Polyester Coats and Pilling: What You Need to Know

Understanding the pilling phenomenon

Pilling is the gradual appearance of small lint or pilling on the surface of clothing. These small balls of fabric are formed by friction and wear of the fabric.

This is a common phenomenon that affects many materials such as polyester, wool, cotton or even viscose. It is caused by the detachment of fibers on the surface under the effect of friction.

The most affected areas are those subject to friction such as the armpits, the collar or the crotch. tumble drying and ironing can also cause pilling.

Although visually unpleasant, pilling does not damage the garment. It is often enough to gently remove the pills formed. However, it is better to prevent their appearance and get rid of pills if they are already present

Polyester: a material prone to pilling ?

polyester is one of the fabrics most subject to the phenomenon of pilling, particularly in the form of sweaters or coats. Indeed, its composition makes it sensitive to friction:

• polyester is a synthetic fiber resulting from the transformation of chemical products. It has the advantage of being inexpensive, resistant and easy to maintain.

• However, its smooth nature makes it vulnerable to fiber detachment which forms pilling. The short fibers of polyester are also more prone to shedding.

• In addition, polyester clothing such as sweaters or jackets are worn close to the body. Areas of friction on the neck, armpits, wrists, etc. promote the appearance of pilling.

It is therefore advisable to take some precautions with polyester clothing in order to minimize pilling.

Also read: How to recover a pilling sweater ?

Other fabrics that pill

Polyester is not the only fabric affected by the pilling phenomenon. Other textile materials are also sensitive to it.

Wool and pilling

wool tends to form pills over time, particularly on the collar and sleeves. Several factors explain this phenomenon:

• Wool is made up of twisted fibers which tend to come loose and tangle under friction.

• Machine washing, even at low temperatures, tends to felt wool and causes pilling.

• The combination of wool with other fibers such as polyester accelerates the pilling process.

To avoid this, it is recommended to wash wool clothing by hand with suitable products. Ironing at low temperature also helps limit the appearance of pilling.

How to remove pills from a wool coat ?

When a wool coat begins to show unsightly pilling, it is possible to remedy this:

• Use a razor or blade to gently remove pilling without damaging the fabric.

• Gently rub the area with a pumice stone to remove loose fibers.

• Wash the coat inside out at low temperature with wool shampoo.

• Dry it flat, do not put it in the dryer.

• Iron the areas affected by pilling to flatten the fibers.

These simple steps can get a fluffy coat looking smooth and clean again.

Why does wool pill ?

wool tends to form pilling for several reasons:

• Its twisted fibers are easily detached from the threads under the effect of repeated friction.

• The elasticity of wool causes the knitted stitches to stretch, detaching fibers.

• The felting of wool during machine washing separates the fibers from the threads.

• The combination of wool with synthetic fibers such as polyester accelerates the phenomenon.

• The friction zones at the neck, cuffs and armholes suffer more wear.

Thus, the very composition of wool makes it prone to forming unwanted pilling over time and use.

How to prevent wool from pilling ?

To delay the appearance of pilling on wool clothing, a few precautions should be taken:

• Wash items by hand with specific wool products, at low temperature.

• Dry flat, in the open air, without tumble drying.

• Iron the garment gently, at low temperature.

• Wear cotton underwear under wool to limit friction.

• Choose tight, twisted knits that are more resistant to wear.

• Air wool clothing frequently to avoid excess humidity.

By following these tips, it is possible to considerably limit the appearance of unsightly pilling.

The combination of polyester and wool: a pilling factor ?

Fabrics combining wool and polyester are particularly prone to the phenomenon of pilling. In fact, this mixture of fibers increases the risks:

• Polyester facilitates the detachment of wool fibers by friction.

• Wool feels more easily in contact with polyester during washing.

• The different properties of the two fibers make them incompatible in some respects.

• Areas of intensive friction such as the armpits suffer more from this mixture.

Thus, it is preferable to choose clothing that is either 100% wool or 100% polyester, to limit unsightly pilling. If you opt for a mixture of the two, take care to wash and iron the garment frequently.

Also read: How to remove pills and lint from a coat  ?

Cashmere and pilling

cashmere, renowned for its softness, is a very fine wool from goats. This noble material, however, tends to form pills, particularly at the collar and armholes.

The appearance of these little fluff is due to the properties of the cashmere fiber: its scales come off easily. Excess heat or friction causes pilling.

To keep cashmere in good condition, it is recommended to wash it dry and limit direct wear on the skin. Using a pill remover also helps remove unwanted lint.

Also read: Why a woolly cashmere sweaterl ?

Viscose and pilling

viscose is an artificial fiber made from plant cellulose which tends to form pills, particularly after washing.

In fact, this fabric is made up of short fibers which tend to come loose. In addition, viscose degrades under the action of heat and humidity from washing.

