Small holes by the seam and where they come from

Short answer: Holes right beside a seam almost always come from rubbing against a buckle, a button or a desk edge, not from a sewing fault. Remove the rubbing and they stop.

The classic pattern

Holes in a horizontal line low on the stomach come from a belt buckle or a desk edge. Holes at the side come from a bag or a set of keys. Look at the position rather than the fabric and you can usually name the cause.

Why the seam is the weak point

At a seam the fabric sits in several layers and cannot give. When something hard rubs there, the threads wear through in one small spot instead of spreading the load. That is why you get a hole rather than an evenly thin patch.

How to save the garment

Sew the hole with small stitches from the wrong side while it is still small. A thin patch or an iron on patch on the inside makes the repair last longer. Do not wait, because a hole of one centimetre becomes three after a few washes. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

How to avoid them

Wear the belt one notch looser, turn the buckle so the edge does not point inwards, and avoid resting your stomach against a sharp desk edge all day. Rotate between several garments so the same spot is not loaded daily. See bamboo undershirts for men and bamboo clothing for men.

Frequently asked questions

Are small holes a warranty matter

Rarely. If they sit in a line or in one specific place, it is wear from something outside.

Does a mesh laundry bag help

Yes, a little. The bag removes rubbing against zips and hooks during the wash.

Why does it only happen to my t-shirts

Because they are thin and sit outermost against belt and desk. Thicker fabric survives the same rubbing longer.