes are here.
i had holes on a tshirt after one single handwash , i was furious
I had just come to the conclusion that after having children, my belly button was spitting acid. It made perfect sense at the time.
Just have to vent, I’ve been wearing a brand new shirt for 3 hours now and I already have one hole and about 8 other spots that will inevitably be holes. So frustrating! I’m sure the tuck is the only solution for most shirts anymore. My thicker oxford shirts don’t have holes, so I’m firmly convinced it’s all about cheap, thin fabric.
I think so too.
I was so happy to find that I wasn’t the only one with this mystery problem. I did still believe that it had to do with my poor posture probably from being pregnant 6 times. I know when I lean on a counter in the kitchen I arch my lower back terribly. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone I assumed it was that my tummy wasn’t flat anymore. Well, the reason I just came to the computer to look this up today was I looked at my 2 year old helping me stir dinner and her shirt which was hole free when we put it on, now has 8 holes in it just below her belly button. she never wears jeans, only stretchy legging pants. This is the first time I have seen these holes on any of my children. She certainly does not lean on the counter. I can’t find a table in the house at this level for her??????
Just so happen that I decided to google the “why” all of my shirts have tiny holes below the belly button, leaving me baffled and clueless. I was thinking that maybe some kind of mysterious bug was attacking my shirts. Or maybe where I was buying these shirts, anything and everything was coming to my mind. And here it is I’m sitting at my desk and so happen to notice a very expensive shirt that I bought has the exact same holes, its not like I wear it all the time but I do wear it with jeans and after reading I realized its the button on the jeans and the belt buckle that is ruining all of my shirts. At least I know my clothes are bug free major relief on that part. Now more then ever convinced I need to wear a tank top underneath, lift up my shirt while sitting at my desk or try to figure out what to do to avoid this from continuing to happen. So frustrated.
I have holes in tops that I never wear in the kitchen, but only to work. Holes in shirts that I wear only with pants with no button (and that are soft on top, not jeans). Seatbelt might be a good theory, but I”m wearing a coat 9 mos of the year, and some holes appear after only a few wearings. There are many other friction things we have in life (carry backpack, purse, rub up against wooden chair, why doesn’t bra clasp create holes, etc. etc.) so why do these only appear at belly? I’m with the belly-button-spitting acid theory.
I haven’t worn jeans in ages — and have been wearing a lot of sweat pants and yoga pants instead. I still get the little holes. So it can’t be from buttons or zippers in my case. My granite counter edges are round and smooth — but it could well be the counter anyway, since it is exactly that height. I have wondered if it could be from the spray I clean my counters with or just plain dish detergent when I wipe down counters eating into the fabric. Dunno.
I had wondered about the seatbelt, but the holes never appear diagonally across my chest. Just the belly. I guess I need to be more diligent with the aprons!
Aprons, dear God, no!
Still frustrated that there doesn’t seem to be an actual solution here – I can’t give up my jeans, and can’t always wear something underneath tops. More importantly though – any ideas on how best to fix the small holes? Darning isn’t a great solution for t-shirts, any other ideas??
They cannot be fixed. Get real.
I have always thought the holes were caused by the stiff corner of fabric above the button on shorts or jeans catching on shirts. And, the holes started to appear as waistbands became lower making the stiff corner stick out more, and fabric became thinner offering little resistance. The holes usually match exactly where they catch on the corner. As for a solution I haven’t got much to offer… But I’m always trying to think of something as I throw away yet another shirt!
I agree 100%. My theory as well.
Ok, soooo, I googled this because of the holes I get in my EXPENSIVE t Ratshirts constantly! And although I do lean against a granite counter top, I have concluded that the pointed piece in the left side of the jeans (where you button your jeans) sticks out just enough to rub a hole in the shirt whether you lean on anything or not. I think it’s just the rubbing of the jeans!!
It’s been happening to me since my teenage years and has aggravated me since that time!!! I DID start tucking in the front of my shirt, but I really don’t like that look. I don’t know that there is a solution! Rats!!!!
AGREED! This one makes me the most sense because I don’t think the button sticks out as much as the pointed corner top of the jeans. I think that for me is that I’m always seated up against the side of my desk all day at work and then the seatbelt in the car just exaggerates the friction with these cheap cotton shirts.
OMG I really thought I was going crazy and well going broke too as I keep replenishing my wardrobe. I don’t know what to say about all the comments except it can happen in a day when I don’t do anything much; not clean or drive so I will try the front tuck for one week and see if I have any holes.
I thought it was because I’ve gained weight in the past couple of years because I hadn’t had the holes problem before. It’s in most every Tee I own now. I believe it’s the cheap material. I’ve always used fabric softener, worn jeans forever (was born in the 50’s so seems forever), always been a leaner, but the holes have only been appearing for the past few years. Thanks for the topic and everyone for their comments. I feel better knowing I’m not alone.
The interesting thing is that I only started getting these holes in my shirts maybe 10 years ago. I wore the same kinds of clothes before that, had the same habits (kitchen, seat belts), but no holes. So what has changed??
Absolutely! This has baffled me for the same amount of time. I’ve written on other pages about this & I know it’s some kind of creature, but what? And why would it/they know to eat only in front/side? It’s bizarre to say the least. I’ve taken a top from my closet only to discover new holes. It is not because of rubbing against anything! Although it makes the most sense. This is getting costly—I’ve been saving all my tops with holes, for proof—I’m going to submit them to an Entomologist! Help!
Seat belts?
Me too!
quality of goods , now most of our tshirts are made in China
Like so many others here, I’m so glad I found this article and all of your comments! I just resigned myself to the fact that the cotton Gods hate me lol cause it doesn’t happen to anyone else I know. I finally looked it up today because I had a brand new shirt on with a tank underneath when I looked down a mere 2 hours later and there were the holes….shirt ruined. The weird thing is that the top shirt, granted it was thin but the tank is pretty thick, had more holes than the tank underneath. I’m just so fed up….especially since I bought this shirt for a trip too. Thought it’d be fine with the thick tank under and it wasn’t!!! Wtf people this is weird. I just don’t get it and it’s become expensive to replace tops over all the time. I thought it was the friction from the zipper/hard flap but after today I’m not so sure. Its nice to know I’m not crazy cause most people think its weird lol. But I know I sucks and is sooooo frustrating!!!
Hello Marley,
I have been suffering from this problem for some time too…
I am researching for a solution too…
Coul you please send me a photo of the shirts & holes you are mentioning here?
Thanks!
Mor
This may sound strange to some people that don’t know the struggle.. But there should be “button covers.” Like a stretchy fabric that covers it. Bam! Right now I’m livid that a brand new summer shirt is ruined.. And it’s not like one hole. There are 15 tiny holes. And as we speak I’m wearing last summers shirt that was ruined with holes. I’ve had to toss at least 20 shirts in a year!
The struggle is real!
Me too! It’s an incredible waste, and is happening the beloved shirts!
I completely agree. I’ve been wondering for a long time and am amazed there are so many people out there with the same problem. You can find answers to practically everything on Google! I will do some of the same experiments but am releaved that it’s not just me … it’s been driving me crazy!!
Jeeeez…have the same problem with soooooo many of my tees..thick or thin material. .nothing is spared. Right at the same spot around the navel. Infuriating. ..but was wondering…. if this could be an ACIDIC region of our bodies???? Why ONLY at this spot??? Has anyone considered this theory???? I don’t wear a seat belt.. don’t potter in the kitchen that much…pant buttons could be an issue. ..but then there should be holes in my left shoulder too… carrying a handbag everyday…that causes friction too..??? Any doctors or scientists out there who could investigate or verify my theory???
It’s silver fish. Boom.
Seriously google silver fish and get you some lavender oil, they hate lavender oil.
This problem has been driving me nuts. It’s not the seatbelt, then? Because that is also in exactly that same place. Did you test that?
I studied textiles in university and this was explained as “needle burn”. Most textile factories use dull needles to weave cloth and it creates fragile places in the material where holes are more likely to develop. I get these holes in various places on my shirts not just the same place. It’s very frustrating. It is typically on the front of shirts however which may be from leaning against counters or seatbelts rubbing. This is the area of the shirt that gets the most abrasion.
Ah, no.
I’m a chap with the same problem. holes are lower than the belly button though, below the belt line. I got a hole today in a shirt that I am sure did not have one first thing. working backwards it can have only been from the car. But I was wearing a coat today. So I went back out to the car and sat down and what I noticed was the bottom of the T was scrunched up in my jeans. it wasn’t the belt causing it but simply the T getting wrapped in the jeans and then friction doing its worst. Anyway I have resolved to ‘pull out’ my T everytime I sit down from hence on and lets see what happens
Hey, Andy! You’ll have to let me know if that helps. We NEED some solutions around here! 🙂
I just can’t wait to tell you what I found. I threw away at least six shirts with holes in the exact same place. I have tried for at least two months to solve this problem. I was convinced it was my seatbelt and I ordered a very nice cotton, padded seat belt cover. I replaced the tee shirts that I threw out. All was good until yesterday. I had a shirt with the tag on it and I did something I normally don’t do, I pulled the tag off and went on with my day. I did not get in the car. At the end of the day I looked down and in the same place were a few holes in the same place. The only thing I had done was cook dinner. We have granite but because I had holes with our Formica top too, it has nothing to do with granite. I found the wear was starting on the backside of the material and wearing through to the front. The theory of the material being cut by the pants button, esp jeans because it’s metal, is true. The fabrics getting sawed, in a way, between the metal button and the countertop of any kind. Tucking you shirt would be a good solution. I decided to try something else also. I bought cloth medical tape that I plan to cover my button in to see if that helps. I doubt it because it will still be my shirt rubbing between to hard surfaces. Trust me, this is the problem. It has been a mystery I have tried to figure out for a long time. It became obvious with that brand new shirt yesterday. Thank goodness I don’t cook a lot. Lol
Can’t wait to hear the results?!! Solved the problem??
Amazing!!! The holes happen to every one of my shirts and I thought it was the washer as well at first but it never seemed to happen to my kids shirts. This makes perfect sense! Love this article!
I think it is really just that the quality of clothing, especially tees, has gotten so pitiful. One should be able to live their life- cooking included- without worrying about this.
I am a hairdresser and I constantly am getting holes in my T-shirt and people are noticing them. I can’t even buy a new shirt because I’m afraid I’ll get holes in it. The front top looks like a great solution thanks for posting
Sorry but I am short and my counter is no where near that area of my shirt. I thought it was the button/clasp on my pants but my friend has the same problem and she only wears skirts and pull on pants. For some time I though my cat was just reaching up to claw my t-shirts because on some I would find a very faint appearance of a white or beige maybe powdery looking substance around the holes. I figured the cat was attracted to my scent since my husband, that only wears 100% cotton t-shirts, does not get any holes EVER! I love t-shirts but refuse to buy anymore because of this persistent problem.
i noticed white powdery looking substance around the holes too, and kind of like it was chewed, but i don’t have cats or dogs. And yes, my son and bf don’t get those holes. Do you dry your clothes differently from his clothes? I dry my clothes differently, only 10 min in a drier, and then it finish drying on hangers in laundry room, while my son’s and bf clothes finish drying in a drier.
