Are Tiny Holes in Shirts from Moths, Washing Machines, or Jeans?
Tiny holes in shirts can be frustrating because the cause is not always obvious. One day your shirt looks fine. Then after a wash, you notice small holes near the front.
The first thought is usually moths or the washing machine. Sometimes those can be the cause. But if the holes are mostly near the waist or belly button area, your jeans button may be the real problem.
When moths may be the cause
Moths usually damage natural fibers like wool, cashmere, silk, and sometimes cotton. Moth holes can appear in different areas of a garment, not just near the front waist.
Signs of moth damage may include:
- Holes in stored clothing
- Damage to wool or cashmere
- Multiple garments affected in closets or drawers
- Irregular holes in different locations
If your holes are mostly in stored sweaters or natural-fiber clothing, moths could be worth checking.
When the washing machine may be the cause
Washing machines can contribute to fabric wear, especially if clothes are washed with rough items, zippers, hooks, or heavy denim.
Laundry-related damage may be more likely if:
- Holes appear in different areas of the shirt
- Clothes are washed with open zippers or rough hardware
- The machine is overloaded
- Delicate shirts are washed with heavy jeans or towels
Washing can also make existing weak spots more visible. So even if you notice the holes after laundry, the damage may have started earlier.
When jeans buttons are likely the cause
If the tiny holes appear near the lower front of your shirt, around the waist or belly button area, jeans buttons are a likely culprit.
That area lines up with the metal button on many jeans and pants. When your shirt rubs against the button throughout the day, the fabric can weaken. Add pressure from counters, desks, seat belts, or belts, and the damage can happen faster.
This kind of hole is common in:
- Cotton t-shirts
- Lightweight tops
- Fitted shirts
- Soft jersey fabrics
- Expensive basics
- Shirts worn often with jeans
How to tell the difference
Look at where the holes are.
If the holes are scattered across the garment, check for moths, laundry damage, or fabric quality.
If the holes are mostly near the front waist, especially right where your jeans button sits, friction is probably the issue.
How to prevent the holes
You can reduce the risk by washing shirts gently, avoiding rough laundry loads, and protecting the fabric from hard metal buttons.
Wholly Covered Buttons are soft silicone covers that fit over jeans buttons to help reduce friction between the button and your shirt.
It is a small fix, but it can help protect the shirts you wear most.