How to stop sweat fabric from pilling
Short answer: Sweatshirt fabric pills most in the first months, while loose fibres work their way out of the fabric. Wash inside out, keep Velcro and zips out of the machine, and trim the bobbles off with a fabric shaver when they appear.
Why it happens
Short fibres slowly work their way out of the fabric and roll into small balls wherever the fabric rubs against something. It is completely normal for sweat fabric and knitwear and usually stops after a few months, once the loose fibres are gone. Pilling on its own does not mean the sweatshirt is poor.
Inside out
Washing the sweatshirt inside out means the outer side rubs less against the rest of the laundry. It is the simplest habit you can adopt, and it makes a clear difference over time. Turn it back the right way as soon as it is dry. The same advice applies to joggers and hoodies.
Keep zips and Velcro away
Zips and Velcro snag the sweat surface and pull out fibres that later turn into bobbles. Wash zipped jackets and clothes with Velcro separately, or close them fully before washing. Jeans with metal buttons and heavy towels also wear sweat fabric more than light clothes, so sort your washing by weight.
A lighter load and a gentler spin
A full machine means more friction between clothes. Fill it only about two thirds when sweatshirts are included and choose a lower spin speed. Let the sweatshirt dry on a rack rather than in the tumble dryer, which rubs more. All the rules are gathered in the washing guide.
Fabric shaver
An electric fabric shaver trims off bobbles without damaging the fabric when used with a light hand. Lay the sweatshirt flat on a table and move over the affected areas in small circles. It takes five minutes and makes it look almost new. Avoid pulling bobbles off with your fingers, as that loosens new fibres.
Quality matters
An evenly spun yarn with long fibres pills less than a loose yarn with short fibres. That does not mean a good sweatshirt never pills, but it usually happens less and stops sooner. Feel the fabric before you buy: a smooth, dense surface is a good sign. See the range of sweatwear.
Where it happens first
Pilling appears first under the arms, on the sides and where a bag strap or seat belt rests. Those are the places where fabric rubs most in daily life. If you carry a bag on the same shoulder every day, switch sides now and then. See for example bamboo hoodies for men.
More about pilling
Pilling does not only happen on sweat fabric, but also on knitwear, T-shirts and nightwear. The principles are the same: less friction, washing inside out and a fabric shaver when needed. You will find more on the topic in pilling on clothes, including where bobbles usually form.
Frequently asked questions
Is pilling a sign of poor quality?
Not necessarily. It depends on fibre length and on how much the fabric rubs in daily life. Even good sweatshirts can pill a little in the first months before it stops.
Does it stop on its own?
Usually after a few months, once the loose fibres have worked out of the fabric. Washing inside out and less friction make it happen faster and to a lesser degree.
Can you remove bobbles without damaging the sweatshirt?
Yes, with a fabric shaver used with a light hand on a flat surface. Avoid pulling bobbles off with your fingers, because that loosens new fibres that turn into new bobbles.