Hi Emma, My clothes (tops) are mostly hung up to dry. Very recently I had purchased a top at Nordstrom’s Rack..it had the tag on it still when I pulled it out & put on, within 30 min. I noticed it had two small holes around belly button–that is one example–it is a loose fitting top & there is nothing I did or rubbed against to cause this & it’s not the 1st time pulling tops out of closet & noticing new holes (my husband, who has listened to me lament this for years & was home at the time just shook his head in wonder) I have quite the collection of colored threads..although sewing can work for a top with a pattern/print it doesn’t work so well with solids…so now that one becomes a “workout” top. I know this sounds nutty, having holes only around (or off to side) of belly button—some day we are going to be vindicated by a news segment that “bugs” brought in from (take your pick, China, Indonesia, etc.) are eating our clothes & attracted to the “belly button” area!
Thank the Maker that I am not going crazy! Just checked on a new t-shirt (worn once WITH a tank under it) and sure enough, three nasty little holes towards the bottom. It’s infuriating! The half-tuck idea is great, but doesn’t work with all pants, and definitely doesn’t always work with my figure. The holes appear on flowing and fitted t’s so it must happen when I’m sitting down (too short to rub against the kitchen counter). I’m thinking about trying one of the belly bands you wear when your pregnant to cover the top of my pants. I’m desperate.
OMG this has been driving me CRAZY for like two years now… It makes sense that it could be a counter, but I am not exactly doing dishes every day or standing up against the counter when I am cooking. I suppose the fabrics we have now are worse than they used to be, but I buy just as many “good” quality (and highly overpriced) clothes as regular inexpensive stuff and it is the same on all my shirts. Even on sweatshirts!!!!!
Discovering that other people are experiencing this has just rocked my world though. I thought I was alone in this. I feel slightly better, but also sad for all of you that have it too. It is the most frustrating thing!!!!
I don’t cook!, and I get the holes in my t-shirts as well. I’m thinking it is the hardware on jeans and not the car seat belt, since in winter months, I wear a light jacket over my t-shirts and while driving a wool jacket and still get the holes, so I’m thinking it’s just from the jeans hardware.
I’m really perplexed about this. I’m short so the kitchen counter hits me above the waist and I always wear an apron; can’t be that. I rarely wear jeans or pants with buttons so I don’t think that’s the problem either. It can’t be the washer or moths because the holes are always in the same place: lower front.
The seat belt has a round “button” on it which is smooth on top, but rough on the underside which touches my clothing pretty much where the holes are. Could that be it?
I wear a lot of Eileen Fisher cottons and I wonder if the cloth is just too thin.
I think the fine weave used for t-shirts may be the culprit. I don’t buy cheap shirts either–so it’s not the quality.
This has absolutely nothing to do with rubbing, with counter tops, with soap used etc. It is purely the cheap cotton used in Chinese cotton goods. These holes are the results of imperfections, usually tiny residue left in the cotton when the article is made then washed out later. We are willing to pay very low prices for Chinese goods, we must accept that they are disposable clothes Pay for name brand, made in America or even Mexico clothes. Chinese goods in general are purely cheap junk. I don’t make enough money to buy cheap junk from China as the cost of replacing is far more expensive than buying decent quality in the first place.
This is carpet beetles. It’s so difficult to get rid of. I’ve tried everything, and to no avail.
This from the University of Kentucky’s Agriculture Dept.: “Neither the clothes moth nor the carpet beetle larvae can digest cellulosic fibers (such as cotton, linen or rayon) or synthetic fibers (such as polyester, acrylic & nylon) so they generally leave these alone. However, synthetic fabrics blended with wool might be eaten along with the wool even though they aren’t digested.” What are we to do?!
and i’ve read – There is one type of insect that does eat cotton clothing – this is the Carpet Beetle.
Although in other places it says that silverfish eats cotton too.
but I don’t have carpet. Damn, I just bought a new shirt and wham! holes!
I can’t believe so many people are having the same problem with their shirts. It started for me about a year ago. It didn’t happen everyday to every shirt but it happened to every single new shirt I purchased. I am infuriated as many others here have posted. I can’t afford to replace shirt after shirt. I thought it was moths, rubbing against a rough granite table at work, etc. But then it happened to a brand new shirt within an two hour period. It is a brand new shirt!!!!! How many times could it have rubbed my button to make a hole in two hrs. I’m def trying the tuck idea if I can pull it off. Any one have any remedies to cover the holes, to be able to still wear it? So the holes don’t get bigger?? Any suggestion? Even if it doesn’t look perfect. I hate that at least 7 new shirts have holes in the front!!!! Love the posts. Thanks for sharing.
👕👖👕
I buy matching thread and stitch the holes. A little bump of matching thread is less noticeable than the holes, and it will keep them from getting bigger.
Thanks for the tip. I will def try it. A friend told me that the shirt is too thin to stitch it but who cares at this point, there is a hold anyways. Can’t get any worse then that, right. So so frustrating. I returned two shirts because the first day I wore them, BAM, holes again. Could it be the quality of fabric suppliers are using now? When I returned the shirts the cashier, at the GAP, said “we have a theory on holes”. So of course I asked what the theory was and she stated exactly what was said here. Rubbing, belt buckles, seat belts, zippers, blah blah….. my seat belt is NO where near the holes. And rubbing, it was the first day wearing each shirt. So I asked if others had returned shirts for same reason and she said “a bunch! ”
I was so careful too the whole day with the second shirt, dont get it! Thanks ladies (&gentlemen 2) for the support. Hopefully we can resolve and end this mystery.
I forgot, I’ve done that too, but it’s best on fabric that is not completely smooth, something with a little texture to hide it…I have a whole collection of “fixed” tops
I have had the same problem for the last few years and it is SO INFURIATING!!! I keep buying new shirts! I can’t afford to keep replacing all these shirts! I would hardly wear them and what do you know…HOLES! AGAIN!!!! 😡 I’ve been trying to pay more attention and will def try the “front tuck to see if that fixes the hole problem. I didn’t realize so many other moms have the same problem!
~Shannon
It is terribly infuriating. I’m so tired of ruining clothes. I think it could be the quality of fabric they are using today. I was so so careful the other day after wearing another brand new shirt the day before, and holes again by the end of the day. I want to cry! No matter what I do. I was in a meeting all day, only moving around minimally and sure enough holes by the time I got home. I guess I’ll try stitching the little holes so at least I can wear as casual weekend clothes. Thanks for your response.
I have started gluing small rhinestones to the spots…match the color or just crystal ones…If I could post a photo I’d show you—don’t know what else to do when it’s a high end top & barely worn!
Janice, try patching for clothing at Walmart, they have different colors, it comes with instruction how to iron it to the inside.
Hi Emma, I am just now seeing this reply. Wow, really…Walmart. I am def going to look for this. I was just thinking about these pesky holes and someone else commented. I logged on and saw your message. I def think it must be the quality of what companies are making now. Its so odd. I looked in my closet for something to wear on Saturday night to go to dinner and so many of my shirts have holes in the bottom. I am going to Walmart today to look. Although I don’t want to continue to get holes in my clothing if this is a remedy I will be so happy. Thank you.
Me again. I looked online. I see what you mean now. Regular iron on patches but iron on the inside or the shirt. Thanks.
Now it makes sense why the holes are always in the exact same spots!
I think for me it’s a combination of the counter and the seat belt. And probably cheap cotton too. But they’re just so comfy!
Thanks for the tip! I’m totally rocking the front tuck.
I have the same problem on knit shirts and woven shirts. It has ruined some of my favorite shirts. I think it is caused by the edges of the button, the rough edges of the jean fabric and the zipper pull rubbing against the fabric and does not happen by just rubbing against a countertop. I have ironed a small piece of interfacing at the area to help give support to the holes and stitched over them but eventually it rubs through that. I don’t want to have to do this to all of my clothes from now on. There has to be some solution to keep the button and fabric from ruining the shirts. A different type of button or a button cover?
I’m not completely buying this answer. I have a loose, find of fancy t-shirt that hangs away from the body and thus away from buttons on pants too. I only wear this shirt when I’m going out–to some place like dinner or a movie–where there’s no leaning against counters. I washed it the other day, on delicate in a mesh bag–and it came out with those tiny holes. Flummoxed in Austin.
Same here!
Similarly, I like to wear loose t-shirts in the evenings after work which have spontaneously sported holes in different areas on a few of those shirts which aren’t very old. Odd, odd, odd. I know my place has a carpet beetle problem which I can’t solve, but can they be that ravenous to actually chew fabric fibers? Hmmm. I suppose they could, however, I hang my shirts up in the closet and never tuck them into chest of drawers or the like for the fear of dust worms/carpet beetle larvae. I suppose the juvenile/adult beetle is able to climb up walls and feast on said shirts.
Since I’m reading this I too am on the holey shirt list. I am leaning towards the cheap fabric side. The better knit shirts don’t get the “holey spots” even though I wear them and wash them the same. By the way price doesn’t seem to matter, fabric weight is the only difference as far as I can tell. I’m pretty much done with the light jersey knit. Jones New York, Rafaella and Hot Cotton are my new best friends.
It just happened on one of my Jones New York shirts too…..
and happened with my expensive merino wool shirts which I bought to invest in quality and wicking benefits. The key is they are THIN materials and there will be friction no matter what. I do not want to have to get shapeless and oversize, but I’m not a fan of front tuck either. It’s a bit sloppy looking to me; I must be old school.
Not sure I’ve responded on this site yet, because I’ve posted on several addressing this issue, but here goes: It is definitely, unequivocally not caused by rubbing against anything, the washer/dryer/seat belts/tabs on jeans/belts/etc. I am absolutely positive there is some kind of bug eating these holes…yes, makes no sense because how would a bug know to eat only in the area we are all experiencing? For that matter, how could the washer/dryer know? Why would the seat belt rub & cause these little holes on the belly area but not on the shoulder area? (I will share that the seat belt HAS caused a few of my quality cotton/blends to get that pilling effect on the shoulder part). I don’t wear belts–and even wearing loosely fitted tops, that sway around, have the holes. And that’s the conundrum of this maddening abomination! I have noticed, and I think this is significant, that there are whitish streaks where the holes are, very faint but there. I’ve been dealing with this for at least 10 yrs at least, but NEVER before this time period. I feel like I’m losing my mind…I’ve written to an entomologist at a University in California, with no satisfactory answer. Maybe this “bug” hasn’t been discovered yet. Crap, I’m so sick of this!
Sally, we are going to solve this puzzle 🙂 a few more weeks, i am testing different products. Two questions for you – the shirts which got holes, do you dry them on hangers inside laundry room? also do you wear them with jeans?
I wear them with jeans, cotton shorts with buttons & zippers & with elastic waists. I always put them in dryer. I’m not Sally though.
its quite simple,
yes! I wonder it is your pant button & also heat
button can case worn & when it become hot near the oven it can be kind of burning or it will help to worn the dress faster!
I do believe that working in the kitchen is the most important problem by this case
A friend told me that her friend’s ex boyfriend ….. was an expert on bugs and that ? Moths were attracted to the smell from our belly buttons and that was why all the holes are in the same spot – not sure if it is true or friends were just gullible??? The holes in my t shirts are driving me crazy. I only recall this happening in the last few years.
KT, why did you stop washing your belly button in the last few years? 🙂
Nope! Not bugs!!! If that were true, why are there not holes in my pj tees? My jeans/slacks are not tearing the holes; it’s my granite countertops. I’ve ruined nice sweaters while wearing slacks with elastic in the waist…no buttons. I’m short and I have a deep kitchen sink so I’m leaning on my countertops. I cook a lot and never had this problem 5 years ago prior to granite!!! Though I love the look of my countertops, I will not use granite when I replace the bathroom counters!
and why are you wearing nice sweaters while cooking? Have you heard of such things as robes and kitchen aprons? Regardless my granite countertops, none of my robes have holes, none of the clothes i wear at home have any holes.
