Holes in the abdomen or elbows of shirts and T-shirts are a common and extremely annoying problem. Usually, the culprit is not insects, but rather mechanical friction or material fatigue.

Here are the most common causes and what you can do about them:

5 most common causes

Friction from belt buckles, buttons and zippers (classic cause)

If holes almost always appear in the front of the abdomen area (at the navel level), the cause is almost certainly mechanical:

The fabric gets caught and rubs against the fabric exactly where the shirt falls over the belt buckle or jeans button.

Even slight pressure on the edge of a table, steering wheel or kitchen counter is enough to damage the delicate fibers. After a few washes, these damaged fibers break and a hole appears.

Rubbing on the elbows and forearms
Hole in the sleeves is usually caused by leaning against a table or constantly rubbing against the rough surface of the table and armrests while working.
Zippers and Velcro in the washing machine
Clothing with open zippers, hooks (e.g. from bras) or Velcro act like little saws in the washing machine drum. They catch on the delicate fabric of the shirt and tear small holes.
Fabric quality (tear of worsted vs. wool/elastane)
Thin cotton fabrics: Very fine, cheap fibers are more prone to wear.
Elastane blend: If a shirt contains stretch and is washed at too high a temperature or dried in a dryer, the elastane fibers will tear. The fabric loses its structure and holes will form.

Clothes moths or fish moths (rarely found in the belly area)
If the holes are completely unevenly distributed throughout the shirt (including the back or shoulders), the culprit could be textile pests:

Moths: They prefer to eat animal fibers (wool, silk) and less often pure cotton.

Fish moths/paper fish moths: In high humidity, they can also eat plant materials such as cotton or starch.

Immediate prevention tips:

Cover belt buckles: A smoother belt or wearing a belt cover/flat buckle helps immediately.

Always close zippers: Close all zippers, buttons, and velcro on all garments in the drum before washing.

Use a mesh laundry bag: Wash delicate shirts and t-shirts in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from other clothing.

Check your washing machine: Run an old pair of stockings through the inside of the drum. If it gets caught, there is a sharp edge or burr inside the drum that is damaging the clothes.

“` Proper care: To protect the fibers, do not wash shirts in too hot water and do not use a dryer.