ripped shirt arms...? (light, washing, washed, extension)

[yo vanilla]

i've got a few button-down shirts that got ripped on the arms, right up by the armpit area (not on the seam, out in the fabric area).

how does this happen? the first idea was the washing machine... but one of the shirts had not been washed since it was last worn. moths? how do i know if a moth did it?

this really sucks because dress shirts arent cheap and christmas shopping really sucks your dry...

[miu]

I think that the armpit area is subject to extra stresses from the fabric chafing and also your perspiration, which is salty. Then I think while being in the wash or drying cycles, the shirt itself and the arm extensions is being pulled in all directions. I wonder if putting your shirts loosely (not pack tightly) into one of those netting bags made for washing delicate clothing would help.

[yo vanilla]

i thought about that too... but these are lengthwise tears (going down the arm, not across it) and not on the seams. maybe i'm thinking too hard, maybe thats what it is. well a lady at work suggested a mouse (my wife loved that idea, heh). didnt catch one in my new trap overnight though.

i bought three new shirts so i need to find the culprit before i get them back from alterations

[Twinkle Toes]

Maybe you're just working out waaaaaayyyyy too hard, you buff creature, you!!!

[miu]

Originally Posted by yo vanilla

i bought three new shirts so i need to find the culprit before i get them back from alterations

Are these really nice dress shirts? Thin with a high thread count? Anyway, the really proper way to clean dress shirts is by sending them out to a professional cleaners to get washed and pressed.

BTW what do the care tags say on these shirts?

[songinthewind7]

You can always go for that Larry the Cable guy look.
Seriously, Look for better quality clothing and you'd be better off.

[miu]

Yet another thought, are you washing your shirts in the same wash as your pants? The shirts should be washed on the delicates cycle and away from your heavier garments like blue jeans and pants and stay away from the cotton sturdy wash cycle.

[yo vanilla]

Originally Posted by miu

Are these really nice dress shirts? Thin with a high thread count? Anyway, the really proper way to clean dress shirts is by sending them out to a professional cleaners to get washed and pressed.

BTW what do the care tags say on these shirts?

they aren't super nice or expensive, just from express or banana republic. and they all say machine wash... plus i wash them in light loads.

[miu]

Well try those nylon netting bags so that the long sleeves aren't being tugged and pulled around in the wash and spin cycles.

[yo vanilla]

thanks for the idea, it sounds worth a try