I agree with Gina
I had this same problem. No granite in the house.
The problem is cheaply made cotton from Asia. Fine pins are used to weave the cotton. They must be changed before they get blunt. If they get blunt (save money not changing them), thy put tiny burns into the cotton, then it is dyed and the burns are not visible. When the cotton product is washed the burns are washed out and holes appear. It is the search for ever cheaper cotton overseas, ever cheaper products that results in this. Good quality, USA produced cotton is far, far better than offshore, outsourced rubbish. You cant afford to buy cheap products as you have to buy them so often. Our retailers and ultimately the public are responsible for the tat we buy.
James, occasional holes on random spots maybe, but consistently the center of the bottom front, i cannot agree with you. Also the cheapest shirts i have for sleeping do NOT have any holes, so your theory is totally wrong.
Do you know this for a fact?It sounds reasonable to me.
We must solve this problem. I’ve read all the comments with great interest. These are my personal observations to date: the holes appear only in my thin cotton or rayon (only in one case for the rayon material) t-shirts and nightgowns made outside the USA and they are usually in the chest area. The price of the item doesn’t matter; some of the less costly t-shirts do not have holes, while a costly nightgown has holes. I’m mostly upset over my favorite organic cotton sheets, which now have five relatively large holes. The counter top, jeans’ buttons, seat belts and washing machines don’t apply to me. After reading everything I could find about this frustrating problem, I think it’s caused either by the inferior material and manufacturing practices overseas or clothe moths or silverfish. Why do the holes consistently appear in the same area for most people. This mystery calls for critical thinking via process of elimination and deductive reasoning. HELP !!!!!
a question for BCBarbara, do you wear any metal necklace by any chance? I was wondering that maybe those bugs like to eat not just any cotton, but the cotton which was in contact with particular metal? All my summer t-shirts which i don’t wear with jeans do NOT have holes.
Okay, I have a problem. Mine isn’t coming from the kitchen. I don’t lean on anything. I’m starting to think it was my old belt’s buckle doing it. Sometimes maybe the bathroom counter since it’s at an odd level. But I don’t lean on that for hours a day…. I should document it like this post did maybe. Hmm. Guess I’ll head to the clearance section!
I have the same problem as you, I’m not leaning on anything. I find that the small corner above the button on my jeans curls and it wears the hole(s) into the front of my favorite tshirts. I’m trying to find a solution….Thinking of a small clip w/rounded edges to hold the corner back.Maybe a small paper clip? I just picked up a 4 new Ralph Lauren knit shirts and I do not want to see tiny holes in them from my jeans!
Same problem here…I don’t lean on anything for a length of time…Plus I wear a belt everyday. It’s been happening to me for years, no matter if I spend $5 or $65 on a tee shirt…It happens to every single one!
it’s
either carpet beetle or silverfish, i don’t see anything flying or
crawling in my home, but once i had opened chocolate in my bedroom and
it got filled all with carpet beetles. I am not sure why would they make
holes in the front bottom of all my shirts, but it doesn’t matter why,
as long as i can find way to keep them away from my clothes. I just
ordered on amazon silverfish and carpet beetle sticky traps, will let
know later about the outcome, what will get caught.
*Violently shudders*
Long story version:
I remember in junior high selling chocolate bars and I didn’t have too many buyers, so by the simple motherly love of my mother, she purchased most and gave me one. I had some, set it aside and never saw it again for a while because I figured one of my evil sisters had consumed it. Well, I finally found the remnants of the bar which must had fallen off one of the end tables in the living room and recovered by my mother while vacuuming. I was elated! (Keep reading…)
Short story version:
I can’t recall how long that chocolate bar was lost, but it was quite some time since I was reunited with it. My mouth was watering while anxiously awaiting a couple of squares of chocolate to be place into it. I opened back up the wrapper of that chocolate bar and my eyes must had bulged out in horror when I witnessed in shock all those repulsive carpet beetle larvae/worms slithering about tunnels bored out throughout the bar.
Sadly, that’s not the only vomit inducting memories about those little hellions, but that’s enough for me to regress into also thinking my t-shirts are being ravaged in the chest of drawers by those creepy, cretinous creatures. I noticed one of my t-shirts has a series of holes near the side bottom, almost looks as if it was bitten by something with razor sharp teeth. The plot thickens, but I’m convinced insects have caused said holes because a few of my shirts have holes in different areas and these aren’t old shirts either.
I stupidly forgot to mention that I have some shirts with those tiny holes around the arm cuffs too. What would be rubbing there? Besides my big guns flexin’ and wearing out the fabric… Surely I jest, but indeed it goes to relate how random these little ‘bite’ holes appear.
Same problem for me, tiny holes middle front bottom of every t shirt/tank top. Been happening for 5+years. I used to blame the jeans button/zip and it may be that still reading all these comments. My OTHER theory is it is from smoking and small ash flittering down and burning the fabric over the day which likely has a synthetic component these days and melts. Anyone?
That may be the case for you, but I’m not a smoker and have tiny holes in the front of my shirt at the belt line.
Thats what i was interested to know c gc, if others are smokers, reading all this has made me rethink the smoking idea. 🙂
No . I know now for sure after a years of suffering of this holls in my tshart it’s from the seat belt when you wear a jeans and tshart and over them the seat belt pressure on them the zipper will cut the tshart . Special if you want to drive back words the seat belt will pressure more on your tshart .
I do not smoke and never have, and have gotten these holes in just about every T-shirt-like top I have. This is so frustrating to buy quality clothes and have them look worn out in no time. Will start to try the partial tuck look!
Why are some people on internet feeds so mean?
Humans are inherently vicious, lawless and cruel ergo the internet is a virtual paradise to unleash the wild side to some. Just think how humanity will be in decades more, yes, in real life which is beginning to rear its ugly head more and more. Indeed, scary it will be.
Hi guys, I have exactly the same problem but I have 2 singlets that I purchased roughly 3 years ago made from hemp, and they have no holes at all…just thought that was interesting…but I’d also like to know why the holes happen..lol it’s so weird. And I also notice it happens to a lot more of my shirts then my husbands.. Anyway, I’ll b sure to keep reading posts to see what you come up with..
It happens to women’s shirts because ours are paper thin and men’s are much thicker! I just bought a plain mint green men’s tee, and it’s easily 2-3 times as thick as the women’s tees.
Ohmygosh, women are being blatantly ripped off then. I thought men’s regular t-shirts have been getting quite thin lately and that we were being ripped off. 🙁
Why is everyone so willing to take responsibility for what is simply a corporate quality control issue? Women have worn T-shirts over Jean buttons and leaned against the kitchen sink for decades. These companies are making inferior quality fabric and it is wearing away almost immediately. It’s that simple. I have over a dozen shirts bought at the Gap that have developed holes. The oldest is three years old. The youngest is three months old. I’m about to put them in a box and send them to the Gap. I want my money back. I have a gap shirt that I bought it at a used clothing store 15 years ago. It was already old and frayed at the neck and the edge of the sleeves, but there was not a single hole in the belly area and there still is not. It’s just crappy quality and they don’t seem to care. I’ve taken them back to the store and they tell me that the style is not in the register anymore. They don’t care. It’s no one’s fault but theirs. For those of you who think it’s about your washer or your dryer or your detergent: I have lived in three different places in the past three years with different washers, different dryers, using different detergent. It is irrelevant.
Yeah, well, then the issue is all over the board. Different brands, styles, etc, and they all have tiny holes now. Even if the quality of shirts in general has declined over the years, griping about quality control won’t help the issue so if we like shirts that happen to be thinner than they used to be, we just have to learn to deal with it another way.
After two years of frustration on this issue with ruined shirts I have solved the problem for me. Changing washing appliances and granite etc. the only consistent problem was the seat belt in my car. Having a home and car in another state helped because this was only an issue here. I contacted Mercedes and of course like everyone else who has a problem they claim that they had never heard of such a thing. I cut a round circle of duct tape and placed it over the button on my seat belt and that fixed the problem. Give it a try and see how that works for you.
Seat belts, belt buckles, and jeans buttons. Simple! And definitely explains why I wasn’t plagued by shirt holes when I wore a suit to an office every day and t-shirts were a weekend-only affair.
Thank you!
Then how does that explain the woman below who says she gets holes in her nightgown?
hers may be a different issue?
the back of the button.
feel around the edges of the back of the button on the jeans. Its sharp or has little gaps in it where the tee shirt catches if you bend over at the waist. I was tearing my hair out trying to figure it out until one day the tee shirt was actually caught in that spot! AH HA!!! now i just have to figure out how to keep it from happening (which is why i was searching).
In some cases you can use iron-on patches on the back side of the t shirt. These can be bought at a fabric store and come in a pack of different colors and can be cut to fit
They are not very thick and will work well with dark colored shirts or pattern shirts that have these holes
This is brilliant. And the writing is wonderful! I didn’t realize that the holes were always in the same place until I read this. Has anyone tried Scotchgard or something similar on the inside of the shirt? I have a high waist and the half tuck doesn’t look great on me.
Great post! Great topic! I love your humor! Thank you for making so many sacrifices for the sake of research!
I wore a new t shirt yesterday. When I took it off last night it had holes in it. Apparently, I don’t waste any time doing this. I went several places in the car, seat belt on. I gardened, worked at the desk & made soup. I am also over weight. I have no idea what I’m talking about but I’m guessing it is my protruding belly & my counter. I will now add to this highly scientific research. I will try the belly tuck, buy old t shirts @ Goodwill, shop in the men’s department & start wearing my husband’s t shirts. Not all at once. By the way, the way to mend them if you don’t want to use the iron on patches because they are so heavy, is to use iron on interface fabric. Very light weight. Press fabric first. Push threads together, put patch slightly larger than holes you want to cover.
This sounds about right but I have the same exact hole in one of my t-shirts that is loose so it can’t rub against my pant buttons. 😪
I have just tested the theory of rubbing on granite worktops. I was convinced it was carpet beatle. I am wearing jeans and I have just purposely rubbed my belly against the granite worktop. And yes a hole appeared immediatly where the button is. I cant beleive i didnt think to try his before. Mystery solved.
I think it’s the granite! Until building this house 10 to I never had this problem. And with granite becoming more commonplace I would venture to guess that is the culprit!
After reading a lot of comments below I’m glad I’m not going crazy. This issue has only been happening over the last couple years for me. I have always been an average build but I’ve gained several pounds over the last couple years and now have a little belly.
I too thought at first it was carpet beetles but I have 8-10 shirts like this with holes in same exact place. Now I would imagine it would take a very smart and extremely coordinated attack on my shirts to get those holes in the same spot on every shirt. Plus some shirts are hung inside out, some are hung on upper rod some on lower rod. I did research carpet beetles and they mostly feed on pet hair and dander they find in the carpet. If they do go after your clothes it’s mostly wool products.
I have looked at the counter top theory and that is a very likely issue for me. However I really don’t spend that much time there. A few days ago I put on a brand new shirt in the morning and by 7pm I had 5 holes in it. Same area as all others. Voids carpet beetles theory on this one.
So this morning my son sent this site to me and as I’m sitting here in my recliner reading all the post I think I’ve gotten up out of this chair at least 5 times for one reason or another. Just now as I was getting up out of my chair I had to lean forward and I noticed my shirt getting pinched in the crease of my stomach right at the top of my jeans and exactly where the holes accumulate on my shirts. I noticed the same issue when sitting down. I must get up and down in this chair 10-20 times a day. Could this be another theory? Has anyone thought of this yet?
