Why Does Underwear Get Holes?

Friction at high-wear spots plus hot washing thins the fabric — here's why holes form and how to slow it.
By Better Human Goods
1 min read

Underwear usually wears out at the seams or thin spots first, and friction is the main culprit. The areas that rub most — inner thighs, waistband edges — thin out over time, and once the fabric is worn thin enough, small holes appear. Hot washes and high-heat drying speed this up by breaking down fibers and elastic, as does an overstuffed drawer or rough handling in the wash.

To slow it down: wash in cooler water with a gentle detergent, skip high-heat drying (air-dry when you can), and rotate enough pairs so no single one takes all the wear. Choosing well-made, breathable fabric helps too — quality knit holds up better than thin, cheap material. When holes do appear despite care, it's simply a sign that pair has reached the end of its life. More in how to wash underwear.

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