Of course, insects can cause holes in clothing—but they're not always the explanation.
Certain clothes moth larvae can damage natural fibers such as wool and other animal-based materials.
If you suspect fabric pests, look for additional clues rather than focusing on one hole.
You might notice:
- Multiple irregular holes
- Damage to stored clothing
- Shed larval skins
- Webbing or debris in dark storage areas
- Damage to wool, cashmere, fur, or other susceptible materials
Closets and drawers that remain dark and undisturbed can provide favorable conditions for fabric pests.
6. Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetle larvae can also damage natural fabrics.
They're attracted to materials containing animal fibers and can sometimes be found in closets, under furniture, or in areas where lint and hair accumulate.
If clothing damage continues despite changes to your laundry routine, inspect storage areas as well.
Regular vacuuming can help remove lint, hair, and other material that larvae may feed on.
7. Rough Furniture and Hardware
A tiny snag can happen during ordinary activities.
A rough chair edge, exposed screw, damaged countertop, backpack strap, or even a sharp edge on a desk can catch fabric.
The damage may be so subtle that you don't notice it happening.
If the holes consistently appear in the same area of your clothing, think about what that part of your body repeatedly comes into contact with.
The location of the hole is often a clue.
Why Are the Holes Often Near the Bottom of Shirts?
This is one of the most useful clues.
Small holes around the lower front of T-shirts are frequently associated with repeated contact between the fabric and surfaces such as countertops or desks.
The shirt gets caught between your body and the edge of the surface. Repeated movement creates friction, gradually weakening the fibers.
That explains why someone might have several shirts with tiny holes in almost exactly the same place.
If your shirts are developing holes in a consistent location, look for a consistent source of friction before assuming you have an insect problem.
How I Reduce Clothing Damage
You don't need to completely change your lifestyle to protect your clothes.
A few small habits can make a noticeable difference.
Wear an Apron for Kitchen Tasks
An apron isn't just for keeping food stains off your clothes.
It can also create a protective layer between your shirt and the edge of a counter.
Be Careful With Countertops
If you notice your shirt rubbing against the countertop every time you prepare food, try standing slightly farther back.
It sounds insignificant, but repeated friction adds up.
Wash Delicate Clothing More Gently
Use the gentlest appropriate cycle for delicate fabrics.
Laundry bags can be particularly useful for thin shirts, lingerie, and other easily snagged garments.
Don't Overfill the Washer
A tightly packed machine gives clothing less room to move freely and can increase mechanical stress.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for load size.
Inspect Your Laundry Equipment
If new holes appear frequently, run your hand carefully around accessible areas of the washer drum and dryer where fabric could potentially catch.
Don't reach into moving or powered equipment. If you find a damaged component, have it repaired rather than continuing to use the machine.
Rotate Your Favorite Clothes
Wearing the same few shirts repeatedly naturally puts more stress on them.
Rotating your wardrobe gives individual garments a break and can help extend their useful life.
How to Tell Whether It's Friction or Insects
There's no single test that works in every situation, but a few patterns can help.
Friction Is More Likely When:
- Holes appear in the same location
- Damage is concentrated near shirt hems
- You notice holes mainly in frequently worn garments
- The fabric is thin or lightweight
- You regularly lean against counters or desks
- Other clothing stored away remains unaffected
Fabric Pests May Be More Likely When:
- Damage appears on stored clothing
- Multiple garments are affected
- Natural animal fibers are involved
- You notice larvae, shed skins, or webbing
- Damage occurs in dark, undisturbed storage areas
If you're seeing signs of an infestation, addressing the source is more important than simply replacing damaged clothing.
What to Do With a Shirt That Already Has a Hole
Don't automatically throw it away.
Small holes can often be repaired with a needle and thread, fabric patches, or professional alterations.
For an inexpensive T-shirt, a simple repair may be all that's needed.
For wool, silk, cashmere, or sentimental clothing, professional repair may produce a much cleaner result.
And if you discover the cause early, you can prevent the same problem from affecting the rest of your wardrobe.
A Few Clothing-Care Habits That Pay Off
Protecting clothes is mostly about reducing unnecessary wear.
Try to:
- Follow care-label instructions.
- Wash garments at appropriate temperatures.
- Close zippers before washing.
- Avoid mixing delicate fabrics with abrasive items.
- Store clean clothes in dry, reasonably clean spaces.
- Keep closets free of excessive lint and debris.
- Avoid leaving damp clothing crumpled for long periods.
- Repair small snags before they become larger tears.
These aren't complicated rules, but together they can significantly extend the life of your clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my T-shirts get tiny holes near the stomach?
Repeated friction against countertops, desks, and other surfaces is a common explanation for small holes in the lower front of shirts.
Are washing machines responsible for small holes in clothes?
They can contribute if fabric catches on rough or damaged components, or if garments are repeatedly washed with sharp fasteners. Checking the machine and adjusting laundry habits can help.
Do moths eat holes in clothes?
Moth larvae—not adult moths—are responsible for damaging many animal-fiber textiles. However, not every clothing hole is caused by moths.
Can a dryer damage clothes?
Yes. Heat and repeated tumbling can contribute to fabric wear, especially when garments are dried more aggressively than their care instructions recommend.
How can I make my clothes last longer?
Reduce friction, wash garments according to their care labels, protect delicate items, avoid overloading the washer, and repair small problems before they become larger ones.
The Bottom Line
Finding tiny holes in your favorite clothes doesn't automatically mean you've got moths.
Friction, laundry equipment, fasteners, rough surfaces, heat, and fabric pests can all play a role.
The most useful clue is often the location and pattern of the damage. If several shirts develop small holes in the same spot, look at what that part of the fabric repeatedly touches. If damage is appearing on stored natural-fiber clothing, investigate the possibility of fabric pests.
Once you identify the source, prevention becomes much easier.
And sometimes the solution really is as simple as wearing an apron, changing how you wash your clothes, or moving a shirt away from the edge of the kitchen counter.