Yes, I think that’s totally feasible. I’ve thought the same thing a few times. I’m sure it probably at least contributes to the problem.
Thank you for solving the mystery! For the longest time, I was convinced the holes were from moths even though I never saw any in my home. Last weekend, I went shopping with my sister who lives in a different house and noticed that she too had the holes. I asked her about it and she thought it was from either her washer or dryer too. I’m so glad to know that there are many people out there with this problem.
I have had these holes in my t -shirts for months now and was completely bowled over to discover this problem has been around for ages. I thought of belt/seatbelt against jeans button or belt. I shall try the tuck in at home and when in the car. Why haven’t clothes manufacturers commented. These holes drive me bonkers!!!
OMG! Thank you for solving the mystery! I have been ruining several shirts and could not figure out why. I’m going to have to try and see if this is the culprit.
I’m gonna go with quality control and general decline in how garments are made. Sure, what we do daily puts the wear and tear on our clothes, but nothing is made of quality fabric anymore. What I have in my closet that is holding up without these holes are undoubtedly older than ten years .. and very few things still fit me from my decade old wardrobe so….
I’m glad to know it isn’t only me, and thankful for the collective mind of google.
I’m going with shirts rubbing against bluejean material, and/or the studs or buttons on the jeans. I finally figured it out after ruining a lot of shirts. And I think if you wear your shirts with a snug fit vs. loose, that makes a difference too. I don’t lean on the counter, but do drive a lot. And I think even just walking around, the fabrics rub together. Don’t know the solution, since I don’t see fabrics improving, and I definitely don’t see myself wearing my shirts tucked in any time soon, and I love Levi’s. The partial tuck would be a solution. Especially while driving. Plus, I’m always on the lookout for other jeans that are softer. Ready to design some myself. You know, jeans that aren’t “your daughter’s jeans”? That fit and are still stylish and don’t cut in to your skin. Or have the stupid glittery patterns on the behind? That’s what we need to do ladies, start designing. I found a pair the other day by “Earl” that were pretty decent.
So I’m not a mother or anything like that (I’m a student) but I’m having these problems too. My friends have theorized that maybe they’re being caused by me leaning on the desks at school. I don’t think i could ALWAYS use the front tuck solution. If anyone has another solution for this, please tell me. Thanks! ★~(◡△◕✿)
Same for me… Although I do wear a belt, so I know the cause, but tucking my shirt in isn’t a solution for me…
I love you! Mystery solved, as I suspect the culprit was correct, AND your writing is so much fun.
I know I’m bumping an old post here, but I’m a 26 year old guy who has been getting these for awhile now. I found this blog post by Googling “Why do I get tiny holes at the bottom of my shirt”. To be honest though, I think I’m well aware of why it happens. My belt buckle. I’d imagine that the cause is the same for at least a few of you.
Hate to differ with you about the holes. I don’t tuck my shirts in nor do I wear a belt. Most of the time I am wearing leggings. Seriously I think it’s in the shipping containers from over seas. All my cotton shirts from Old Navy do this. Their shirts come from Vietnam and places like that. That’s my educated guess!
But she didn’t say that it comes from tucking in your shirt. She said, “The small holes at the bottom of shirts are caused by the shirt repeatedly rubbing between a pants’ button and a hard surface all day (in my case, the kitchen counter).” She suggested the “front tuck” as a solution. I understand why you disagree if you’re almost always in leggings. Then again, I read one comment on here where a lady said that she put a new shirt on in the morning and by the evening had 5 holes in it. So, it might not take long for these holes to develop.
Omg iv been trying to figure this out for awhile now I finally got fed up with it cause it always seems to happen to my favorite most comfy shirts that I tend to wear the most and so I googled it and thanks to your post mystery solved thank you so much now I will try to do something to avoid it.
EXACTLY!! Me too 😡
Hello Everyone….
This is heartbreaking because you get a new T-shirt and in just one or two days theres the hole.
I have gone far and beyond EVERY SINGLE comment, theory, and guess as to what is going on.
Orkin/T Nolen/Websites/Grandma-Mom/Science Teachers/and just about anything else…
Just to be clear…my issue is only “my” cotton T shirts and once in a blue moon a rayon shirt/blouse
I did try this… After purchasing a new T shirt I hung it in my closet. No bite.
Put it in my drawer. No bite. Laid it on the bed overnight. No bite.
BUT, as soon as I wore it (and placed it in any of the places I named) there it was one teeny hole followed by several and so many that it was embarrassing to bother wearing it…
My conclusion is the person’s belly button. Perhaps the sent or lack of cleansing when we bathe. Something HAS TO BE correlated with the area of the belly button and the 100% fact that (in my case) a hole will appear one way or another.
I did read on the bug= Silverfish, they do roam EVERYWHERE and if I had the ability to confirm id put my money (and all loss on purchasing Tshirts) its the reason. Bugs are everywhere and you cant have a 100% bug free home…
Its amazing to me how we can put a ma non the moon but we cant figure out
the little whole mystery…. Not a happy canper!
It’s gotta be something belly button related! Tiny bugs crawling out and feasting on clothes?! That visual gives me goosebumps…. but I can’t figure out the cause of these pesky holes. It’s ridiculous!!!
I read about silverfish too and I have definitely seen them in my house. I emptied my closet and bought some pretty heavy duty poison for silverfish and sprayed where the floor meets the wall. No holes for two years. Just noticed some new holes. I’m reluctant to use the spray and would rather try a more natural approach. I just read to use boric acid or table salt. I’m willingly to give it a try.
I think I get holes due to my belt. I only find it happens when I don’t wear an undershirt (spandex tank) and when I am wearing a belt. I have a heavy mid-section and when I sit I think that my shirt gets pinched by my belt. The only fix I have found so far is to wear a spandex tank under everything. Just sucks when it is sooooo hot!
Thank you soooooo much you have solved one of our household mysteries!!!
I used to never have this problem, but since last half year, it’s been happening to pretty much all of my shirts!! Most of those shirts do have a fabric that a bit on the thin side and I do wear a belt… But still… It’s embarrassing, being excited about a new shirt, but finding out it has holes in it after wearing it a couple of times… Unfortunately, the tuck in solution isn’t really an option for me. Hopefully I’ll find a solution someday…
To throw a twist into this mystery, I NEVER had this problem when I lived in the Bay Area (CA), but immediately after moving to the Sacramento area (CA) half of my shirts started to get holes (not all).
Nothing in my life style has changed (other than moving close to the country), and it’s definitely not caused by me rubbing up to anything! A brand new shirt I bought, washed, folded, and put away without wearing had a hole in it when I wore it for the first time. It’s driving me insane!
Me too. I have shirts that I haven’t even washed or worn yet and they have holes. Have you figured out what it is yet? I don’t know what to do about it as I buy nice tshirts that arent’ cheap and then I get holes and can’t really wear them. Please let me know if you figured it out. It absolutely does not happen to my husband and his shirts.
It is the blunt needles used by Chinese cotton makers who try to save a few pennies by not changing them. They burn the cotton and create tiny holes that become apparent over time.
Yes, Jim, you said this above. Please see my question above to you. Thx.
I too went through the same thought process that you did, about moths, washing machines and dryers and couldn’t get to the bottom of it! I then thought that it rubbing on the inside of a jacket I wear to walk the dogs, but it was happening to other t shirts that I wear to walk the dogs. The only thing that I can think of is rubbing on my jeans/trouser button, either against the kitchen counter or my desk at work. I think the kitchen counter as this only started when I moved house!! Weird!! But glad it’s not just me that this happens too!!!!!
Ive had this for about 8 years. There is no explanation on here as far as i can see. Mine too always happen around the belly button. I have probably 10-15 t-shirts all with this problem they are not cheap t-shirts. I can rule out the seat belt theory as ours has no button. Our kitchen work surface is polished granite and even if it was rough the tops getting the holes would never go near the kitchen. I don’t wear a belt never have. I don’t wear jeans or trousers with buttons as i live in the tropics and wear shorts with no buttons or zips.
3 days ago i started to wear a new t-shirt, there was definitely no holes in it. I wore it solidly for 2 days and today I found 5 holes. 4 in a horizontal line and one slightly below. I have absolutely no idea how they happened. Ive had elasticated swim shorts with a drawer string on the entire time.
I discount all theories on here not only because it doesn’t apply to me but in my house i have a wife and a son and neither of them have this problem. We all co-exist in a similar fashion using the same car and house.
The only thing that strikes me is most of the t-shirts that have holes are very thin. $100 t-shirts in general so not poor quality but thin all the same. This still doesn’t explain what is causing the holes even if the material is thin as my wife and son both have thin tops that never get affected so its unique to me !
So to clarify
It cant be buttons on shorts or jean as i dont wear any
its not belts i dont wear them
it cant be the seat belt there’s no button and my wife doesnt get holes
I dont go near kitchen counters in these tops
its not down to cheap inferior fabric
Its not thin material as my wife has thin tops that dont get affected
I am having the same problems and it is driving me crazy. I am chunky and wondering if this might be the problem? Do you mind if I ask you if your wife and son are skinny and you have a bit of chunk like me? Just trying to deduce where the problem is coming from.
We are all skinny! See my new post. Finally found the culprit.
I’ve noticed that this has been occurring on all of my knit tops because since I’ve gained some weight, I no longer tuck my tops in. I only wear Levis, so I, too, suspect the friction of metal button and rough fabric corner of waistband. Will test this theory. Good to know I’m not the only one w/this problem. “Misery loves company” ?
Mine only happen to my workout shirts!
Hi! I think it’s actually the zippers, not the buttons! Anyone else agree? My zippers just don’t stay tucked neatly away and when I sit down, my computer – er laptop – sits right on my t’shirt and rests on the button / zipper. I’m convinced. Thanks for writing this post. 🙂
It is cheaply made cotton in China.
So the blunt needles have a very clever, consistent, OCD pattern of only affecting the area around the belly button. … Really Jim?
I agree with it being the zipper… And it only happens when I wear jeans.
I think it has to do with sweat and a persons PH
no way , its the button on the jeans and thin material, I also had it happen to a cashmere sweater
I have been trying to figure this out as well for years now. I am glad to hear I am not the only one. I had thought it was from wearing cardigans over my shirt and perhaps the zipper got caught zipping up lol. Hmmmm very strange.
yes it seems to be an epidemic. i don’t wear belts or even put my tees in the dryer…so i think its a combination of zippers, and/or kitchen counters plus the stress of washing. i do believe most knits are what we used to call “fine knits” but seem to they fall apart in a minute no matter what i do! whether i tuck in or keep it out. Look where the waistband is on most pants now–right at the naval, or lower which also puts stress on the fabric. who is old enough to remember the higher waistbands (from the late 70’s & 80’s etc). i don’t remember having this problem back then (but we also tucked in our shirts).
that being said, is there a way to feasibly prevent or repair the shirts ?
cotton is woven on mills that use very fine needles. Over time, the needles need to be replaced. If they are not, they become blunt and burn the cotton. Not visible usually, but a burn hole does exist. When washed, the hole appears. In China, where this usually happen, they do not change the needles as often as say and American cotton maker, so the quality is bad. If you look at where the cotton goods are manufactured, you will find China on the tag. I don’t buy anything made in China as you have to buy again, and I cant afford to buy cheap Chinese products.
So the blunt needles have a very clever, consistent, OCD pattern of only affecting the area around the belly button. … Really, … Jim?
Good point Mr AJ!!!
