Small holes in merino wool

Why do small holes appear?

Merino wool is a fine, soft and breathable material. Our lightest weights (135 to 160 g/m²) are made from very fine fibres, and that is exactly what makes them so comfortable to wear. The same fineness also means the fabric is a little more vulnerable than thick cotton or synthetic materials. Small holes are therefore not unusual, and they are almost always caused by something external, not a fault in the fabric itself. The good news is that the pattern usually tells you what happened.

Holes from washing

The most common cause is washing. When holes are scattered randomly across the t-shirt, they have almost always appeared in the washing machine. This can be due to a worn drum, a program that is too harsh, a detergent that is too strong, or simply not washing gently enough. Both small holes and larger, torn holes can appear this way. A large, torn hole usually means the garment got caught in the drum.

Vaskeskade: et større, revet hul i merino-T-shirt
Wash damage: a larger, torn hole, typically caused by the garment catching in the drum.

Once a single thread breaks, the fabric can start to run along that thread, making the hole grow. That is why it is a good idea to deal with a small hole early.

Holes from friction

Small holes at the lower front of the belly typically come from rubbing against buttons, zippers or a table edge you lean into. Holes can also appear at the underarms, neckline and waist, where the fabric rubs against skin, bags or a belt. Friction holes are localized, right where the rubbing happens.

Små huller i merino, opstået over tid
Small holes that can appear over time from friction.
Små huller i en mørk merino-T-shirt
Small holes in a darker merino t-shirt.

Holes from moths

Moths leave small or elongated holes that sit close together or in a row. They most often appear where moths can reach the garment, for example when a t-shirt is folded on a shelf. If you recognise this pattern, read more in our guide to moths in merino wool.

How to prevent holes

  • Use a washing net. It protects the fabric from friction in the drum and is the simplest way to avoid holes.
  • Wash gently. Use a wool program and a mild wool detergent, and avoid harsh cycles.
  • Wash less often. Merino is self-cleaning and does not need frequent washing. Air it out between wears.
  • Watch out for friction. Buttons, zippers, belts, velcro and sharp table edges are the usual culprits.

Is it a manufacturing fault?

If the hole is at a seam, or appears very early, it may be a manufacturing fault, and we would like to hear from you. Holes from washing, friction, moths or normal wear over time are external causes, not a fault in the product. If you are unsure, send us a photo of the hole and let us know how long you have had the garment. We will find a solution together.

We are honest that our fine merino is a little more delicate than thick cotton. It is a deliberate choice, because more wool and finer fibres give a better feel against the skin. With a washing net and a little care, your LOOW garments will last a long time.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Why do small holes appear in merino wool?

Merino is made from fine fibres, so the fabric is a little more delicate than thick cotton. Small holes are almost always caused by something external, and the pattern usually tells you what happened: scattered randomly points to washing, a localized spot points to friction, and holes close together or in a row point to moths.

Is a small hole a manufacturing fault?

If the hole is at a seam or appears very early, it may be a manufacturing fault, and we would like to hear from you. Holes from washing, friction, moths or normal wear over time are external causes, not a fault in the product.

How do I prevent holes in my merino?

Use a washing net, wash on a gentle wool program with a mild wool detergent, wash less often since merino is self-cleaning, and watch out for friction from buttons, zippers, belts and sharp table edges.

Can I claim a hole in my LOOW t-shirt?

If you think it is a manufacturing fault, send us a photo of the hole and let us know how long you have had it. We will look at it and find a solution together.