I thought it was a bobby pin or something stuck in the washer, until i started hearing about more cases of holes developing in their merino after a washer or two. Its definitely soft and comfortable, but it doesnt hold up very well. Can't speak for the new stuff though. As they added nylon or something to it. My icebreaker stuff i can wash it with whatever and toss it in the dryer and it comes out fine, been doing that for 4 years with the same two shirts.