Holes in undershirts – causes and how to prevent them
Holes in undershirts are usually caused by friction, washing damage or moths. Learn how to identify the cause and prevent further wear.
Holes in an undershirt rarely appear by chance. In most cases, there is a clear cause: friction, material wear, improper care or – especially with natural fibres – clothing moths.
Identifying the cause helps you take targeted action and significantly extend the lifespan of your underwear.
Quick answer
Holes in an undershirt are usually caused by friction, material wear, improper care or – particularly with natural fibres like wool – clothing moths.
The most common causes of holes in undershirts
1. Daily friction
One of the most common causes is mechanical stress:
- friction from belts or waistbands
- daily movements (sitting, walking)
- tight outer clothing
Typical sign: holes appear repeatedly in the same areas, such as the stomach or underarms.
2. Friction during washing
The washing machine can also damage underwear:
- zippers
- buttons
- Velcro
- rivets from other garments
These can rub against fine fabrics and cause small holes.
3. Sweat and deodorant in the underarm area
Holes under the arms often result from a combination of sweat and certain deodorants. Products containing aluminium can weaken fibres over time.
Learn more here:
Yellow stains under the arms
Holes caused by clothing moths
If holes appear randomly in different places, clothing moths are often the cause.
Moths can occur even in clean households and are not related to poor hygiene. Natural fibres such as merino wool are particularly attractive to them.
Typical signs of moth damage
- irregular, frayed holes
- spread across different areas
- not linked to friction zones
The fine structure of merino wool makes it an ideal food source for moths.
Typical moth damage:
Tips for dealing with moths:
How to get rid of clothing moths
More detailed information here:
Holes in merino wool undershirts – causes and solutions
Holes shortly after purchase – why?
If holes appear quickly, it may be due to already weakened fibres.
With natural fibres such as wool, it is not possible to control every single fibre. Strength develops during the spinning process.
In rare cases, small weak areas may exist and become visible after the first washes or wears.
If this happens without any identifiable external cause, please contact us – we will find a solution.
How to prevent holes in undershirts
- wash underwear separately or with similar fabrics
- wash inside out
- avoid zippers and hard materials in the same wash
- avoid harsh detergents
- dry gently
More information here:
How to wash underwear properly and
How to dry underwear properly
Frequently asked questions about holes in undershirts
Why do holes always appear in the same place?
This is usually caused by friction, for example from belts or daily movement.
Are holes a quality defect?
Not necessarily. They are often the result of wear, material properties or care.
Why are merino wool undershirts more sensitive to moths?
Merino wool is a natural fibre that is particularly attractive to moths.
