Sweaters (jumpers) pill because rubbing loosens short fibres from the yarn, and those loose ends tangle into small balls that cling to the surface. To stop pilling, cut down friction: wash knits inside out on a gentle cycle or by hand, keep them away from rough fabrics in the wash, dry them flat instead of tumble drying, and remove existing bobbles with a fabric shaver or sweater comb rather than pulling them off.
Key takeaways
- Pilling is caused by friction, in wear and in the wash, so less rubbing means fewer bobbles.
- Turn knits inside out and wash them with other soft, light items on a gentle cycle.
- Skip the tumble dryer. Air-drying flat is gentler on the fibres.
- Rest a sweater between wears and watch for bag straps and seat belts that rub the same spot.
- Shave or comb pills off carefully. Pulling them drags more fibre out of the yarn.
Why do sweaters pill?
A knitted yarn is made of many fibres twisted together. With wear, some of the shorter fibres work loose at the surface. When the fabric is rubbed, those loose ends tangle with each other and roll into the small fuzzy balls known as pills or bobbles.
Pills appear first where a jumper (sweater) rubs most: under the arms, along the sides, at the cuffs and anywhere a bag strap sits. That pattern is the best clue that friction, not poor washing alone, is the main cause.
Which fabrics pill the most?
Almost any knit can pill, but some are more prone to it than others. Soft, loosely spun yarns and fibres with short staple lengths tend to release more loose ends. Blends that mix natural fibres with synthetics such as acrylic or polyester often show pills that stay put, because the strong synthetic fibres hold the bobble to the fabric instead of letting it fall away.
| Knit type | Pilling tendency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tightly knitted, smooth yarns | Lower | Fewer loose fibre ends reach the surface |
| Soft, loosely spun wool or cashmere | Higher at first | Often settles down after the first few wears and washes |
| Acrylic and polyester blends | Often noticeable | Strong fibres anchor pills so they do not drop off |
| Cotton knits | Moderate | Usually less than soft wool, more than smooth cotton shirts |
Some pilling on a new, soft knit is normal and not a sign of a fault. It tends to slow down once the loosest surface fibres have been shed.
How do you stop a sweater pilling in the wash?
The washing machine is one of the biggest sources of friction a jumper ever meets. Always follow the care label first, then use these habits to keep rubbing to a minimum.
- Turn the sweater inside out. Any rubbing then happens on the inside, where pills will not show.
- Wash with similar items only. Keep knits away from jeans, towels, zips and anything with hooks or Velcro, which act like sandpaper.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, one sweater per bag.
- Pick a wool, delicate or hand-wash cycle at cold or 30°C, or whatever the label shows, with a low spin speed.
- Do not overfill the drum. A crowded load rubs more. A half-full drum lets items move freely in the water.
- Use a gentle detergent for wool or delicates on animal fibres, and measure it rather than adding extra.
- Wash less often. Knits rarely need washing after every wear. Airing a sweater overnight is often enough between washes.
Is hand washing better for pilling?
Generally, yes. Hand washing involves far less movement than a machine cycle, as long as you squeeze the water through the fabric instead of scrubbing or wringing it. For a favourite wool or cashmere jumper, a few minutes in a basin is the gentlest wash you can give it.
Does the tumble dryer cause pilling?
It adds a lot of friction, and heat is a risk for wool and many blends, so it is best avoided unless the label specifically allows it. Lay knits flat on a towel or drying rack to dry, reshaping them gently with your hands. Our Journal covers drying and shape in more detail in the knitwear care guides, including what to do if a jumper has already shrunk.
How to reduce pilling while you wear a sweater
Washing habits help, but much of the friction happens on your body. A few small changes make a visible difference over a season.
- Rest knits between wears. Giving a sweater a day or two off lets the fibres recover.
- Watch for rubbing points. Crossbody bag straps, rucksack (backpack) straps and seat belts wear the same spot every day. Wear a coat over the jumper on those days, or move the strap.
- Layer thoughtfully. A rough jacket lining or a textured coat can pill a soft knit underneath it.
- Fold, do not hang. Folding avoids stretched shoulders and keeps knits from rubbing against other clothes on a crowded rail.
How do you remove bobbles from a sweater safely?
The goal is to cut the pills off at the surface without pulling more fibre out of the yarn. Lay the jumper flat on a firm surface, smooth it out and work in good light.
Fabric shaver (de-piller)
- Lay the sweater flat and hold the fabric taut with one hand.
- Move the shaver over the surface in small, light circles without pressing down.
- Empty the lint chamber often so it keeps cutting cleanly.
- Avoid seams, ribbed cuffs and any loose, open knit, where the blades can catch a loop.
Sweater comb or stone
A fine-toothed sweater comb or a pumice-style sweater stone pulls pills away with gentle, short strokes in one direction. These suit thicker wool knits and give you a lot of control. Keep the strokes light, as heavy pressure thins the fabric.
Disposable razor
Some people use a clean disposable razor, drawn lightly across fabric that is held flat and taut. It works on thicker knits but can easily nick a fine one, so test on an inside seam allowance first and keep your fingers well clear of the blade.
What not to do
Do not pull pills off with your fingers, and do not use scissors on a large area. Pulling drags out more fibre and starts the next set of bobbles. Lint rollers pick up loose fluff but rarely remove pills that are still attached.
Can you buy a sweater that will not pill?
Few knits never pill at all, but you can lower the odds. Smooth, tightly knitted yarns usually pill less than very soft, airy ones. Feeling the surface helps: a firm, even knit with little loose fuzz is a good sign. Longer-fibre wools also tend to hold together better than short-fibre yarns, though the label rarely tells you this.
Care has as much effect as the fibre. A well-made jumper that is washed rarely, dried flat and given rest between wears will usually look neater for longer than a cheaper one thrown in with the jeans. You can see our current knitwear in the shop.
FAQs
Does pilling mean a sweater is poor quality?
Not on its own. Soft, luxurious yarns often pill early in their life and then settle. Heavy pilling that keeps returning, especially on a blend, is more of a sign that the yarn is loosely spun or holds pills firmly.
Will fabric softener stop pilling?
It may make some fabrics feel smoother, but it does not stop fibres working loose, and many wool care labels advise against it. Reducing friction in the wash does far more.
Can I stop a new jumper pilling before I wear it?
You cannot prevent it entirely, but washing it inside out on a gentle cycle, drying it flat and avoiding bag straps in the first few weeks gives it the best start. Some people lightly shave the first pills as soon as they appear.
How often can I use a fabric shaver on a sweater?
Only when pills are visible. Each pass removes a little surface fibre, so frequent shaving gradually thins the knit. Use it every few weeks at most on a jumper you wear often.
Why does only one side of my sweater pill?
That usually points to a repeated rubbing point, such as a shoulder bag, a desk edge or the arm you rest on a table. Changing the habit is the most effective fix.