Lmao
pretty funny….just read at least 40 comments! I rarely wear pants with zippers, and highly doubt any insects would only eat tiny holes in just the lower front of a tshirt…and not eat other cotton things such as button down shirts. Theory has to be what many have said….cheap fabrics and friction from rubbing against: other clothes, zippers, buttons, seat belts, counters etc . Most of my thicker tshirts last years before the dreaded holes appear…
I’m a guy who found your article via the the magic of Google, and I can confirm that I get hear holes, too! In all my favourite tees! I only do some work standing at countertops, but I do drive a lot and I’d wager that it’s the seat-belt-versus-jeans-button that’s doing it for me. Damn!
I’m not so sure I can pull off the front tuck, haha, but maybe just doing it while driving or something like that will do.
Thanks for the great article! Glad to finally have found the culprit to those darned tiny holes.
I have concluded that it is the thin cotton fabric to blame. Of course the most comfortable shirts are the ones that get the holes. The rubbing on pants or counter tops contributes to the holes being in the fronts of the shirts, but can’t be the only answer or it would have been a problem for us for years.
Yeah, shirts nowadays are practically tissue-thin. It’s annoying in many ways but this has been a big one – it’s also only been a problem for me in the last year or so 😛
OMG I’m not the only one! It only happens to me and not the rest of my family, and the holes are always in the same place on every single shirt! This has only started happening recently (a couple of years).
My solution has been wearing a tank top under all my shirts. It seems to have saved my favorite shirts(an occasional hole sneaks in), but at the cost of sacrificing tank tops. All my tank tops now have a bunch of giant holes, which leads me to believe that it’s my jeans, not an exterior thing I’m leaning on. My conclusion: until a couple of years ago, I was super skinny. After gaining weight to a more normal/average size, my jeans button/top corner above the button sticks out more and keeps rubbing on the shirts whenever I move.
I agree shirts are made of cheap thin fabric, but if that were the only reason, then it should be happening on my elbows too (I lean on my elbows a lot). Rubbing on a metal button constantly whenever I so much as move I think is the culprit, but perhaps I will cover up the button with something soft to test that theory ^_^.
LOL!!! all this while i blame my aunt because of this tiny holes until today i thought there’s something else about this tiny holes, now i know the cause. wahahaha.
Um! what do you make of the holes on the lower side? I get them both front and side, ughhh!!! annoying buggers!
Today is the first day I sat down to really investigate online what may be causing tiny holes in my tee-shirts and knit shirts, because it has really been bothering me! Just me – not my husband’s tee’s or my daughter’s. I do the laundry at our house and thought it may be my washer, but why would the holes always be in the same position on the front only, near the waist line of my tee shirts?? It is not my counter tops, because I do not lean on them, and I highly doubt it is Dawn dishwashing soap, as one site suggested.
Honestly, I started to think maybe my belly button emits some kind of acid? There is an article about the belly button genome online and researchers found thousands of bacteria’s living in belly buttons. I swear I shower everyday, but I never grind the wash cloth into my belly button, as I hate pressing into my belly button. As loony as this theory sounds, my own PH, etc. as someone mentioned below is probably causing this issue.
But the mystery continues…I just went through all of my tee shirts or knit tops – 90% have holes. I went through all of my tank tops, which would be worn mostly in the summer, but only about 5% have holes!
I have noticed the problem in the last 2 years and it seems to be mostly on my Gap tees (at least 20) one of which developed holes within one day of wearing…I have tees from eddie bauer and macys that do not have the holes..I always wear same type of pants and always lean against the counter so I am thinking it is either cheap knit of the way it is woven? I did not have this problem with ANY tees before 2014.
I also thought it was my belly button but now I’m confused, possibly a combination of that and the seat belt…maybe the acid of the belly button makes the material weak making the seat belt and any other friction easier to make the little hole
I was really surprised to find this discussion! I had no idea it was widespread! I really thought the problem wasn’t the button or the zipper on the jeans, but the square corner of the placket. I was ready to contact the manufacturers of jeans to ask them to make the top of the placket round. Now I’m thinking it may be a combination of things – rubbing against the countertop, the seatbelt, and the square corner of the placket. Wearing a tank top may be the best solution, no matter what the cause.
@Granny Bo That is a great idea, wearing a tank top. The placket would be hard enough to cause a hole you think? Either way, it is so annoying. Every time I wear a shirt it seems I wind up with the pesky little holes. About a year or 2 ago I brought 3 shirts back to the GAP because I thought it was the quality of their material. When I told the sales clerk why I was returning them (she was a little snotty) she told me it wasn’t their fabric but my pant button or seatbelt that was causing my problem but that she would take them back. She stated that they have had many people bring shirts in to return for the very same reason. Maybe it is the fabric. I have been wearing jeans for a large part of my life, at least 30 years if not more (lol). I don’t remember this happening to my shirts until recently. I am happy that I found this post many months ago. Nice to know I am not alone with my holes.
This issue has been driving me crazy for a few years! And this never happens to me in the past, just maybe the last 5-7 years. But my style has not changed and neither did the quality of the clothing I buy. I googled this today as I just found one the pesky little holes in my cashmere sweater! So there goes the thoery of the cheap Chinese cotton! I have no answer for this, I doubt it’s the counters though. Probably the pants button or zipper, but who knows!!
I happened to google “why are there two holes in my shirts?” and came across this article. I have several shirts with two small holes around where my jean button is. Thanks for sharing your insight! I was thinking that I was snipping it with a scissors (which is weird, but I needed to find an explanation) or maybe it got caught in the zipper…? The holes are all the same size and location on each shirt. It’s only happened to a few Gap tops, tanks and other brand tops, all of which are thin, cotton material. None of my other shirts do this. I think I’m going to mend them since the material is dark… and I really like them!! : )
I have never noticed this problem until this week and I now have two shirts with these mystery holes. Both shirts are a few years old and have been worn and washed many times. I have moved into a new house and have stone benchtops in my kitchen (old kitchen had laminate). I do tend to lean against the benchtop especially when washing dishes. Maybe I need to start wearing an apron when I am working in the kitchen.
Happens to my shirts constantly and I only wear elastic waistband pants. So no button or zipper in my case and the holes still appear.
Me, too
Do you think it’s the quality of fabric???
Finally worked it out! Well in my case anyway. Regarding my post below its been happening for 8 years, driving me insane.
Zips. Yes zips. Metal zips do it. Metal zips on tops. Metal zips on hoodies in my case. Feel the zip when its zipped up on the folds when you sit down and it bunches up. those little teeth are sharp and touch the tee in exactly the place. When you stand up the zip straightens out and bites the tee slightly.
I cut out wearing them for 6 months. Not one hole anywhere!! Hallelujah. Now i just have to work out a way of stopping zips from touching!
I do believe this problem with tiny holes is from seat belt friction. I never had an issue until two years ago when the more gauzy type fabric started being used, however it has spread now to my better Pima cotton t’s from Talbots. Very disturbing. I’ve started to pull my shirt out of the seat belt when I buckle up to see if this will help. If you think about it and if the button/buckle on pants is starting the problem then it’s only compounded when you put your seat belt on and it starts rubbing from the inside out while the buckle is rubbing from the outside in, double whammy. I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one having this problem, I thought I was crazy.
YES!!! I’ve started to pull my top out as well, in car. I’m plus sized so tucking in isn’t a good look for me, lol!!!
This has even happened on 2 lightweight sweaters! They are not even a year old so I ironed on a same colored patch underneath so they won’t spread….it’s a relief to see its not just ME seeing this happen, but sorry to see it at all.
Tops didn’t used to do this say 10 yr ago…maybe the quality of fabric???
Well after losing yet another one of my favorite shirts to these ungodly holes I decided to Google it and lo and behold I found this blog. It’s nice to know that I wasn’t going insane or that all the clothes these days are being made so terribly cheap that they fall apart on your body I only wish I would’ve paid closer attention to this before many of my favorite shirts were destroyed thank you for the heads up on this crazy random hazard of being a domestic goddess
You aren’t insane. I got some new shirts and they were soft fabric and started getting holes quickly. I have an expensive Lucky Brand shirt that only lasted a year before it got holes. I’ve been obsessing over this issue myself for a while. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone.
So glad it’s not just me! I seem to be the only one of all of my friends that has this issue. I wear belts and I’m a very physical worker so I’m certain that it’s because the shirts are rubbing against the belt buckle. In addition, I buy really soft shirts. Not sure if any of you ladies have noticed but, shirts are getting softer and softer these days. Unfortunately, the way that they make them softer is that they weaken the threads of the material. The softer the shirts, the weaker of the material. Maybe if I were to start wearing a heavier material tank top underneath them??? LOL. I love that this is an actual discussion! Thank you for your insights and I will be trying the front tuck immediately.
I thought I was crazy! I couldn’t figure out why this was happening. It makes perfect sense bc it has started ever since I started my job as a nanny, where I cook breakfast, lunch and do dishes pressed against the counter. At first I thought it was from buying cheap clothing but it has been happening to all my shirts. I’m still mourning some of my good shirts. But thank you so much for answering this question and giving a good solution!
Ugh! THANK YOU for posting this!! I have been so frustrated with this and thought it was just the quality of fabrics these days that were causing it, but I knew it had to be due to some sort of friction since it was always in the same place. But this morning when I looked down at my athleta shirt that I’ve worn maybe 4 times and saw holes I was furious and had to google it. At least I know it’s not just me, I’ll have to do the front tuck during kitchen time ; ) Thanks!
My T-shirt holes are all at the exact spot on my jeans where the denim eventually bends forward right above the front button-closure. I am certain that I can prevent that stiff folded-over-and-sewn denim to bend like that I could avoid the holes. I launder my jeans inside-out zippered and buttoned.
Any suggestions?
Just back from holiday wore tshirt once. Washed with nonbio liquid and just noticed one small hole. Not a cheap tshirt grrr.
This is great!! I too have had this issue with my tees. They were loft and banana republic tees. First I too blamed the washer but how does it know to put the holes in the same place?? Then I blamed the seat belt. I finally googled after so much frustration over a year…and I nailed it. I now do the front tuck but also tried a think cami untucked and covered my button this helps as well. Thank u so much I thought I was crazy as no one I talked to had this problem I was tired of returning shirts exchanging only to have it happen again. I found it was mainly with tissue. Tee fabric. Try the cami it works too.
A cami or tank is a great idea. I’m going to pick up a few.
YES! THANK YOU from the UK!! (I thought it might be a particulat belt buckle (button comes into that) but it didn’t quite make full sense. I am forever in your debt – and that’s a *lot* of new t-shirts and tops.
I’ve been wearing jeans for years. 10 years ago never had this issue of holes in my tees over the jean bottom. I believe the quality of fabric or cotton of today is very poor. Especially due to the fact fabric comes from China. The last five years or so tee material is made thinner. I keep a very clean closet where my clothes are stored (maybe a little obsessed). Some of my expensive tees are not worned daily but I’m still finding holes. So I’m still not convinced in the theory that it’s caused by the jean button? Anything coming from China is not of good quality. Let get back to “Made in America”
Yes thank you, I agree, I have 2 very expensive tees one $80, the other $95, both are full of
tiny holes in front. It makes me sick because I paid so much for
them, have not worn them much, and they are full if these tiny holes in front.
It’s not caused by the jean button. Not only do I have holes near the bottom in some, I also have holes on the sides, near the neckline, and breasts as well. I dont use purse so no buckles or hard services there and the cups of my bras have no metal or hard surfaces either. I also hang them in my closet so moths. I think it has to be from the wash somewhere.
