Here's Where Those Tiny Holes In Your Shirts Come From

If you wear a shirt often, you've probably noticed a few small holes popping up in the area near your belly button. This isn't the only place they can appear, but it is one of the most common. Called pinholes, there are two aspects that are causing these tiny holes in your shirts — friction and material. As with any item, if your shirt is constantly exposed to factors, it will inevitably start to wear faster.

First things first, friction. The area near the bottom of your shirt is basically always in contact with your pants, whether that's a belt or with the button area itself. It isn't just your pants, either — innocuous everyday activities like wearing a seat belt, carrying things around, or sitting at your desk can all cause pressure on your shirt and cause the fabric to rub, which eventually leads to pinholes. Secondly, the quality of your shirt. If your shirt is made from fine knit or lower-quality cotton, it is much more likely to snag and tear. Additionally, always read the care label on an item. Some clothes should be cleaned by hand only and could tear if put in with a regular laundry load.

So, how can you repair these pesky holes? The most important thing is to repair the pinhole as soon as you notice it so it doesn't grow any bigger — prevention like hand-washing your clothes is key, but this doesn't mean you can't fix the snag once it's visible. The easiest way to fix a hole is to use a needle and thread to sew it back up. This should only take a few minutes, though make sure to use thread that's the same color as your shirt. If you're not a keen sewer, don't worry. There are other ways to solve the problem.

One such method is to use a bonding product like Stitch Witchery. You'll also need a fabric stabilizer and pressing cloth. Cut out a section of Stitch Witchery that's a little larger than the pinhole and place it on the inside of your shirt where the hole is. Then, cut out some fabric stabilizer, making sure the piece is a bit bigger than the Stitch Witchery. Place the pressing cloth over the covered shirt section and use an iron to press the fabric into place, making sure you iron both the inside and outside of the shirt for best results. Once the fabrics have settled, you shouldn't be able to notice where the hole was at all.