I have a response from Garak: Those are both features. Your generation really doesn't know how to roll down socks for a nicer fit. As of the explosion, these are untreated natural fibers, and you keep exposing them to nitric acid based etchents. He says he can't change the laws of physics.
I DEMAND THAT HE CHANGE THE LAWS OF PHYSICS AS IT PERTAINS TO THIS SITUATION
If you want to keep using nitric acid based etchents to clean the EPS Waveguide Manifold, you need to wear protective clothing over any natural fiber clothes.
It's probably a good idea to wear such protective gear, as Julian was complaining about having to treat your chemical burns before holodeck time, whatever that means.