I’m guessing one thing gets a tiny hole started, and they just get worse in the washer. I’m going to start being super careful about the shirt fabric I buy, which stinks, b/c I’m a conservative dresser and pretty picky already. None of my synthetic clothes get holes. I have a lot of pull-over dressy tops and maxi-dresses made of synthetics that still look awesome. They wash and dry so well. The fabric is hot, but I am going to have to stick to that and thick cotton, which takes a couple of years to get holes. I’ll save my t-shirts for around the house and summer.
Gail, I agree with your theory the most. I buy all my clothes from Chico’s (which most are made in China) and I have also found in the last few years I’ve been getting pin holes in the expensive shirts even after one wear. So distressing. I think I’m going to have to change to made in America also. Used to always count on Chico’s quality and fashion, not so much anymore. Bummer as I hate shopping for clothes.
First it happened to me on one side around the belt area and I thought it was my husband’s seatbelt because it had a sharp plastic thread poking down. He used duck tape and I was still getting holes on both sides and realized it was because of the grommets on my jeans. I searched “Madewell Gromets Holes in shirts” and came across this and other posts. It’s a thing! I am not cracking up! I am a cotton T-shirt freak and whether the shirt is Vince or Banana Republic the holes are there. The fabric is weak and the counter, seatbelt, purse rubbing are all causing enough friction. Is there a chance all of you are wearing Madewell jeans…..LOL
I have a twist to this problem… I just found a tiny hole in one of my pj shirts. I’ve never worn it with jeans and hardly even out of bed. So how did the hole get there?! It’s at the front near the bottom of the shirt, but off to the left.
I get this regardless of whether the shirts are tucked in or not. Went through my shirts this morning and certain fabric weights and blends have been the most resistant to the holes ( usually synthetic blends though! Ugh!) But have another undesirable fabric specific issue: pilling! Blah! I think I might just give up hope of being both comfortable and well dressed. :-/
The washer and dryer really contribute to pilling. I’m trying to hang dry my shirts now to help with that. My mom does it, and her clothes look new for years. She doesn’t get a lot of those holes, b/c she doesn’t wear a lot of that thin beautiful fabric that a lot of shorts are made of now. That fabric is so soft and comfy, but is guaranteed to get holes.
What it is, is the end of the tab of the metal zips on our jeans and when we are bending and moving it wears and just catches on the tee shirts if they are fine. I have noticed that it doesn’t happen on my slightly thicker and better quality ones. Solution I have found and works really well is to sellotape the zipper tab so there are no hard corners. Stays on very well and so far 100% success rate
Many years ago, I read in Hints From Heloise, that one cause is not zipping zippers up and snapping snaps on jeans and pants that have metal zippers before putting clothes in the washer. The zippers snag the tshirts during agitation in the washers causing holes. I made it a rule to zip up and snap all jeans before washing with tshirts and didn’t see any holes for years. Best solution is to wash jeans seperately, but sometimes I still throw them in with tshirts if a small load. I agree with the kitchen counter theory as well. Unless, of course, you have a small parrot like I do, whose claws and beak put holes in all the shoulders of all my tshirts from walking around the house looking like a pirate with a bird on your shoulder…
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I would believe that if the holes weren’t around the bottom. It’s right where my seat belt hits. I’m going to start tucking when I get in the car, and maybe wear an apron in the kitchen to see if it helps.
This exact problem has been driving me crazy! I never noticed any holes in my tops until I had my first daughter in Dec 2015. Around the time she was 5 months old, I started noticing holes (a few at first, then they spread) around the lower center of my tops. Usually soft t-shirt style tops but sometimes button up shirts as well. I thought it was my washer or dryer, but then ruled that out as it was only my tops and not my daughter’s or husbands clothes. Then I had a Eureka moment and figured it was the baby carrier as I had been baby wearing the last few months. Sold my Baby Bjorn (there as a hard plastic catch inside), bought a Tula (no plastic pcs) and threw out all the tops and replaced them. Well it started again with the holes!!! I figured that it must be the friction from the tops against the baby carrier and my jeans. Good theory I thought, except I started to notice holes in tops I never wore when baby carrying. This has been driving me crazy!!!!! I noticed the mentions of leaning up against a counter or the sink but in my case it’s not that, I always wear an apron and am usually in track pants when doing the dishes. Finally I think I’ve solved it, as the holes only appeared around the time my daughter was about 5 months old, I think it’s just simply the repeated carrying of a child. Prior to 5 months I carried my daughter in more of a cradled infant hold, after that when she was bigger I carried her on one hip. I think the action of carrying her must tug on the fabric of my shirts creating the holes. I have never gotten a hole on any of my work clothes but that is because I always come straight home and change out of work wear before really carrying my daughter around. My Mum babysits 3x week for me and even she noticed a hole in one of her shirts today! It is SUPER annoying as I can’t keep replacing the shirts, so I have held on to the ones with holes and try to wear the around the house. So as long as I’m carrying little ones around I’ll have to regulate myself to wearing cheapy tops and/or wearing the ones with holes in them. I’ll save the nicer ones for post-baby’s bedtime if I go out.
Ok so I think it is a cospiracy. The manufacrurers of these tops don’t want them lasting forever so they make them to wear out fast in the same place! They have conferences you know and talk about these things! Then they all vote on the best way to keep selling clothes. Holes rule! Seriously though same here. I agree with the metal zipper or metal button rubbing as we are moving through our day. And that they just don’t make clothes like they used to!!!
I get them in thick and thin shirts. But the thick shirts take a couple of years, whereas the thin shirts get them after 1-2 wearings, so I agree it’s the cheapness of clothing. I’m going to start saving those shirts for when I wear a cardigan or suit type jacket.It’s really making me mad, b/c I got a really cute new shirt and it lasted one wash. It’s like clothes are disposable now.
I think the problem has something to do with height also. I am 5’7″ and this happens to all of my shirts but my daughters and mom who are all 5’3 or 4 do not have this problem.
I’m 5’3 1/2″ and all my shirts have holes in them
I am 5’3 and I’ve ruined countless shirts. It’s the zipper tab ladies!
My zipper tags don;t seem to rub against things. I think it’s seat belts, or maybe both.
Don’t think it is the zipper tag, because they don’t show. It could only be the button on jeans or pants.
Thank you for unraveling the mystery for us! (pun intended) My daughter and I have struggled with this for years. I have countless “house shirts” now because I feel bad to throw them away but don’t want to be seen in them in public. I have tried hard to concentrate on standing up straight and not leaning on the counters when I’m working in the kitchen but the habit is so ingrained I have not successfully overcome it yet. I have even considered using iron on patches on the backside of new shirts to prevent the holes but I have a suspicion that they will be obvious from the front so I have not tried it yet. Maybe I will try it on an old shirt that somehow has so far escaped the dreaded diseased look.
Thanks again for exposing the hidden truth about the holes!
This is interesting. I have been in tears over this problem in past years. I was convinced it was a pest (moths or silverfish) but thought it was strange that they were in the same spot and also, my husband’s clothes were not affected (we share a closet). But I recently bought a new tshirt from Banana Republic, wore it once, washed it, and then discovered the holes again. I wasn’t leaning again any counters when I wore it the first time. The only thing I can think is it might be the combination of thin fabric rubbing against the closure or band of the pants/shorts I wore. But to do it that fast, after only one wearing? I’m not 100% convinced yet.
Hi Denise,
My theory is my desk at work because I’m there so often. I could wear the shirt once but if I’m rubbing against my desk for 6 hours a day… that could definitely make a hole! Sitting here now with my front tuck! Haha. I hope you find the culprit. I’ve been in tears over it, too. <3
No, lol silly women.
WOW, I just bought a new shirt from Banana Republic, wore it once and washed it and now it has two holes. Thats why I finally decided to research this. So many shirt are getting holes and its only my shirts!
We need to revolt and demand better quality fabrics. Stop buying these cheap fabrics. I know I’m done.
Don’t fall for these crazy ridiculous theories. It is conspiracy by the manufacturers to create disposable clothing that stupid Americans have continued to purchase even though they have been doing this to us for years now. Lands End Talbots Garnet Hill Banana Republic Gap Kohl’s JCPenney even L.L.Bean: (
This is happening to even my thick frabric, well made shirts.
Happened to most all brands I buy. Im testing Duluth trading company tees now. So far so good, 1 wash no holes. It’s usually the first to 3rd wash they show up. I can sometimes see a faded looking spot after the first wash ,that is where the holes appear.
That’s it, the tip of the tab over the zipper. Never happens when wearing zipperless pants
The seat belt! I haven’t heard that until now but it makes the most sense. All of my shirts have holes in the same place so it can’t be bugs, it can crumbs or food. It has to be something else and the seat belt is hard enough to damage the shirt in the areas I’ve seen holes.
Mine fall around the seat belt too. I’m going to try tucking when I drive and see if that helps.
Doesn’t help. I automatically pull my shirt over my seat belt. Put on a brand new lularoe shirt today, and within a few hours have two tiny holes, in my shirt. Very frustrating.
I’ve tested most of these ridiculous theories. Sorry but these ladies are naive. This is a conspiracy by the manufacturers to create disposable clothing. It doesn’t matter how much you pay for them. And until we Americans get fed up enough and stop buying this crap it will continue.
You are so right & I’m fed up on spending money on knit shirts I only wear once or twice & the holes pop up!!!
Okay, I don’t see that anyone has hypothesized this yet, but I say it’s from crumbs eating holes in the cotton. Even if you brush them off, the oil is there and it sits on the shirt invisibly for a few days before the shirt gets washed. It just takes a tiny hole that you might not even notice, but then over repeated washings, once the tiny hole is there, it grows. I’ve occasionally had little holes higher up, which the crumb theory would explain. But of course most holes would be down near your lap. And no holes would show up after 4 days, even if the damage had already been started. What say you?
I was just at my tailor’/ yesterday and asked her how to mend holes in sweaters and she brought up holes in t-shirts. I thought this was something that only happened to me, and unlike believing that the holes in wool or silk sweaters/pants/jackets are made by moths, I didn’t think that was the case with cotton t-shirts. She explained that yes! It’s moths eating the t-shirts but that is because of food on those shirts. As in food that splatters on our when cooking cooking or spills when eating. She said that if you always wash your clothes immediately after wearing instead of throwing it in the laundry basket or putting it back on drawer or closet, there will be no more holes. I had never heard this theory before and I was googling it today and it’s how I found your article. She said that’s the reason why we see men in suits eating at a restaurant with a napkin tucked in their collar, flat on their chest.
That is absolutely ridiculous!
I agree. It’s only near the bottom of shirts. People say tucking helps. That wouldn’t help if it was moths. If it were moths, they would eat the fabric on my shirt boobs, b/c that is where I drop food. Also, it would happen on all of my shirts instead of just the thin fabric shirts. Moth also do not eat cotton or synthetic blends unless there are animal fibers, like wool, woven in.
It isn’t anything but cheap fabric. I have had it happen the first time I have worn shirts with pull on leggings. I’m totally fed up. I’m either done buying t- shirts or only buying double knits.
You are totally right!! All other theories are false!! I started having this problem 5-10 years ago! It’s the cheap material!!
That is so not true. It’s always in the same exact place. That’s not where I spill food.
I sort of went blurry eyed reading all the replies to this most annoying problem but what it comes down to is that probably every single answer is correct. It used to take years for a hole to appear in my t-shirts (like 15 years or more and better made) but I too have been buying banana republic as well as other T’s lately (low cost, low quality, buy 1 and get 2 free!) and thought for a moment that the holes were supposed to happen and it was a new fashion statement for young people! Hey! . . . . not a bad idea! Anyway, whether it’s the counters, the seat belts, the baby carrier or whatever, it’s the friction of some object and your pants that cause the holes to appear, also combined with thin fabric which I love incidentally! There’s just no getting around it.
