Primary Causes
Clothes Moths / Carpet Beetles: The larvae of web-spinning clothes moths or carpet beetles feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, and cashmere, but they will also eat cotton blends if the fabric has traces of body oils, sweat, or food spills.
Belt Buckle & Countertop Friction: If small holes consistently appear near the front waistline, they are often caused by the fabric getting pinched between your belt buckle (or jeans button) and hard surfaces like kitchen countertops or granite edges.
Washing Machine Agitation: A loose zipper, open bra hook, or exposed metal fastener on other clothes in the same wash load can snag and tear small holes in thin cotton shirts.
How to Fix & Prevent Them
Inspect & Clean Wardrobe: Wash or dry-clean all stored clothes. Vacuum dark corners, closets, and drawers thoroughly to eliminate any pest larvae or eggs.
Use Cedar or Lavender: Place natural cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closet and drawers to deter textile pests naturally.
Repair Options:
Invisible Mending (Iron-On Fusible Web): Turn the shirt inside out, pinch the hole flat, and press a tiny piece of fusible iron-on interfacing over the back of the hole with an iron.
Visible Mending / Embroidery: Stitch small stars, flowers, or decorative spots over the holes to give the shirt a custom look.