Holes in tee-shirts

[Anonymous]

I have the most perplexing problem with nearly all of my jersey / cotton shirts. Doesn't matter if I buy them from Target or Neiman's - after a few washes they all end up with little holes in the front, along the hem of the shirt. What could possibly be the problem? Any ideas out there?

[Anonymous]

Too much detergent?

[Anonymous]

Or the washing machine is rough?

[Anonymous]

Do you wear belts? Could they be rubbing against the fasteners of your jeans?

[Anonymous]

I can't wait for the answers, because this happens to me too. I do sometimes wear a belt, but not always, and it's not exactly something that would "catch" on the fabric.

[Anonymous]

I have the same problem as well and have yet to figure out the cause. It usually takes more than a few washes, but it still happens LONG before the shirt should be wearing out.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have this problem with cotton jersey shirts (like scoopnecks, V necks) from Lands End (generally good quality). They are like pinpoint holes in the front. Most annoying.

[Anonymous]

penguinsix wrote:Are you using bleach? Is there a chance the bleach is splashing directly on the shirts?

No bleach anywhere near them.

[Anonymous]

I have the same problem. I first noticed it when we lived in Europe and I thought it was from the different machines, but I've noticed it here, too. I also notice it in my kids' knit clothes.

[Anonymous]

I have suspected this has something to do with pulling, either on or off, or the straining of the fabric to accommodate breasts as well as cover lower abdomens. It doesn't happen to my longer t-shirts, just the ones that hit above the hips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have suspected this has something to do with pulling, either on or off, or the straining of the fabric to accommodate breasts as well as cover lower abdomens. It doesn't happen to my longer t-shirts, just the ones that hit above the hips.

I wondered about this too - fabric stretching a bit to accommodate belly & boobs - but then I would have to think that something similar would happen in the chest area! Also, I've noticed this happening with looser tees that aren't as body hugging. I've just about given up on having a hole-free shirt! I'm glad to know, at least, that I'm not alone!

[Anonymous]

My knit items last longer if I hang them or lie them flat to dry. I don't have proof for this, but I also think dryer sheets cause fabric to break down.

[Anonymous]

I found the cause of my pin-point holes! My tee shirts usually hang over my belt buckle, and when I do dishes (uh, frequently..I like to cook/eat) my stomach/hip area presses against the counter, thus repetitvely grinds my tee shirt into my belt...and voilà, holes.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget silver fish bugs - you know, the ones with all those legs yuck! They love to eat cotton!

[Anonymous]

No answers, just the same problem! I was doing an inventory of my t-shirts in preparation for Spring Break trip and found that 8 of the 10 shirts I plan to pack have the holes! Several of these I have only worn one time (all from j-crew by the way). I only hand wash most of my shirts and I only wear O-ring belts (not the ones that would tear a shirt), so neither of these is the answer. Could be the bugs.