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

3. Belt Buckles, Zippers, and Rivets
What it is: Hardware on your pants and jackets can snag and tear your shirts.

How it causes holes: When you sit or bend, the hardware on your pants (belt buckles, rivets, zipper pulls) rubs against the bottom of your shirt. Over time, this friction wears holes in the fabric.

The pattern: Holes appear on the lower front or back of shirts, exactly where they’d rub against pants.

The fix: Tuck in your shirt (prevents rubbing). Wear an undershirt as a barrier. Sand down any rough edges on buckles or rivets. Replace damaged hardware.

4. Sharp Edges on Furniture
What it is: Desks, counters, and tabletops can have sharp corners or rough edges.

How it causes holes: When you lean against a desk or counter, the fabric of your shirt catches on rough spots and tears.

The pattern: Holes appear on the front or sides of shirts, at the same height as the furniture you lean against.

The fix: Sand down rough edges on furniture. Be aware of how you lean. Tuck in your shirt.

5. Moths and Carpet Beetles (The Classic Culprits)
What they are: Fabric-eating insects.

How they cause holes: Moth larvae and carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton). They’re attracted to dark, undisturbed areas (closets, drawers).

The pattern: Holes are irregular, often clustered in one area. You may also see webbing, casings, or small larvae.

The fix: Clean closets thoroughly. Vacuum regularly. Store wool and silk garments in airtight containers or garment bags. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets (natural repellents). Freeze suspect garments for 72 hours to kill larvae.

6. Your Bra (Yes, Really)
What it is: Underwire bras can poke through the fabric and rub against shirts.

How it causes holes: When the underwire breaks through the bra casing, the sharp wire can poke holes in your shirt from underneath.

The pattern: Small holes on the front of shirts, near chest level. Holes correspond to the location of your bra’s underwire.

The fix: Replace bras when the underwire pokes through. Use a small piece of moleskin or fabric tape to cover exposed wire as a temporary fix.