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

Trim your pets’ claws.

Sand down rough edges on furniture.

When to Replace (Not Repair)
Some holes aren’t worth fixing. Here’s when to let go.

Repair if:

The hole is small (less than ¼ inch)

The fabric is otherwise in good condition

The garment is expensive or sentimental

Replace if:

The fabric is thin or threadbare around the hole

There are multiple holes

The garment is cheap to replace

You’ve repaired the same hole multiple times

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my shirts always get holes in the same spot?
That’s a clue. A consistent hole location points to a specific cause: bottom hem holes likely come from belt buckles or agitators; chest holes likely come from bra underwires or leaning on counters; underarm holes likely come from friction or poor fit.

Do front-loading washers cause fewer holes?
Yes. Front-loading washers don’t have agitators. They’re much gentler on clothes.

Can fabric softener cause holes?
Indirectly. Fabric softener coats fibers, which can make them weaker over time. It can also cause buildup on the washer drum, which can create rough spots.