Pilling compared

Short answer: Soft, short fibres pill the most. Wool and cotton pill more than lyocell and smooth synthetic fibres, while bamboo viscose sits in the middle, where the knit makes a big difference. Pilling is a sign of friction, not of fabric falling apart.

Why pilling happens

Loose fibre ends are rolled together by friction and form small balls on the surface. The more ends that stick out of the yarn, the more pilling. It happens in every fabric, just at different speeds. A dense fabric with few loose ends looks good for longer, see the tight qualities in bamboo joggers for men.

Short fibres pill the most

Wool and cotton are made of relatively short fibres. Each fibre has two ends, and the shorter the fibres, the more ends there are in the same yarn. That is why a soft wool jumper often pills early. It is not a sign of poor wool, just a result of short, soft fibres.

Long and smooth fibres

Lyocell and smooth synthetic fibres are longer and more even. Fewer ends stick out, and the surface is smoother, so friction has less to grip. That is why they often look tidy for longer. On the other hand, smooth synthetic fabrics feel less soft and absorb very little moisture.

Bamboo viscose sits in the middle

Bamboo viscose falls between these groups. The fibres are smooth, but how much the fabric pills depends largely on how the yarn is spun and knitted. A soft, loosely knitted fabric can pill early, while a tightly knitted fabric of the same fibre stays neat for a long time.

The knit matters a lot

A tightly knitted fabric has fewer loose ends and pills less. The stitches hold the fibres in place, so they are not easily pulled out. You can often see the difference by holding the fabric up to the light. You notice it in the qualities in the range for women.

Where pilling appears first

Under the arms, on the stomach where a bag rubs, and on the back against a chair. These are the places where fabric rubs against itself or something else during the day. That applies to every material, including bamboo sweatshirts for women. Pilling in one spot says more about use than fabric.

How to remove pilling

An electric fabric shaver clears a jumper in about a minute. Lay the fabric flat and move lightly over the surface without pressing. The fabric stays intact, and the jumper looks new again. Avoid picking pills off with your fingers, as that pulls more fibres out of the yarn.

How to limit pilling

Wash clothes inside out, so the surface rubs less against the rest of the load. Skip the tumble dryer, which is a major source of friction. Do not wash soft fabrics with zips, hook and loop fasteners or rough fabrics such as denim. And do not fill the machine completely.

Frequently asked questions

Can pilling be removed

Yes, with a fabric shaver in about a minute. The fabric stays intact, and the jumper looks neat again afterwards, as long as you move lightly over the surface.

Is pilling a sign of poor quality

No. It is a sign of friction, and it happens in every fabric. How quickly it happens depends mostly on fibre length and how tightly the fabric is knitted.

How do you limit pilling

Wash inside out, skip the tumble dryer and avoid washing with zips and hook and loop fasteners. Also avoid filling the machine completely, so there is less rubbing.