What pilling means
Short answer: Pilling is the small balls of fibre that gather on the surface of a fabric. They form through rubbing, and they stay put because long fibres hold them. Here is how they form, where they appear and what you can do about them.
What pilling is
Pilling is the small balls of fibre you can see and feel on the surface of a fabric. They look like small grains and often sit together in groups. It is a common thing that can affect many kinds of fabric, and it is different from a hole or a worn patch.
How pills form
Short fibre ends work their way out of the yarn through rubbing and roll together into small balls. If there are strong fibres in the blend, the balls hold on instead of falling off. So they stay on the fabric until you remove them or until they slowly wear away.
Where it happens most
Under the arms, at the sides and where a bag rubs. Anywhere two surfaces rub against each other many times a day, pilling has good conditions. It is no accident where they sit, because it is always where wear and movement are greatest. See bamboo pants for women.
Why soft yarn pills more easily
Soft yarn is often made of short and fine fibres, which are easily pulled out of the yarn. Harder yarn has longer and more tightly twisted fibres that hold better. That means softness and pilling often go together, and it is not necessarily a sign of poor quality.
Is it a sign of poor quality
Not always. Soft yarn pills more easily than hard, and pilling appears on cheap and expensive clothes alike. It says more about the fibres and yarn than about how well the garment is sewn. Look at seams and shape if you want to judge quality, not only at the surface.
Does it stop by itself
Usually yes, after the first months. At the start there are many loose fibre ends that can gather, but gradually fewer of them remain. After that the fabric settles and fewer balls form. Remove them as you go so they do not gather and grow large.
How to remove them
Remove them with a lint remover and wash the garment inside out. A lint remover or a knit comb takes off the balls without harming the fabric if you use it gently. Do not pull at them with your fingers, or you may pull the yarn along. See bamboo hoodie for men.
How to prevent it
Wash inside out, avoid an overfilled machine and skip the fabric softener. Fewer garments together in the machine means less rubbing between them. Choose a gentle programme and hang the clothes to dry instead of using a tumble dryer. Read more about bamboo clothing for women.
Frequently asked questions
Is pilling a sign of poor quality?
Not always. Soft yarn pills more easily than hard. Pilling says more about the fibres and yarn than about how well the garment is sewn, so judge seams and shape too.
Does the garment stop pilling?
Usually yes, after the first months. The loose fibre ends become fewer over time, and if you remove the balls as you go, they do not gather.
Can you prevent it?
Wash inside out, avoid an overfilled machine and skip the fabric softener. Choose a gentle programme and hang the clothes to dry, so there is less rubbing on the surface.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
