How can I stop getting tiny holes in my t-shirts near my belly button?

[Anonymous]

The quality of the t-shirt doesn't seem to matter. All my t-shirts, particularly thin ones, end up with tiny holes around the belly button. I *think* it's from the corner of the fabric on my pants rubbing against it, although I can't say for sure. Anyone have this problem and can offer a suggestion? I thought about trying to find iron-on patches to prevent them, but the t-shirts in question are pretty thin so the patch would show through.

[Anonymous]

If it is only in that location, then the pants are the culprit. Otherwise it could be clothes moths (stuff all fabrics in the dryer on hot or freeze for a few days to get rid of them).

I would find new pants.

[Anonymous]

Countertops or pants buttons. Maybe try wearing an apron in the kitchen and see if that fixes it? If not, then it's probably your pants. I have the same problem in thin t-shirts by the way - but usually after 2 yrs when the shirt is getting ratty anyway.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it's caused by abrasion. That's also an area that gets strained by pulling and tugging.

I wear a lot of camis under t shirts and leave them untucked to make an additional layer between pants closures and shirt. It might help a little, but eventually the holes happen anyway.

[Anonymous]

Same thing happens with shirts that are worn with my Gap jeans. Doesn't seem to happen with other kinds of jeans that I own. I've ruined many shirts this way, and agree with the PP about layering a tank top underneath. Of course, then the tank top gets the holes, but there underneath so it's not as big of a deal. Really annoying issue though!

[Anonymous]

I get this, I thought is was because my tummy was too big! I was getting a complex.

[Anonymous]

I get this, too! I thought my washing machine must be the culprit (like a loose screw causing pinholes in my tshirts, bt this ne'er happens to DH's or DC's clothes so I knew that explanation didn't make sense). So not sure what the solution is? Different pants/shorts? Lose weight?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get this, too! I thought my washing machine must be the culprit (like a loose screw causing pinholes in my tshirts, bt this ne'er happens to DH's or DC's clothes so I knew that explanation didn't make sense). So not sure what the solution is? Different pants/shorts? Lose weight?

I personally don't think it has anything to do with needing to lose weight. I'm not overweight and it happens to me. I think that the corner of the tab where I button my jeans just sticks out because, well...that's how it is.

[Anonymous]

It's from rubbing up against the counter/rubbing against your waistband where the button is/or a combination of the friction of the two. Try to be more conscientious about how much pressure you lean into a counter with. And try to stop buying shitty J Crew tissue tees that don't last longer than an actual Kleenex.

[Anonymous]

OP here-- I don't think it's about being overweight, but I did wonder whether the fact that my small boobs don't hold my tshirt away from my chest had something to do with it!

[Anonymous]

Yeah, my theory is it that the shirts are flimsy. I need to stop buying those soft Gap tees.

[Anonymous]

I have a belt which will cause holes -- it took me a while to figure out it was my belt. I ruined a few shirts -- the whole thing was maddening as I liked the belt!

[Anonymous]

It's from the shirts rubbing the pants...tank top underneath will mostly fix.

[Anonymous]

The button on my jeans was the culprit in my case. It was one of those two piece buttons where the top part kind of snapped on the bottom. It would pinch the shirts and cut tiny holes in them. Replacing the button fixed the problem.

[Anonymous]

I always thought it was the tab on the zipper that tore the holes in the T-shirts. I have the same problem, and it's irritating. Even my expensive, "going out" T-s have this issue.