Elbows and sleeves that wear out
Short answer: Elbows and sleeve edges wear because we rest them on desks, armrests and other surfaces all day. The choice of fabric, layers and habits can extend their life, and care makes a big difference.
Why the elbow wears in particular
The elbow is one of the points on the body that rubs most against its surroundings. We put it on the desk, lean on the counter and rest it against the car door. Each time the fabric is pulled back and forth over a small area, and the fibres slowly wear thin. The result can be a shiny patch, small pills or a hole after a season. This is perfectly ordinary friction and not a sign that the garment is badly made.
The desk and other rough surfaces
A rough wooden table, an angular armrest or a heavy metal door wears more than a smooth surface. If you often rest your elbows on something rough, put a soft mat or a folded cloth under them. That can extend the life of the sleeves noticeably. See CCDK. Check your work chair too, because an armrest with worn imitation leather can have small cracks that snag the fabric and pull out threads.
Layering that spreads the wear
If you wear one layer all day, it takes all the wear. With a thin layer underneath and a jumper on top, the friction is shared and the outer layer takes most of it. Choose a long sleeve T-shirt that can stand on its own, and put a jumper over it when it is cold. See bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for men. That way you can rotate between several pieces and avoid using the same elbows day after day.
Pills, thin patches and what they mean
Pills are small balls of fibre that gather where the fabric rubs. They are harmless and easy to remove with a lint brush or a fabric shaver that you run lightly over the cloth. You can spot thin patches by holding the garment up to the light. If light shines through, the fibres are worn. At that point you can still use the garment at home, for sport or as an innermost layer, where the elbow does not rest on anything rough.
Washing and drying that go easy on it
Wash long sleeved pieces inside out at 30 to 40 degrees, and do not mix them with clothes that have zips or hook and loop tape, which tear at the fibres. Use a gentle programme and do not overfill the drum. Tumble drying at high heat makes fibres brittle, so hang the clothes up or lay them flat. Viscose from bamboo is more vulnerable when wet, so lift the garment carefully and do not wring it hard.
When a sleeve is worn all the same
A worn elbow does not have to mean the garment should be thrown away. You can put a small patch on the inside, sew the hole together with fine stitches or cut off the sleeves and wear the top as a short sleeved one. Just as inner shorts last longer when you change them often, your sleeves also last longer if you rotate. See bamboo inner shorts. It is a simple way to get more out of what you already own.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the elbow pill before the rest of the sleeve
Because the elbow rubs most against desk, chair and armrest. The back and forth movement makes the fibres gather into small balls.
Can I remove pills without ruining the fabric
Yes, use a lint brush or a fabric shaver with a light hand. Do not pull at the pills with your fingers, because that can draw out threads.
Is a worn sleeve a sign of poor quality
Not necessarily. All clothing wears where it rubs most. Care, rotation and softer surfaces extend its life.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
