Pilling on knitwear is what makes an almost new sweater look worn: small balls of fiber on the sleeves, under the arms, and where a bag rubs against it. The good news is that pills can be removed in minutes and can be significantly prevented with proper washing and care.
In this guide, we go through what pilling is, which materials pill the most, how to remove them without damaging the garment, which tool works best, and how to wash and store knitwear so that it stays looking good for longer.
Contents
- What is pilling and why does it form?
- Which materials pill the most?
- How to remove pills step by step
- Fabric shaver, comb, or razor?
- Prevent pilling in everyday life
- Washing knitwear without causing pilling
- Pilling by material – table
- Our current favorites
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
What is pilling and why does it form?
Pills form when short fiber ends loosen from the yarn, tangle together, and form small balls that remain on the surface. The trigger is friction: arms rubbing against sides, a bag strap over the shoulder, the seatbelt in the car, or a jacket rubbing against the sweater.
That is why knitwear almost always pills in the same places – under the arms, on the inside of the sleeves, and at the stomach. This does not automatically mean the garment is of poor quality. Even fine wool garments can pill the first few times they are worn, as loose fibers work their way out.
Which materials pill the most?
Yarn made of short fibers and soft, airy knits pill more than tightly spun yarns. Here is roughly how materials differ:
- Acrylic and polyester: soft and easy to care for, but the synthetic fibers are strong, so the pills do not come off on their own but stay put. Here, it is most worthwhile to remove them regularly.
- Fleece and teddy: polyester with a brushed surface. The surface can become matted and pill if washed hot or tumble dried.
- Wool and cashmere: often pill at the beginning, but the pills fall off more easily. Read more about materials in our guide on which material is the warmest.
- Blended yarns: for example, wool with acrylic, combine softness and affordability but pill much like synthetics.
- Cotton and viscose: pill less in tight knits but can become fuzzy – see also does viscose shrink.
If you prefer knitwear without wool, we have a separate guide on knitted sweaters without wool.
How to remove pills step by step
- Lay the garment flat on a table. Stretch the fabric out slightly with your hand so that the pills stand up.
- Work in one direction using light strokes, one area at a time. Do not press hard – you want to remove the balls, not thin out the knit.
- Start in a hidden spot, for example, the inside of the hem, so you can see how the fabric reacts.
- Never pull pills off with your fingers. This pulls out new fibers and creates more pills next time.
- Finish with a clothes brush or lint roller to remove loose fibers.
It is better to do a little and often than one big round when the sweater is already looking worn.
Fabric shaver, comb, or razor?
An electric fabric shaver is the fastest and best tool for large surfaces like fleece, sweaters, and cardigans. Choose one with an adjustable height or protective grid and use light pressure.
A fabric comb or cashmere comb is the gentlest option and is suitable for wool, cashmere, and thin knits. It takes a little longer but rarely creates holes.
A razor works in an emergency on smooth, tight knits. Use a new, dry razor, pull very lightly, and never use it on chunky knits or cable knits – where you could cut the stitches.
Velcro or a sponge can work on coarser wool garments, but test on a hidden spot first.
Prevent pilling in everyday life
- Let the garment rest for a day between wears, so the fibers have time to recover.
- Switch shoulders for your bag or carry it by hand when wearing a soft sweater.
- Avoid Velcro and rough seams against knitwear, for example, jackets with Velcro straps at the sleeve.
- Fold knitwear instead of hanging it to avoid stretched shoulders and unnecessary friction against other clothes.
- Choose tighter knits if you know you have high-friction activities, such as wearing a sweater under a backpack.
Washing knitwear without causing pilling
Most of the wear and tear happens in the washing machine. Here is how to reduce it:
- Turn the garment inside out so the outside does not rub against the drum.
- Use a gentle cycle – wool or hand-wash cycle – and low temperature, usually 30 degrees Celsius.
- Do not overload the machine, but do not underload it either: a few garments of the same type is best. Never wash knitwear with jeans or clothes with zippers.
- Use a laundry bag for thin and airy sweaters.
- Low spin speed and no tumble drying. Let knitwear dry flat.
- Wash less often. Air out the sweater outdoors instead – wool, in particular, is refreshed by air.
If you want to read more about washing, you can find the full walkthrough in our guide on how to wash knitwear.
Pilling by material – table
| Material | Pills? | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic and polyester | Often, the pills stay put | Inside out, 30 degrees, remove pills regularly |
| Fleece and teddy | Can become matted | Cold wash, no tumble dryer, brush lightly |
| Wool | At the beginning, falls off more easily | Wool cycle, air instead of washing |
| Cashmere | At the beginning | Cashmere comb, hand wash |
| Blended yarn | Like synthetics | Gentle cycle and laundry bag |
| Cotton | A little in tight knits | Low spin speed, dry flat |
Our current favorites
Three soft winter garments that stay nice with proper care:
- Sofia lightweight knit sweater – soft sweater with a high neck in many colors, easy to wash inside out at 30 degrees.
- Sophie fluffy teddy fleece jacket – warm teddy jacket with a zipper for cold winter days.
- Sophie oversized winter cardigan – long, chunky knit cardigan to wrap around you indoors and outdoors.
If you like cable knits, the Astrid soft cable knit sweater is a classic – read our guide on cable knit sweaters.
A knitted set solves autumn mornings: a sweater and skirt or trousers in the same yarn look polished without needing to match anything. It works just as well at home as at the office with a pair of boots and a coat. You can read about choosing yarn, fit, and combinations in knitted sets for women.
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove pills from knitwear?
Lay the garment flat and use an electric fabric shaver or a fabric comb with light strokes in one direction. Never pull pills off with your fingers.
Why does my new sweater pill?
Loose fiber ends work their way out when the sweater is subjected to friction. It is common the first few times, especially with wool, acrylic, and soft blended yarns.
Can you use a razor against pilling?
Yes, on smooth and tight knits, with a new dry razor and very light pressure. Avoid it on chunky knits and cable knits.
Which material pills the least?
Tightly spun yarns with long fibers, such as worsted wool and dense cotton, pill the least. Airy and soft knits pill the most.
Does tumble drying cause more pilling?
Yes. The heat and friction in the drum cause more pilling and can make fleece matted. Let knitwear dry flat.
Does pilling mean the garment is of poor quality?
Not necessarily. Even expensive wool and cashmere pill at the beginning. What matters is how the garment is cared for and how much it is worn.
Summary
Pills arise from friction and short fiber ends and are first seen where the sweater is worn the most. Remove them with a fabric shaver or comb, lightly and in one direction. Wash inside out on a gentle cycle, skip the tumble dryer, let garments rest between wears, and air instead of wash – and your knitwear will stay looking great all winter.
Ready to find your next favorite garment? Explore our knitted sweaters.
Looking for something else? See all of our 183 guides in a list.
