Over time, that friction can weaken the fibers until a tiny hole develops.
How to Reduce It
Pay attention to where your clothing rubs during the day.
If you regularly lean against a counter, try keeping the front of your shirt from pressing against rough edges. You can also wear an apron while cooking or doing household chores.
This is especially helpful with lightweight cotton or jersey fabrics, which can be more vulnerable to repeated abrasion.
2. Your Washing Machine May Be Catching the Fabric
Laundry can be surprisingly rough on clothing.
A small snag or tear can occur when fabric catches on a rough edge, damaged component, zipper, hook, or other object inside the washer.
Before blaming the machine, check your clothing carefully.
A Few Simple Laundry Habits Help
Turn delicate clothing inside out.
Close zippers before washing.
Fasten hooks and other closures.
Use mesh laundry bags for delicate items.
Don’t overload the washer.
Separate delicate fabrics from rougher garments.
If you repeatedly discover holes after washing, inspect the inside of the washer drum carefully for anything sharp or rough.
3. The Dryer Can Contribute to Damage
The dryer can also put stress on clothing.
High temperatures, tumbling, and repeated drying cycles can weaken some fabrics over time.
This doesn’t mean you have to stop using your dryer altogether.
Instead, check the care label and choose a gentler temperature when appropriate.
For delicate clothing, air-drying can be a simple way to reduce unnecessary wear.
4. Zippers and Fasteners Can Snag Clothes
Sometimes the culprit isn’t the washing machine at all.
Clothing
A zipper from another garment can catch on a shirt and pull the fabric during washing or wearing.
Bras, hooks, Velcro, metal buttons, and other fasteners can cause similar problems.
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