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Original poster

Did we ever work out where those little holes come from?

109 replies

WellPlaced · 13/08/2023 23:02

The small ones in the front of t-shirts around belly button height.

Another t-shirt mysteriously developed them today. It’s only a month or so old.

Drives me mad!

OP posts:
neilyoungismyhero · 14/08/2023 00:52

I bought a t shirt type dress from Mountain warehouse. I've worn it twice and today found a little hole in the bodice just like the t shirt holes. None of the explanations offered are relevant - it's a mystery.

Papernotplastic · 14/08/2023 00:57

Have you been carrying any toddlers around? Their buttons and zips can catch on your clothes.

ValBiro · 14/08/2023 01:04

Moth holes!

The jeans button is nowhere near where the holes appear on my t shirts, I don't wear belts and again with the worktop theory... I am not leaning against the worktop on my chest, back or arm! I don't use bleach spray or strong detergents that would burn holes through my clothes. Bras go in mesh net bag things in the laundry so they don't get tangled up and stretched out in the wash.

It's got to be moths! It attacks mine, DHs and the kids t-shirts too...

FFSCarrieBradshaw · 14/08/2023 01:05

This has never happened to me. It happens a lot apparently.

So let's work backwards.

I don't wear a bra.

I wash my clothes in nylon bags.

I wash all my items with buttons inside-out. (In a bag).

You?

FFSCarrieBradshaw · 14/08/2023 01:05

Moths don't eat cotton. Ever.

AndyMcFlurry · 14/08/2023 01:12

DyslexicPoster · 13/08/2023 23:16

I think it's belts and leaning against worktops or the sink. I never get them now I stopped wearing belts

I agree, because I never wear a belt and I always wear an apron for cooking and I never get these little holes on my clothes.

I also never use bleach. But I don’t think that’s the cause as the holes would happen in other places , such as the bottom of long sleeves . Ditto bra hooks in the washing machine.

FFSCarrieBradshaw · 14/08/2023 01:14

It's not belts.

I wear belts all the time.

No holes, ever.

bizzey · 14/08/2023 01:16

off to buy a mesh bag for my bras !

GarlicGrace · 14/08/2023 01:27

Imperfect laundry practice seems a frequent culprit: https://www.thespruce.com/holes-in-clothes-after-washing-2146665

It's true, though, that this didn't happen in Ye Olden Dayes (1980s!). You could bung everything in a 40° wash, spin it at 1000 and tumble-dry it with abandon. Fabrics do seem to be thinner, plus a lot of them are made of more delicate fibres like viscose and modal.

I wouldn't even be surprised if our capitalist overlords are mechanically bashing garments as they come off the line, to make them less resilient!

What's Causing These Holes in My Clothes?

Do you have mystery holes appearing in your clothes? Learn what can cause the problem and how to prevent future holes.

https://www.thespruce.com/holes-in-clothes-after-washing-2146665

FFSCarrieBradshaw · 14/08/2023 01:44

@GarlicGrace.

Do you all wash your clothes with grace?

GarlicGrace · 14/08/2023 01:55

😂 Nah. I use garlic.

BusterGonad · 14/08/2023 01:59

One if my favourite tshirts recently got a huge hole right on the waist band area. It was a very busy day, I took 2 flights and I must have hastily zipped my jeans up and caught my tshirt, or it happened as I was moving my 6 suitcases onto the scanner, into the taxi or onto the trolly. It's so annoying as the stitch up job I did is crap and really shows up, I really loved the fabric. Linen viscose mix.

lilachouse · 14/08/2023 02:29

Moths! They eat anything and everything…apparently tummy button area is esp tasty for them…altho they’ll munch anywhere

GlueMyMushrooms · 14/08/2023 03:47

Blim burns? Wink

FFSCarrieBradshaw · 14/08/2023 06:59

lilachouse · 14/08/2023 02:29

Moths! They eat anything and everything…apparently tummy button area is esp tasty for them…altho they’ll munch anywhere

It's not flipping moths.

Moths don't eat cotton.

FFSCarrieBradshaw · 14/08/2023 07:02

Righto, It's not moths.

Your problem isn't moths.

Tiddlywinks63 · 14/08/2023 07:04

I’ve got three of these little holes in a nearly new nightdress. I definitely don’t have a cat, I haven’t worn a seat belt wearing it or worn it with jeans. There’s nothing to catch it in my washing machine and bras get washed in a net bag.
Next suggestion?

Hoooodoyouthink · 14/08/2023 07:05

I agree it must be the jeans button. My holes are at exactly that area and I don't get holes anywhere else (which I would if it was the washing machine or bra hooks in the wash).

Nomorebollocks · 14/08/2023 07:27

Just found these in a light blouse I’ve been wearing a lot this summer. I think it’s a combo of jeans button and wearing a handbag across my body: there’s a zip pocket on the back of the handbag. I think the zip / bag rubbing on the jeans button are is the culprit.

Original poster
WellPlaced · 14/08/2023 07:28

I still think it must be a chemical reaction with cleaning fluids or washing up liquid.

It’s not my bra although I could be catching them in my zip I suppose.

OP posts:
Original poster
WellPlaced · 14/08/2023 07:29

ah - cross body bag?
Could be

OP posts:
renthead · 14/08/2023 07:36

I had this issue for several years, in a couple of rental flats. Had never had the problem before or since. I think it was the crappy, small washing machines in those flats.

Seaweasel · 14/08/2023 07:37

Well I just read the article above and it seems that whacking everything that isn't white or pastel in together on a 40 degree 1400 spin might not be ideal. This should be on the national curriculum. I blame teachers. 😁
I am going to change my ways and see if it makes a difference.

F0RBIDDEN · 14/08/2023 07:40

I used to get them from carrying car batteries a lot. Tiny holes in the waist area at least that's what I assumed it was