Small holes in a T-shirt: why they always appear in the same place

However, this does not mean that only cheap clothing is affected by this. High-quality clothing can also be damaged under certain circumstances.
Is the washing machine the culprit?
The washing machine can play a role, but is not necessarily the cause.
If the holes consistently appear in the same spot, this indicates that the fabric has already been weakened at a certain point due to wear or repeated friction.
However, high spin speeds, aggressive wash cycles, or a damaged drum can put extra stress on already weakened fibers. In discussions about this issue, some users report improvements from gentler wash cycles and lower spin speeds. (Houzz)
Are clothes moths the cause?
Small holes in clothing can, in principle, be caused by certain insects. However, if the damage consistently occurs in the same spot on the front of different T-shirts, this explanation does not immediately fit.
In the case of a pest problem, one would normally expect further clues in the wardrobe or other damaged clothing items.
Therefore, mechanical causes must also be taken into account with this specific pattern.
What can be done about the small holes?
Anyone who notices this problem on their own T-shirts can try a few simple adjustment.
1. Check the straps.
As a test, you can walk without a strap for a few weeks or use a different type of strap. If no new holes appear afterwards, that is an important indication.
2. Do not lean against the countertop while working.
Especially in the kitchen, it is important to keep an eye on whether the fabric regularly rubs against the edge of the countertop.