Pilling on Clothes – Prevent and Remove It
Short answer: Pilling on clothes happens when loose fibre ends are rubbed together into little balls. You prevent pilling by washing garments inside out, using a laundry bag and avoiding the tumble dryer, and you remove the pills easily with a fabric shaver. Bamboo viscose generally pills less than wool and acrylic, because the fibres are long and smooth.
Why does pilling happen?
Pills form through friction: in the washing machine, under a backpack, or wherever sleeves rub against the body. Short fibre ends work their way out of the yarn and roll up into balls. Smooth, long fibres such as bamboo viscose leave fewer loose ends, which is why a bamboo T-shirt typically stays looking better than an acrylic jumper.
How to prevent pilling
Turn garments inside out before washing, use a laundry bag for delicate items, and do not wash bamboo together with hard materials such as denim and towels, or with hook-and-loop fastenings and zips. Avoid the tumble dryer, which both wears down and rolls up the fibres. You will find more good habits in the complete washing guide for bamboo clothing.
How to remove pills
An electric fabric shaver is the fastest weapon; a comb for knitwear or a sharp disposable razor used carefully also works. Never shave hard across thin fabrics. The most exposed items are sweatshirts and joggers that get a lot of wear, so give bamboo hoodies for men and bamboo sweatpants for women a loving once-over while you are at it. Wear and lifespan go hand in hand, as we describe in the post about bamboo and economics.
Frequently asked questions
Why do clothes get pills?
Pills appear through friction, when short fibre ends are rubbed together into little balls. It happens in the washing machine and in the places where the garment rubs against your body or against bags.
Does bamboo clothing pill?
Less than most materials. The long, smooth fibres of bamboo viscose leave fewer loose ends, but harsh washing and tumble drying can still cause pilling.
How do I remove pills without ruining the garment?
Use an electric fabric shaver with a light hand on a dry garment laid out flat. It cuts the balls off without damaging the fabric underneath.