I really have to question those who believe that they have gone through their entire day and never rubbed up against anything that would cause them. Remember it doesn’t take much friction for those whole to appear. Maybe a selfie video cam worn at waist level would prove otherwise. I am going to put one on my husband because he swears that I am putting holes in his T’s on purpose because I’m mad that mine have them, Really!??!! It could be that some of his are over 20 years old, but no, it can’t be that! It’s me!
Life’s to short to have to worry about who, what or where the culprit is and I know the half tuck (when I remember to do that) has reduced my hole problem to nearly nothing. It’s just unfortunate that we even have to do that in order to keep a brand new t-shirt hole-less. I thought about ironing on that thin mending fabric that you use to hold up your hems in an emergency but I would have to do the entire front for it to not look odd and I believe it would defeat the purpose of wearing a nice light weight t-shirt. . . . . big sigh!!
For me it’s my belts. I have a couple of fancy belts with elaborate buckles that include rhinestones. I am pretty sure that these belts rub my shirts and cause the holes.
It is not caused by the button. It is caused by the cloth tip of the zipper tab. You don’t need to be leaning against a counter. I’ve ruined many shirts and my idea is a soft silicone tab to go over it. I just need to get it manufactured! The silicone button covers don’t work because again, it’s not the button causing it.
Wendy ..I too think this is zipper-related..can you elaborate on what you said here and illustrate how you fixed it?
For now I am using the large flexible bandaids. A fix them on the inside and flip over to front to cover tab and button. It works. Could also use duct tape.
I believe its not one thing. When the cheap material t-shirts are making contact over and over again with any one particular surface this will result in Holes. Contact with belt buckles, ( giving you the whole above and below in the same area ) contact with buttons, contact with seatbelt, contact with counters, contact with the CORNER of the jean material where you button your pants. All inclusive.
So besides doing the ‘half tuck’ which looks seriously good on some women like the ones in this article, I think I might try another solution from tomorrow on, if it works, I’ll be sure to post it! Hows about getting a thick piece of valcro and wrapping it around the buckle area, easy removable and no one will notice especially if you wear it with long shirts like I like to wear (where a tuck wont work as well). Hey worth a try..at least!
Don’t be naive. This is a conspiracy by the manufacturers and these listed reasons are making you ladies look like idiots. Test it, buy some new shirts like I did, wash them dry them you know where to look for the holes already. Look closely they appear sometimes before the first wash. Once in a while they’ll make it through the first wash but they always appear by the second wash. I’ve been watching this for years now.
Be careful with Velcro. I lent against the front of a stall at a market before the vendor had attached his sign to the patiently waiting Velcro. It made massive thread pulls on my really nice cotton dress. It’s never recipovered. And also the edge of the Velcro strip once the two layers are together can be Ultra sharp.
Could it be that it is indeed the zipper tab, which is sticking out a bit? And we all should loose a bit of extra weight round the middle? No offence. I’m just saying…..
I was with several ladies tonight and the hole subject came up…everyone had the same problem…..we differed in height and size so the sink counter did not make sense…..we came to the conclusion it is just plain cheap fabric and since we all drive …it may be the seat belt…but due to cheap fabric. Personally I return the items especially if I’ve only worn the item once or twice. Its not my fault they sell cheap items disguise at expensive goods. I’m so tired of saying oh well i bought it. This did not happen yesrs ago and I was driving then too. Nope I’m returning everything I can so the stores can take the loss not me!!!
I have gone so far as testing Shirts by putting them through the front loader before I ever wear them. They are they are always the same place low front center. This is a conspiracy by the manufacturer to make disposable clothing so we can continue to buy their cheap crap and I think people are starting to get sick of it. Consumers need to demand better quality for our hard-earned dollars!
I wax just googling this problem because it drives me nuts! And I live in leggings! So I have no belt or button and I still get them!!!
Jennifer…do you wear zip up hoodies over these shirts? I think that’s what’s making the holes in my shirts!
I’m not convinced it’s JUST the zippers, button, etc. I’ve worn jeans and t-shirts most of my life and I’m over 60! I never had this issue until the past few years. I believe it’s a combination of imported and cheap cheap fabric manufacturing. I’m so fed up! The price of the garment has no correlation. I’ve had holes in every single cotton t I’ve purchased. I’m done buying t-shirts.
I agree. This has never happened before in my lifetime of wearing jeans with all kinds of Tops. Today I discovered holes in a top I never wash in a machine and always hand wash. So over it. Clothes ruined no matter if cheap or high-end.
The solution is to wear a flat belt with no sharp edges, such as the hipsi belt, that pushes down the zipper tab and creates a smooth front. This also has the added benefit of holding up your jeans when they get looser as the day goes on. Goodbye little holes!
It’s CHEAP fabric!! Zipper pulls, belts, counter tops and seatbelts have been around a long time. This NEVER use to be a problem!! Tell me, though.. where do we by clothes that are NOT made in China?
I thought that at one time do I stopped buying clothes made in China. But unfortunately Indonesia Pakistan it doesn’t matter where they are made the same thing happens. And it doesn’t matter how much you pay for them either I tried spending more thinking I would get better quality, didn’t happen. Where is a woman to find quality clothing that won’t do this?!
I have been dealing with this problem for years..I too, thought it was the laundry machine..but now think it started from not tucking in shirts anymore and wearing ZIP UP HOODIES OVER MY TEE SHIRTS OR OTHER SHIRTS. Many of the zippers on my zip ups have sharp edges on the tape of the zipper on the inside of the zip up. So, it’s either something sharp on the zippers or accidentally pushing the teeth of the zipper into the top. This all started when I began wearing untucked shirts with zippered clothing over the top. I have tried to take note and every shirt I wear with a zip up piece of clothing gets holes!!! ..doesn’t matter how nice the fabric.
I’m pretty sure I’ve discovered the culprit! The Seatbelt!! I noticed that on my seatbelt there is a raised circular tab that hit right at my navel. I also noticed that none of my winter shirts had this problem. Probably bc I am wearing a coat to protect them. So, I covered the tab with Duct tape about 4 months ago and ever since doing this: NO MORE HOLES!! Ladies, take a look at your seat belts and see if they have any protruding tabs, it doesn’t have to protrude a lot to do the damage. Good luck!!
That’s not it either. Just crappy material.
Thank you !!! I am going to try this !
I think my seatbelt has one of those round things on it! I’m going to try that. The hole (whole) issue is driving me nuts. Hahaha.
Here’s a NEW REASON for you! I had DOUBLE HOLES that would appear in the same location (front bottom) – at the same time, about an inch apart… Drove me nuts, and I ruined probably 10-15 shirts – even some of high (thicker) quality. It finally clicked (ha) when I was AT THE GYM using small dumbbells to do lateral raises (shoulder exercise where you hold a weight in each hand just in front of your navel, then move your elbows up and away from your body – like a bird flapping its wings). When I brought the weights back to the starting point slightly in front of my body, I was CLICKING them together – inadvertently pinching the bottom of my T-shirt between them as I leaned slightly forward. The weights’ clicking would cut a thread or two, and “snake bite” double holes would show up in a wash or two. So, if any of you know a gym rat, they could be the ones chewing holes!
Wrong.
I too suffer this problem and discovered it was my belt buckle catching and rubbing on my shirts/tshirts so changed my belt to one with out a buckle and voila no holes. Tucking in does the trick though xxx
Hi
Over the last 2 to 3 years I have destroyed so many shirts, no all t-shirts
A few months ago, I decided after checking absolutely everything that could cause damage, I decided it was my metal jean button. I have now cut them out and replaced with plastic buttons….no more holes until today….
Today I put a brand new pair of jeans on that a metal button and it happened again….so I definitely think I have solved my problem, for now.
Hope this helps a few others!!
Sorry, but that’s not the cause as the holes at the bottom of all my tees, from Chico’s and Ann Taylor and Banana Republic and Gap are not even where buttons or zippers are. Mostly worn with leggings.
Not seatbelts in Australia. Out seatbelts don’t have any clasps or metal across the tummy area.
I think for me it must be belts I wear with jeans sometimes. When I was young I never,ecer wore belts and I mostly wore Levi 501s. Now jeans are weird cuts and I since the last 10 years I now often wear a belt to stop them pulling off my bum. That’s exactly the timescale that fits with my holes problem, although I didnt begin to take any notice of it until around 4 years ago.
I seriously think we could be bff’s with your level or sarcasm and humor. I instantly love you just by reading this article.
I have an important breakthrough to share! I have had this problem for years. So what is the culprit? Seatbelts! They fit snugly and rub just where the holes appear. The solution: when you buckle up, pull that shirt out from under the belt. Problem solved!
Wrong
What planet are you people living on?!?
First off, the kitchen countertop is NOT THE CULPRIT LMAO!! Let’s get serious people!!
The holes ARE FROM MOTHS!!! I know this! It happened to me numerous times! I found the culprit!!! I found the SKIN AND MOTHS IN MY HAMPER!!! The holes are from MOTHS!! Oh , and it’s NOT the seatbelt !!! Wake up people!!! It’s MOTHS!!!! Everybody needs to LOOK VERY CLOSE WHERE YOUR CLOTHES ARE STORED!!
So….moths in my closet go for the front of all the shirts (and all in the exact same area) that I typically wear untucked, and NONE of the shirts that I wear tucked in?? And those same moths can distinguish between my shirts and my husband’s shirts in the very same closet, and totally ignore his?? Uh…..no. I cut the tags off a brand new shirt TODAY (never been in my closet, so no moths) and after about 30 minutes of chores at the kitchen sink: two tiny holes. Your theory is just plain wrong, sorry. And CALM DOWN for Pete’s sake.
It’s not moths on my clothes. Oh, and I suppose the moths are so bright that they know to make holes in exactly the front and near the bottom on every top? LMAO at you.
Um, that’s a pretty amazing moth that finds the exact same spot on my shirts every. single. time.
I agree with you, has to be Moths! As, i have 1st thought my washer/dryer could cause the tiny holes. I have a new w/d; stainless steel, diamond drum design(no ctr agitators) 2 nd, Possibly from bra hooks – so I wash all my hooked clothing in lingerie bags separate from other laundry.3rd, maybe from when i cut my rose bushes &get a snag from the bushes or 4th pesky moths. I never see them – for the last 15yrs – I have put cedar blocks in my closets and moth balls and still i get small holes in my t-shirts… and always around the same place.. it’s not from belts or rubbing up against the counters… has to be Moths or bugs! I’m fumigating again and adding m/balls everywhere there are clothes. I’m on a mission to get rid of the pesky bugs!!! The mystery is how come they are always in the same place.. and i’ll examine my seat belts, that’s a new one to me!
If it were moths, why holes only in one particular area? Why not in other parts of the garment?
Sorry, but it has nothing to do with jeans, or tucking, or moths, or seat belts. It’s just simply CRAPPY CHEAP FABRIC. I have t shirts from The Gap and Banana Republic and Ted Baker (expensive) and they ALL develop those little holes in the same place. Right at the bottom in front. Even though I wear them with leggings and the button jeans are no where near where the holes start. I have brought tons of Karina tops back to Chico’s because of this. NO ONE HAS STOPPED THIS and yet we keep spending our hard earned money on tops and within weeks they all get holes. It’s like a conspiracy. Someone needs to stop this. The stores are getting away with this for years.
If it were the fabric the holes would appear everywhere. Not in one spot.
