Bamboo clothing that pills and what causes it
Short answer: Pilling happens when short fibres on the surface roll together through friction. It is a sign of rubbing in the wash or against other clothes, not necessarily of poor quality, and much of it can be prevented.
What pills are
A pill is a small ball of fibres that have been partly pulled out of the fabric and twisted together. The fibres are still anchored in the fabric at one end, so the ball does not fall off by itself. The shorter and softer the fibres, the more easily it happens. Soft fabrics often pill more than stiff ones.
Friction is the cause
Pills form where fabric rubs most, typically under the arms, along the sides where the arms move, and on the inner thighs. It is mechanical, not chemical. You can often tell how a garment is worn simply from where the pills appear. See washing and care.
Wash with similar fabrics
Zips, Velcro, buttons and rough fabrics such as denim tug at the fibres as clothes tumble in the drum. Wash soft clothes with soft clothes, and close zips and Velcro on everything else before it goes in. Underwear does well in a laundry bag. See bamboo underwear for women.
Inside out
Turn the garment inside out before washing and the friction hits the inside rather than the side you see. It is the simplest step that works, and it takes seconds. Pills on the inside rarely bother anyone, and the outer surface stays neat for much longer. Make it a habit with all soft clothing.
Do not overload the machine
In a full drum, clothes rub against each other more because they cannot fall freely through the water. A machine about three quarters full gives less pilling and a better rinse. Choose a gentle programme with a lower spin for soft fabrics too, since a hard spin presses fabric firmly against itself and the drum.
The dryer wears fabric
In a tumble dryer, clothes rub against each other for a long time, and the heat makes fibres more vulnerable. It is one of the biggest causes of pilling. Hang soft clothes to dry when you can, or use low heat and take them out while still slightly damp. The surface then takes less wear.
Everyday rubbing
Pilling does not only happen in the wash. A bag over your shoulder, a seat belt or a rough layer on top can cause pills in particular spots. You cannot avoid it entirely, but it explains why a garment can pill in one place and look new everywhere else. See bamboo underwear for men.
Remove it with a fabric shaver
Pills can be removed with a fabric shaver without harming the fabric. Lay the garment flat on a table and move the shaver lightly over the surface without pressing. You can do this several times over a garment's life. Avoid picking pills off with your fingers, as that pulls out more fibres.
In short
Pilling comes from friction, not necessarily poor quality. Wash soft with soft, turn clothes inside out, do not overload the machine, and keep the dryer on low heat or skip it. Any pills that still appear can be removed with a fabric shaver, so the fabric looks neat again.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my clothes pill?
Because short fibres on the surface roll together through friction in the wash or against other clothes. It happens most where fabric rubs hardest, such as under the arms and along the sides.
Is pilling a sign of poor quality?
Not necessarily. It is a sign of friction, and it happens in all fabrics with short, soft fibres. Washing and wear often matter more than the fabric itself.
Can pills be removed?
Yes, with a fabric shaver. It does not damage the fabric and can be repeated several times. Avoid picking pills off with your fingers, because that pulls out more fibres.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
