Does viscose bobble and what you can do about it

Short answer: Does viscose bobble? Yes, it can, especially where the fabric rubs, such as under the arms, on the thighs and at the sleeves. Bobbles are small balls of loose fibres and they do not mean the garment is ruined. Here is why they appear and what you can do about them.

What bobbles actually are

Bobbles form when short fibres on the surface come loose, tangle together and make small balls. It happens in almost all clothing, whatever the material, and viscose is no exception. It is more a question of friction and care than of quality alone. If you understand why, you can limit them a lot.

Does viscose bobble more in some places

Bobbles gather where clothes rub against the body, a bag or other clothes: under the arms, along the sides, on the inner thighs and under backpack straps. Look at a garment you wear often and you will see the pattern. Friction creates them, not the wash alone.

How to wash to avoid bobbles

Turn clothes inside out, use a gentle programme at a moderate temperature and wash them with similar items. Avoid rough things like jeans and towels, which scuff the surface. Do not fill the machine completely, so the laundry can move. The surface then gets fewer scratches, and bobbles find it harder to form.

What to do once they have appeared

Bobbles can be removed with a fabric shaver or a lint brush. Use it gently and only on areas with visible bobbles, and do not pull at them with your fingers, because that can loosen more fibres. Afterwards the surface looks smoother. It works well on the range for women.

Drying and heat

High heat makes the surface rougher, so bobbles form more easily. Dry clothes flat or hanging and use the tumble dryer only on low heat if you have no other choice. Take items out while they are still a little damp. That spares the fibres extra wear and keeps the surface smoother.

Socks and bobbles

Socks rub against shoes, and bobbles can appear there too, especially at the heel and forefoot. Turn them inside out before washing and rotate between several pairs. It is normal for socks to develop a few bobbles. If you are unsure how to look after them, see socks for women.

T-shirts and layering

When you wear several layers, they rub against each other and form bobbles where they touch. A soft T-shirt under a sweater is a classic source. Choose layers that slide easily over each other and wash them together. That goes for bamboo T-shirts for women, which are often worn as the innermost layer.

When bobbles are a problem

A few bobbles are normal and harmless, and they can be removed. If the surface is very rough or thin, however, the fabric may be worn. Then it is time to replace the garment or use it as loungewear. With gentle washing, clothes stay tidy for a long time, and bobbles remain a small, manageable problem.

Frequently asked questions

Does viscose bobble more than cotton?

It depends on the fabric and the knit. Any fabric can bobble where it rubs. Gentle washing and turning clothes inside out reduce the problem, whatever the material.

Can I remove bobbles myself?

Yes, use a fabric shaver or a lint brush gently on the affected areas. Avoid pulling at the bobbles with your fingers, because that can loosen more fibres.

How do I prevent bobbles?

Turn clothes inside out, wash gently at a moderate temperature, keep rough laundry out of the same machine and dry flat or hanging. That way the surface rubs less.