No. Cheap fabric that can’t hold up to friction in one spot is the problem. I never had this problem in the past and I’ve always worn jeans, worn seatbelts, etc. It’s only in the last few years that this keeps happening. The shirts are much thinner now, too. It’s not a coincidence.
This has happened to shirt of mine of every single price point for years. It isn’t cheap fabric. It also completely stopped happening once I bought silicone button covers. I bought brand new very, very cheap shirts ($4.50 from Target, the EXACT same shirts that always had holes within two or three wears before) at the same time and they haven’t gotten a single hole. It isn’t the fabric. It’s the buttons. Facts don’t lie. It’s been 4 months and not a single hole has appeared.
I too have started getting holes. Same thought of the kitchen counter doing it but I wear camisoles under my Ts in the winter. And they were getting these holes too. My theory is kinda out there. I’ve read somewhere that the cotton industry has genetically created something to combat the cotton weevil. Unfortunately this thing likes humans much more. I can’t remember where I read it as its been months ago but I think it’s taken up residence in my body and comes out and feeds on the material. The spots are always in the same spot below my navel. I recently had a small red spot that raised up almost like a bug bite. Then I thought it odd cause this little spot was in the very spot the holes are. Just my take.
LOL! Pesky lilttle weevils!
Seriously this makes the most sense to me. At 69 years old I have been wearing jeans and tees forever. Only in the past few years have I had this problem. It never happens with synthetic (athletic…miracle fiber shirts). It happens most tragically with my wool (think, SmartWool) tees and cotton tees. What to do?
Thank you for this post! This has been making me nuts for over a year when I noticed most of my nearly new t-shirts with the same issue. It seemed to happen more when I wore one specific belt and I ended up throwing that one away. When I stopped wearing belts -or did the front tuck when I did wear them- my shirts without holes remained that way. I also searched for a flat plastic option which I found on Amazon but they didn’t have in my size at the time. I think it would be a great alternate to metal buckled belts when wearing shirts untucked. Anyway, problem is back because I got sick of working around it so much. And now I’m sick of holey shirts again so I guess back to it. Thanks ladies for mentioning the seatbelt! I’m going to check mine in the AM! Good luck all!
I didn’t start having this holey issue until menopause when I gained an inner tube around my middle. I rarely lean up against counters during the day so I have chalked it up to the hard little tip where the fabric comes to a point right above the button hole – it used to lay flat after I buttoned my jeans in the old days, but now that tip points outward and rubs the backs of my shirts in the same way you mention above.
Just discovered this problem with light material shirt- not necessarily cheap ones. It seems that this happened with me wearing a coat or zippered hoodie. I found the culprit. Metal button on pants, unprotected metal zippers on jackets/hoodie and the pressure from the car seatbelt. I am going to try to attach a protective flap on the zippers. Hopefully this works.
It totally makes sense; and even if it doesnt, I will take it, because I dont own a single shirt without a hole and this drives me nuts!!! I wear leggings for 95% of the time, but the moment I put the jeans on, I get the holes, after ONE day of wearing. I cant even tell you how many times I yelled in despair “wth? I JUST put this new shirt on!” For years, I was blaming m cats, but lets be honest, cats just like moths wouldnt be pinching a hole or holes in the exact same location each and every time, sooo…. sink and jean button it is! And yes, I spend a fair share if time in my kitchen.
I’ve been blaming the cat for sometime now 😞
If these holes are from the shirts rubbing on things, then why did the author of this post only get them after having kids. I started getting them after having kids and dogs. My theory is that kids are always tugging at the front of the shirt and/or the dogs are jumping and hitting the shirt with their nails.
I don’t have any kids or pets tugging or jumping. I’m a guy, and still the holes. For me, it’s a combination of counter and seatbelt against button, and/or belt buckle.
Makes sense to me..I thought moths,washer, but I drive a truck all day and buckled in with seat belt..and only the shirts – mainly ts- are the ones that gets the holes and always in same spot..and I also wear a bulky belt buckle so may add to the issue. Glad I read this.
I was thinking the same thing!! It’s only my cotton clothing and not just low by the button, I have a sweater and the holes are up on the chest. I’ve been blaming the cat and thinking that she must be getting into my closet somehow.
Lol, definitely not the button for me. I DO wear yoga pants (and feel MUCH MUCH MUCH more motivated to keep up with schooling the kids, cooking, cleaning because I’m comfortable etc). So? Maybe still friction from the counter but no buttons involved here.
Hmmmm, interesting!
Im pretty sure its not the button. Its the zipper.
we zip our pants without looking and it catches the fabric, which makes the holes.
I appreciate your perspective but I don’t wear my shirts with jeans…just shorts. And the zipper never comes in contact with my shirt. I’m pretty sure it’s the pointed edge of the fabric that the button goes into. I see it rudely poking through the holes it has conveniently made! So frustrating! I’m just so happy to find that it isn’t just me who is having this issue! It got a new FAVE shirt of mine…perfect color, perfect fit, everything!
Loved this article! I have been losing sleep over this! Lolol
I bought a dress at Old Navy and washed it once and had two holes on the side 🙁 washed it again and now it has mini holes all over in about five different places. The dress was washed only with t-shirts and socks. I used to work at a different clothing store and the same thing would happen to my clothes! I
remember them saying something about the detergent used paired with the fabric not being a good fit. That was 10 years ago. Still so confused!!!
I’m pretty sure my tiny holes in the front are from my jeans and my seat belt. Anyone else?
Seat belts have been around for what…35- 40 years?
Fabrics are getting much cheaper, regardless of what you pay. I’m 65, I’ve worn jeans and used a seat belt all my life and this is getting much more frequent. Never happened say, 3-4 years ago. SOLUTION: SAVE THE TAGS AND RECEIPTS from every garment you buy and take them back to the store when the holes show up. If enough of us do this, stores will insist manufacturers improve their goods. I’ve lost TWO brand new shirts this week.
Agree! Save the tags.
I usually put a tank top under my t shirts because I wear jeans all the time
These tiny holes ,, omg. On so many of my t shirts. Old ones. & new ones
My son just brought me one back from. Italy ( just cotton but, thin). Wore it once! Never washed, Guess What. HOLES same bottom spots. Not perfectly round, look worn out , I do not tuck in my shirts anymore , and wear with jeans just about always & some shirts are just not meant to be tucked in at all if not a true t-shirt
Thank you for your insight into the mystery of the tiny holes. Very Sherlock Holmes of you. The washer and bug theories were also something I considered. But thanks to your expert detective work, I now have the answer!
THanks for this but i totally disagree. Think about it: I’ve been wearing shirts in the kitchen for YEARS. (As well as washing, drying, wearing seat belts, etc etc) and this phenomenon is just over the past few years. I say it’s due to cheap quality material so that manufacturers and vendors can make more $$. I’m returning my shirts from Chicos. One has 3 holes in it and I’ve worn it twice and haven’t even washed it yet (and didn’t wear it in the kitchen!)
Ugh! I just got online to search this because my shirts from Chico’s have holes in the front as well. It’s not just theirs, though. They all seem to do it.
I”m returning all three that I bought. Loved them so much I bought in 3 colors… All going back. Luckily I have the reciept! I bought just about a month ago. Ridiculous. If we are going to pay $$ they should last. I have some cheaper ones from Old Navy, MUD, that I’ve worn dozens of times so far. No holes.
Thank you! It is in the last 5 years that this is happening.
I just bought some t-shirts from Patagonia, at $40/each, hoping for better. I washed one of them once, wore it once, washed it again and already have two tiny holes in the front. I’m sending it back and they are sending me a new one, apologizing and saying it’s not the norm. I told them I’m not confident about it because the holes were in different places in the front, not in the same stitch (they said maybe it was a bad stitch). They said that I could send all purchases back if it happens again.
I think we are about to hit a threshold with the cheap fashion trend. More and more of us are getting tired of clothes not lasting. I have some clothes from 10 years ago that I can still wear, and nothing in the last 5 years has lasted even one season.
And don’t get me started on thickness. Pretty soon we’re all going to be wearing tissue paper. That’s been on the decline for at least 10 years.
Side note: they don’t make men’s clothes this way.
I think it’s the zipper that pokes out from the jeans, and when I cover mine no holes
I agree with you..and the button or actually the fabric that the button goes through. That tip of the fabric is pointed and I’ve caught it poking through one of the holes it has made!
I really think it is what is called a carpet beetle that is eating holes in the shirts. they eat holes in areas where there is food (body fluids). I’ve noticed it’s only natural fibres that it eats – usually cotton. An article I read online confirms this. They are a little fuzzy looking beetle that you may sometimes notice on your screens or around windows. Otherwise they are difficult to find and apparently hide in dark crevices. The article recommends thorough cleaning of floors, baseboards, corners and clothing storage areas to get rid of them.
Sorry, but I do not agree on carpet beetles since I have been noticing this on my shirts since the 70’s. (Yes, I’m older!). The reason I don’t think this is the reason is because through the years, I’ve living in many different homes and a couple different states. I’m more inclined to think it’s the seat belt theory! Thank you.
Also, why would a beetle always create holes in exactly the same place? :p
I dont understand this little tiny holes at the bottom of my shirts my family member dont have this tiny holes on there shirts only on my shirts almost of my shirts had this where is this came from? And how to avoid this?
I absolutely know, that in my case, it’s the closure on my jeans/shorts. EXACTLY where the button is (and sadly my gut pushes the fabric that goes over the button out even further) is where my holes are. It is so maddening! I am 60 and don’t really think I can rock that front tuck, tho I’m fairly trim for my advanced years LOL! I will try it tho, esp with shirts that already have the damage. I thought I was buying cheap shirts with holes in them from manufacturing/machinery. UGH. I’m wondering if wearing a soft belt with soft closure would help.
I’m a barista and I am constantly leaning against counters while making drinks. So glad to finally have this mystery solved!
I read years ago… and I believe this to be the culprit. When they dye the shirts they run needles through and hang them to dry. This damages the threads. Which later breaks down and opens into a hole. THAT is what I will continue to believe to be the cause. All the shirts I have that have them are colorful and all have them way above the belt line.
I am so frustrated with all the little holes. I am convinced it is the cheap fabric. I never used to have trouble and I’ve been wearing jeans and tees for 60+ years. I recently decided that the solution is to go to woven shirts. Can’t give up my jeans.
alhsasd vodka 🙂
Could it possibly be something hormonal related? Something in our bodies in that belly button area that is reacting to the cheap fabric, thus creating the holes?
Or we can bring aprons back in the kitchen!
It’s your bellies. They get bigger. Especially after kids. Also they give off sweat, which exacerbates the situation. Then the stretched fabric rubs on things and holes form.
I believe the holes are mainly caused by your shirt being rubbed from the front side by your seat belt and from the back side by the metal button & stiff fabric edge of your jeans and/or by your belt buckle. The same rubbing friction occurs if you stand against a kitchen counter or if your computer keyboard at work is positioned at waist level or if you work on a factory line and continuously turn left and right all day. Fabrics are much thinner/cheaper than they were years ago and the friction causes a weakness in the fabric. The hole may appear nearly immediately, or when you wash the garment the now weakened fabric results in a hole. Our bellies protruding a little more than they used to doesn’t help – causing more rubbing friction between jeans/belts/seat belts. Crumbs and food spillage and moth problems don’t make sense as the holes always appear in the same spot.
I can’t believe so many other people are having this issue! I don’t lean up against counters and I’ve never had kids, but I do have a long commute. I think maybe it’s a combo of the seat belt AND the pants button. I’m going to try to put my shirts over the seat belt when I’m in the car.