It’s likely that at some point you’ve dealt with those pesky little holes in your clothes. And for those who haven’t had this experience, you must either have a wardrobe large enough to rotate through without wear or have mastered the art of clothing care.

For most of us, discovering holes in our go-to shirts or lovely dresses is a common occurrence. Although it can be a headache, with time you kind of get used to it. Personally, I’ve learned to expect it. Many a morning have I been ready to don a favorite shirt only to find those tiny holes and face the dilemma: Do I wear it anyway, hoping no one notices, or do I toss it and admit defeat?

More often than not, I opt to discard it, which led me to uncover the truth behind these mysterious holes—what causes them and how we might prevent them.

To understand what’s causing those holes, let’s delve into the possible culprits. A wide variety of factors can lead to holes appearing in your clothes. While moths are a well-known perpetrator, not all holes stem from moth-eaten fabrics.

In many cases, it’s simply about wear and tear. Your garment might have snagged on something. Everyday items like zippers, bras, belts, seatbelts, or rough surfaces can be the guilty party.

If the holes are situated around your midriff, your belt buckle could be to blame. Going without a belt might solve this issue, but it isn’t always practical. Instead, you might try repositioning the belt or smoothing sharp edges with sandpaper.

Another factor might be how you’re washing your clothes. Did you know overloading the washing machine can cause your clothes to tear? Also, when washing items with beads, buttons, or other embellishments, turning them inside out can be helpful.

Limit the use of chlorine bleach, as it can contribute to holes wearing through your garments.

And don’t forget to be cautious around rough surfaces like brick or stone, or protruding objects such as nails.

Have you noticed holes in your clothing? Feel free to share your experiences with us!