Why Your Clothes Keep Getting Holes (and the Simple Fixes That Actually Work)

It usually starts small: a tiny pinhole near the hem of a favorite T-shirt. You blame the brand, the fabric, or “one bad wash.” Then it happens again. And again. Before long, perfectly good shirts and lightweight tops are coming out of the laundry with frayed edges, stretched seams, and holes that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Here’s the surprising part: in many cases, it isn’t moths, “cheap clothing,” or even a broken washer. The real cause is often a few everyday laundry habits that quietly create repeated friction and stress in the exact same spots—until the fibers finally give out.

The Most Common Reasons Clothes Develop Holes

1) A Top-Load Washer Agitator Can Be Tough on Fabric

If you have a top-loading washing machine with a central agitator (the tall post in the middle), your clothes can experience more pulling and twisting than you realize. During agitation and spinning, fabric may catch between small gaps near the agitator or drum. Over time, that repeated tugging can weaken fibers—especially in cotton shirts—leading to those familiar round holes near the bottom hem.

High-risk items: cotton tees, lightweight knits, older garments, and anything already slightly thin from wear.