Pilling on clothes and how to avoid it
Short answer: Pilling is the small balls of fibre that form on clothes where they rub. You avoid it by washing gently inside out, drying hanging and reducing friction, and you can remove it carefully with a fabric shaver.
What pilling is
Pilling is small balls of fibre that form when loose fibres on the surface of the fabric tangle together. They typically sit where clothes rub, such as under the arms, on the thighs and by bags. They are not dangerous, but they look untidy, and they can make clothes look older than they are.
Why it happens
Friction is the main cause, and washing, wear and the tumble dryer make it worse. Soft fabrics often have shorter fibres that are pulled loose more easily. That applies to many materials, not just one kind, so pilling is a widely known problem and not in itself a sign of poor quality.
Wash inside out
Turn clothes inside out, so the visible surface rubs less, and choose a gentle programme. Use a low temperature and a mild detergent. Do not overfill the drum, and do not wash together with things that have zips or Velcro, which can pull at the fabric.
Drying without a tumble dryer
Heat and friction in the tumble dryer loosen fibres and cause more pilling. Let clothes dry hanging or lying flat if you can. It also protects the elastic and the shape, and clothes often look better for longer. See the whole selection under bamboo sweatshirt for men.
Avoid friction in everyday life
Backpacks, bags and seat belts rub against the fabric, and they are a common cause of pilling on shoulders and sides. Switch the side of the bag now and then, and add a layer in between if you carry something heavy. Avoid sitting on rough surfaces that pull at the fabric.
Remove pilling carefully
Use a fabric shaver or a fine comb while the clothes lie flat, and take a little at a time with light pressure. Do not cut with scissors, because that can make holes. Only do it on dry clothes, and take it slowly, so you do not damage the fabric.
How often to remove it
Remove pilling when it starts to show, so it does not build up. It is gentler to remove a few balls often than many balls rarely. If a garment is very worn, it can be better to make it loungewear, which a bamboo jogging suit for men or T-shirts can be.
What to expect
Any fabric can pill after long use, so do not expect a completely perfect result. With good care you can delay it and keep clothes tidy for longer. Combine with a bamboo T-shirt for men as a layer that relieves the sweatshirt.
Frequently asked questions
Why do clothes pill?
Pilling occurs when loose fibres on the surface of the fabric tangle together through friction. It most often sits where clothes rub against themselves or against bags.
Should I wash clothes inside out?
Yes, it reduces friction on the visible surface. Use a gentle programme and a low temperature to protect the fibres further.
Is it risky to remove pilling?
No, but do it carefully with a fabric shaver or a fine comb. Do not cut with scissors, and only work on dry clothes.
