This Is Why T-Shirts Get Those Tiny Holes

#1 IT’S one of fashion’s biggest mysteries – where do all those annoying tiny holes in your clothes come from?

There is a universally perplexing wardrobe mystery occurring in countries across the world. This issue has divided people for years as to the source of the problem.

The issue I’m referring to is the mysterious little holes that appear in every single tee shirt you own.

Writers are writing about it.

Bloggers are blogging about it.

People around the world are tearing their hair out asking "WHY?????"

#2 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. Don’t you just feel like you’ll sleep better at night, now?

#3

So, why is it such a common occurrence in the same spot? “That part of the shirt is a primary abrasion point,” said Bayard Winthrop, the founder and CEO of American Giant, an American-made basics brand. “The fabric there is (rubbing) against the hardware: your belt, the tops of your jeans, all points of wear. The friction, repeated over time, has caused the fabric to deteriorate.”

#4

That's annoying. But, Winthrop continued, “the real culprit here is often the T-shirt fabric itself. The garment itself might be produced as cheaply as possible, cutting costs where possible. Bummer, right?”

#5

“Look for brands that call out what type of cotton they are using — a longer fiber length is a good sign — and how the garment is constructed”.

Of course if you find holes elsewhere on your T-shirt, this could be down to a moth problem. Generally the way to tell whether the holes are moth related or down to your jeans is based on where they are situated.

You will also tend to find a whole cluster of holes if a moth has been nibbling on your clothes.

#6

Overall, Winthrop suggested that paying close attention to construction is the No. 1 way to avoid this problem, regardless of price. “A T-shirt is a no-fuss garment. You should be able to wear it with a skirt, pants or jeans and do your work and go about your day without worrying about whether your clothes will hold up,” he said. In other words, it's worth the initial investment for longer wear.

#7 The solution?

You could wear safety aprons all year round, or you could iron on a precautionary safety patch to all of your favourite tops.

Alternatively you could embrace the hole and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone, and the mystery has been revealed.