A few years back there was a long thread about small holes in t-shirts. Turns out to be mostly related to cheaper fabrics or rubbing against something. But in my case, the holes appear only on gray t-shirts, not on any other color. Any idea why this might be? Thanks!
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According to the CEO of American Giant one of the largest tee shirts manufactures, the holes are caused by the fabric rubbing up against the hardware such as the medal tables on your jeans. This could also be from you belt or the tops of your jeans. He is saying that over time and the constant rubbing has caused the fabric to deteriorate.
In some cases the problem is the fabric itself. Some companies use cheap fabric and make the tee shirts as cheaply as possible.
However, if you have holes in your shirt that aren't located around the bottom of the shirt this could be a moth problem.
I have found some information that says that if the cotton shirt was made in Vietnam that they use cheap material. This was the cause of many holes in certain tee shirts. Whereas, others say it is from washing your tee shirts with jeans. Many people suggest washing them separately to avoid the holes in your shirt. The last theory that everyone is talking about is the seat belt in your car. Many people have found that their seat belts are making the tiny holes in their tee shirts.
Could it be that you like gray shirts more and tend to wear gray often so the shirt wears quicker?
Here's the long thread I think you're talking about: www.thriftyfun.com/
Are they all the same brand and fabric makeup? Look into that first to see and compare.
Yep, exact same shirts except for color. And they're worn approx the same amount of time.
is it possible that there is a very specific sort of moth that is attracted to that particular hue? Not even sure moths see in colour but clearly there is an attractant there
Not sure about the grey colour, but tiny holes at the front of your tops are usually caused by your jeans butto. Rubbing into something on the outside like a countertop or seatbelt.
So - gray shirts are your favorites - probably all the same brand so maybe the same fabric content. Have you worn a different color t-shirt just to check your theory about color? Holes do not appear in regular shirts - just gray t-shirts?
Step 1
You do not say if these holes are generally in the same area or if they are in random places so it is difficult to try and pinpoint a cause.
Step 2
If they appear in the same area you may have to play detective and notice what you are "touching" in that area everyday. It does not have to be anything rough as smooth places can cause a type of friction (granite for instance) that causes holes in some materials.
Step 3
Different washers cause more friction (mainly front loading machines (HE)) and can cause random holes in clothes.
Step 4
I do not know what type of work you do but many times it is difficult to remove perspiration from clothes and the buildup will cause a quicker breakdown in material (just like bleach breaks down fabric quicker than other whitening solutions) and these weakened places will form holes in clothes.
Step 5
If you happen to be washing your shirts after one wearing and they do not appear extra dirty, try using half as much detergent (and/or change to a milder detergent or a liquid form) and be sure to not overload the washer.
Step 6
Never wash or dry heavy clothes with light weight clothes as this puts too much "pull and tug" on thinner materials. You can put a dry towel in the dryer to help shorten the drying cycle and also fluff your shirts.
Step 7
Try to use at least one cup of vinegar in your final rinse and do not use other fabric softeners as you want the rinse cycle to remove all traces of soap from your clothes.
I would suggest buying a laundry mesh bag (laundry department at Walmart/Target type stores) and place these t-shirts in a zippered bag to see if perhaps there is something you are combining with your shirts wash that could cause this problem.
This may be too much trouble but if you are up to it - I would suggest you take one of your t-shirts and send it to the brand company and ask them to analyze why this is happening. Write them a nice letter and explain that you love their shirts but this is a problem you are having and you need help as something is happening to all of your t-shirts.
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