Moths that survive off of wool, cashmere and other animal fabrics can be difficult to banish. Even if you've taken all the necessary precautions, they can still find their way into your closet, damaging clothing as they grow. Of the 15,000 species of moths in the United States, only two feed on clothing, but they still manage to find their way into your favourite suits and sweaters each year. If you find moth holes in your wool clothes, make sure to wash or dry clean all of your other clothes. Then, you can set about trying to repair the holes.

  • Moths that survive off of wool, cashmere and other animal fabrics can be difficult to banish.
  • Even if you've taken all the necessary precautions, they can still find their way into your closet, damaging clothing as they grow.

Save the extra thread that comes when you purchase your suit. It will come in handy when it's time to make repairs.

Sew any small holes yourself, especially if they are on a seam. Start from the inside so the blemish is less visible. Sew in a circular motion until the hole is closed completely.

Take the suit to a dry cleaner for bigger holes. Since you'll need to get the suit dry cleaned anyway, you can ask the shop to repair any holes that you don't feel confident repairing yourself.

  • Sew any small holes yourself, especially if they are on a seam.
  • Since you'll need to get the suit dry cleaned anyway, you can ask the shop to repair any holes that you don't feel confident repairing yourself.

Take the suit to a tailor if the hole is any larger than a pencil eraser. Large holes must be rewoven by professionals, otherwise the repair will be obvious. There are even some shops that specialise in reweaving garments with holes in them. However, reweaving holes can get pricey so try to fix any you can at home. Prices can range from £22 up to £65 a hole, but it may be well worth it for a nice suit.

Store your suit in an airtight container or clothing bag in your closet. This will ensure that the garment stays moth hole-free for the future.

TIP

When you notice a hole in your suit, repair it as soon as you can. This can help prevent it from getting larger.