Holes in your favorite shirts or shorts are more than annoyances. They’re a sign that something in your clothing care routine isn’t quite right. Small changes can make a big difference, whether it’s upgrading laundry practices, storing items with greater care, or avoiding dangly jewelry. A little effort can go a long way toward keeping your favorite clothes in excellent condition for years to come.

Holes don’t appear from nowhere. Most have predictable and preventable causes. From laundry mishaps to hidden pests, here’s how to stop wardrobe woes in their tracks to protect your clothing. Here are 10 of the most common culprits—and how to stop them.

1. Bugs (Moths, Silverfish, Carpet Beetles)

Tiny holes in wool, cotton, or silk garments may indicate that fabric-eating insects are getting too comfortable in your home. Moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles thrive in dark, undisturbed places. Unfrequented closets or unlined drawers can be prime targets for these kinds of pests.

To prevent holes from pest damage, always wash or dry-clean clothes before long-term storage. Use airtight containers or garment bags to keep out bugs, and consider storing clothing with natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender satchels. Regular vacuuming of storage areas also helps remove larvae and eggs.

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2. Poor Laundering

DIY laundering can be rough on your clothes. Tossing sensitive clothes in with other items that have hooks and zippers can spell disaster. If machines are overloaded or cycles are too aggressive, clothes often get caught on buttons or drum edges. Delicate woven and stitched fabrics can easily stretch, snag, or tear during high-speed spins.

Use mesh laundry bags to protect delicates. Fasten zippers and hooks before tossing clothes in the wash cycle. Choose cold water and gentle cycles for fragile fabrics, and never overload the machine.

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3. Chemical Damage from Bleach or Detergents

Harsh chemicals can gradually weaken fibers, even cotton. Over time, repeated exposure to bleach or stain removers can cause thin spots in the fabric and lead to holes. To reduce this kind of wear, always follow the care labels, dilute bleach correctly, or try dry cleaning instead. Switch to gentle or pH-balanced detergents for in-house laundry.

4. Rubbing Against Accessories

Repeated rubbing from a seatbelt, purse strap, or belt buckle can cause wear on specific spots. Pressure points along the neckline or waist often develop holes faster than the rest of a well-worn garment.

If you notice consistent wear in these areas across multiple items, take a hard look at your accessories. Switch shoulders for that purse strap, and layer to protect vulnerable fabrics from constant contact with rough surfaces.

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5. Stone and Wood

Natural surfaces are lovely to look at, but they present hazards for clothing. Rubbing against a wooden desk, concrete bench, or brick wall can damage your clothing. Rough textures cause wear and tear to any fabric, particularly at the elbows or seat of pants. Use cushions when sitting on abrasive surfaces. Avoid leaning casually against rough walls or outdoor hardscaping. Choose durable fabrics whenever you know you’ll come into contact with coarse materials like stone or wood surfaces.

6. Improper Storage

Poor storage can attract bugs and cause holes to develop in clothing. Overcrowded drawers and wire hangers can stretch or stress sensitive garments. Heavy items hung on thin hangers can warp the shape of clothes and lead to premature wear. When hanging garments, use sturdy, padded hangers and fold knits rather than hanging them. Keep drawers loosely packed to allow air circulation.

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7. Pets

Pets are adorable, but their teeth and claws can damage fabrics. Cats may knead your clothes with sharp claws, and dogs might chew or tug at garments just for fun. Kittens, puppies, and even bunnies might leave tiny holes or tears in your favorite clothing.

Protect your wardrobe by keeping clean laundry out of reach and giving pets their own cozy blankets or spots to lie on. Trim their nails or claws regularly to reduce accidental snags during petting sessions.

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8. Sunlight and UV Exposure

Direct sunlight can fade dyes and weaken fabric fibers over time. Clothes left in sunny windows or dried repeatedly in harsh sun may become brittle and prone to tearing. Dry garments in shaded areas and store them away from direct sunlight. If your closet receives a lot of natural light, use blackout curtains or UV-filtering films on nearby windows.

9. Jewelry

Minor snags from rings, watches, bracelets, and necklaces can present big problems for delicate fabrics. Lace, silk, and thin knits are especially vulnerable to this type of damage.

To protect your clothing, put on jewelry after getting dressed, making sure your outfit pairs well with accessories that won’t rub against it. Avoid long dangling earrings that touch your shoulder or necklaces with many fixtures or clasps. If a snag occurs, repair it promptly. Doing so can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major problem.

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10. Mold and Mildew

Clothing stored in damp or poorly ventilated spaces can develop mold or mildew. Both can stain and weaken fibers, eventually leading to holes.

Prevent this by making sure clothes are completely dry before packing them away. Use dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing packets in closets and keep storage spaces cool and well-ventilated. Check monthly to spot mold growth early and ensure proper removal before clothing items are irreversibly damaged.