Joggers that pill on the thighs, what to do

Short answer: Pilling on the thighs comes from friction and affects nearly all soft fabrics. With bamboo joggers for women you can limit it by washing gently, turning the pants inside out and removing pills with a fabric shaver. Here is why it happens and what you can do about it.

Why joggers pill on the thighs

Pills form when small fibres are rubbed loose and gather in little balls on the surface. It happens mostly where the fabric rubs against itself, which is why pills often show up on the inside of the thighs. It is normal for soft fabrics and does not necessarily say the pants are poor quality.

The wash programme does more than you think

Wash on a gentle programme and follow the care label in the pants. Turn them inside out so the friction happens on the inside. Do not fill the machine completely, because tightly packed laundry rubs more. These are simple things, but they often make the biggest difference to how quickly pills appear.

Sort the wash so nothing rough rubs the fabric

Do not wash joggers together with items that have zips, Velcro or a rough surface, which can catch the soft fabric. Wash them with other soft clothes instead. Towels and gloves belong in a different load, so you avoid extra wear on the thighs.

How to remove pills without damaging the fabric

Use a fabric shaver or a lint remover and hold the fabric lightly stretched over a flat surface. Make small, light strokes without pressing hard. Never cut pills off with scissors, because you risk cutting a hole. Repeat when new ones appear, and it soon becomes a habit.

Fabric softener and the tumble dryer

Fabric softener can make the fabric slick, but it does not always help against pills, and it can make soft fabric less breathable. High heat in the dryer wears on the fibres and can make the pants pill faster. Let them hang or lie flat and dry in the air instead.

Where you avoid friction in daily life

Pills do not only come from washing. If you sit for long on a rough chair, carry a bag against your thigh or wear tight pants, the fabric gets rubbed. Give yourself a little more room in the cut when you can, so the fabric moves less against itself. Also look at bamboo sweatpants for women if you want a cut with more air.

A set that ages evenly

If you wear the pants with a top in the same fabric, both wear in roughly the same way. Look at bamboo jogging sets for women if you want pants and top that grow old together. Then the set does not look as if one piece has been used much more than the other.

What helps afterwards and what does not

Pills come with use, and they cannot be removed for good. But you can keep them down by washing gently, drying flat and removing pills regularly. A close layer underneath, such as long sleeve models, can also reduce friction against the skin and help the top stay neat.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for joggers to pill?

Yes, it is quite normal, especially on the inside of the thighs where the fabric rubs. It does not mean the pants are poor, but gentle washing and flat drying keep pills down.

Can I cut the pills off with scissors?

No, that is not a good idea, because you can easily cut a hole in the fabric. Use a fabric shaver or lint remover with light strokes on a flat surface.

Does washing inside out help?

Yes, it often helps. With the pants inside out, the friction in the washing machine happens on the inside, and the visible surface is worn less.