reparation

A hole in the pocket and what you do

Short answer: A hole in the pocket forms where keys and coins sit. It can be sewn up with a few stitches from the inside if you spot it while the hole is still small, and it only takes a few minutes.

Why it happens

Sharp objects such as keys, coins and pens wear the fabric from the inside every time you walk, sit down or put your hand in the pocket. The pocket fabric is often thinner than the rest of the trousers, because it is not meant to be seen. That is why the pocket is often the first place to get a hole.

Check the pockets regularly

A hole in the pocket is rarely noticed before something falls through. Feel inside the pockets when you empty them anyway, and look at the inside when the trousers come out of the wash. A thin spot where the fabric has turned see through warns that a hole is coming.

Sew early

A small hole is closed with a few stitches, while a large one means replacing the whole pocket or adding a patch. Turn the pocket out, sew the hole together with small stitches from the inside and tie off well. Use thread in a colour close to the fabric. Read more in how to patch a small hole in bamboo clothing.

Reinforce a thin spot

If the fabric has worn thin but not through, you can reinforce it with a small patch on the inside. A piece of soft fabric sewn on with small stitches lasts a long time. It is quicker than sewing a hole later, and the pocket stays soft.

Empty your pockets

Keys and coins are the main cause, and the easiest fix is to keep them elsewhere. Use a bag, a jacket pocket in firm fabric or a small purse for coins. Soft trousers are made for comfort, not for carrying heavy and sharp things, and the pockets soon show it.

Washing

Always empty the pockets before washing. A forgotten tissue fills the whole machine with lint, and a key or coin can wear a hole in the pocket or in other clothes in the drum. Turn the trousers inside out so the pockets are protected. See the washing guide.

Soft pockets

In soft trousers, pockets wear faster than in firm ones, because the fabric is thin and gives way. That is the price of comfort. Use the pockets for light things like a phone and tissues, and leave sharp items in your bag. See bamboo sweatpants for men.

For women

Sweatpants for women often have smaller, slightly slanted pockets, where things slide to the bottom and rub the same spot. The same advice applies: empty the pockets, sew early and reinforce thin spots. See the matching models in bamboo sweatpants for women.

When are the trousers worn out

A hole in the pocket does not mean the trousers are worn out. It can nearly always be sewn. If the fabric is thin in many places, has lost its shape, or there are holes at the knees and seat, the trousers are nearly done. More in how to tell that clothes are worn out.

Keep needle and thread ready

A small kit with a needle, thread in a few neutral colours and scissors makes it easy to close a hole right away. Small repairs are often put off, and then the hole grows. With the kit at hand it takes a few minutes, and the trousers last much longer.

Frequently asked questions

Can a hole in the pocket be sewn?

Yes, with a few stitches from the inside if the hole is small. Turn the pocket out, sew with small stitches and tie off well so it holds in the wash.

Why does the hole appear?

Keys, coins and other sharp things wear the pocket fabric from the inside. The pocket fabric is often thinner than the rest of the trousers, so it goes first.