Why friction makes bobbles

Short answer: Friction lifts fibre ends from the fabric surface, and repeated rubbing rolls them together. Without friction no pills form at all, which is why they always appear where clothes see the most wear.

Fibre ends have to be lifted first

In new fabric the fibre ends lie flat, and only when something rubs them up can they tangle. That might be an armrest, a belt or simply the other side of the fabric. It happens first at wear points on bamboo joggers for men, such as the knees and seat, where the fabric works hardest.

Repetition does the work

A single rub does nothing, but a thousand repetitions in the same place roll the ends into a ball. Each movement twists the fibres a little more until the ball is visible. That is why pills always appear in defined patches, see bamboo boxers, where friction from trousers falls in the same spot every day.

Why soft fabrics are more exposed

Soft fabrics often have many fine fibre ends close to the surface. That is part of what makes them pleasant to wear. But the more loose ends there are, the more material friction has to work with. Hard, dense fabrics have fewer loose ends and so pill less.

Where it happens fastest

Under the arms, at the sides and where a bag rests, friction is highest. The same goes for the seat of trousers and the inner thighs. Browse the men's range for areas that should be kept free. Look at your own clothes and you will often see a pattern that follows your daily movements.

The washing machine adds friction too

Friction does not only happen while you wear clothes. In the washing machine, garments rub against the drum and each other. Zips, velcro and rough fabrics rub harder than soft ones. A long spin and a full drum also increase friction, because pieces are pressed together.

How to reduce friction

Wash inside out so the surface is protected. Use a laundry bag for soft clothes and close zips before they go in the machine. Choose a gentle spin and leave the drum a little less full. Air dry instead of tumble drying.

Once the pills are there

If pills have formed, you can remove them with a fabric shaver on dry fabric. Lay the garment flat and move the shaver lightly over it. Avoid picking them off with your fingers, as that pulls out more fibres. After the first rounds, pills usually ease off.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tell which areas will be affected

Yes, look at where your clothes touch something else during the day, such as under the arms, at a bag strap or on the seat.

Do all fabrics pill

All soft fabrics do. Very smooth, dense fabrics pill less, because they have fewer loose fibre ends on the surface.

Does washing in a laundry bag help

Yes, the bag reduces rubbing against other items in the machine, especially zips and rough fabrics that wear the surface.