It is therefore recommended to wash viscose clothing inside out, at low temperature. Using a suitable mild detergent helps limit pilling.

Also read: How to remove pills from a wool sweater ?

Polyester clothing and pilling

Certain polyester garments are particularly affected by the phenomenon of pilling, notably sweaters and coats. Here are some tips to fix it.

Why do polyester sweaters pill ?

pulls and sweatshirts in polyester tend to form unsightly pilling on the stomach, armpits and elbows .

This is explained by:

• Wearing directly on the skin which causes friction in fold areas.

• The elasticity of polyester which promotes stretching of the stitches and the detachment of the fibers.

• The close-fitting cut of sweaters which accentuates friction.

In order to limit the phenomenon, it is recommended to wash polyester sweaters inside out and iron them. Wearing cotton underwear under the sweater can also create a protective barrier.

How to remove pills from a polyester sweater ?

When a sweater in polyester begins to show unsightly pilling, it is possible to remedy this:

• Use a razor or blade to gently remove pilling without damaging the fabric.

• Gently rub the area with a pumice stone to remove any loose fibers.

• Wash the sweater inside out at low temperature with liquid detergent.

• Dry it flat, do not put it in the dryer.

• Iron the areas affected by pilling to flatten the fibers.

These simple steps can restore a smooth, clean look to a fuzzy sweater.

How to prevent new sweaters from pilling ?

To ensure that your pulls and sweatshirts in polyester keep their appearance for longer the first day, follow these tips :

• Wash them from the start inside out at low temperature.

• Use a mild liquid detergent suitable for synthetics.

• Dry them flat, away from the dryer.

• Iron them if possible before the first port.

• Avoid snags and excessive creases which weaken the fabric.

By taking care of polyester sweaters from the moment of purchase, you will significantly delay the appearance of unsightly pilling.

Also read: How to remove lint from black clothing ?

Techniques to prevent pilling of clothes

In addition to the choice of materials, certain techniques make it possible to limit the phenomenon of pilling on clothing:

• Wash items inside out to protect exterior surface.

• Choose a suitable liquid detergent, preferably without enzyme.

• Wash at low temperature, between 20 and 30 degrees depending on the material.

• Dry flat on a tumble dryer or in the open air.

• Iron regularly areas subject to friction.

• Wear cotton underwear under fragile materials.

• Gently brush the garment to remove lint.

• Fold items carefully to avoid creases and snags.

By combining these simple actions, it is possible to significantly extend the life of clothes before the appearance of unsightly pilling.

Also read: How to avoid pilling on a new sweater ?

Anti-pilling treatment: is it effective ?

Certain treatments promise to limit, or even prevent, the appearance of pilling on clothing. But are they really effective ?

Plush clothing: how to avoid it ?

Textile manufacturers have developed anti-pilling treatments supposed to limit the detachment of fibers from clothing. They can take two forms:

• A coating applied to the surface, often based on resin or silicone.

• The incorporation of an anti-pilling agent into the fibers during manufacturing.

These treatments form a protective film around the fibers to bind them together. They thus reduce the risk of pilling and lint formation.

Plush material: how to treat it ?

Some clothes already show pilling either due to poor quality or wear. It is possible to treat them with:

• An anti-pilling spray to apply to dry clothing.

• An anti-pilling shampoo to use when washing.

These products deposit a protective film on the fibers, sealing them together to limit friction. They can delay the reappearance of pilling, but without preventing it.

Is it made to keep warm or prevent pilling ?

Anti-pilling treatments are not designed to keep you warm, but to limit the appearance of fluff. Their protective effect on textile fibers helps reduce friction which causes unsightly pilling.

They have no thermal effect: only certain garments such as wool or cashmere provide a feeling of warmth thanks to their natural properties.

Polyester and warmth

Does polyester keep you warm ?

Due to its synthetic nature, polyester does not have intrinsic thermal properties. However, it has certain advantages:

• Its ability to dry quickly avoids the feeling of cold humidity.

• Its lightness allows layers to be superimposed without gravity.

• The tight knits of polyester sweaters limit heat loss.

Thus, combined with other materials such as cotton, polyester helps insulate from the cold. But on its own, it does not provide a feeling of heat.

Polyester: how to wash it without damaging it ?

To wash a polyester garment without damaging it, follow these steps:

• Turn the garment inside out to protect the right side.

• Choose a detergent liquid special synthetic textiles.

• Wash at low temperature, between 20 and 30°C maximum.

• Choose a short program and a gentle spin.

• Dry flat on a dryer or in the open air.

• Iron if necessary by pouring water on the fabric.

By scrupulously following this washing process, your polyester will better keep its shape, color and strength over time.

Conclusion

In summary, the phenomenon of pilling affects many clothes, particularly those made of polyester. Although visually unpleasant, it does not damage the fabric. With a few precautions such as appropriate washing, it is possible to limit its appearance. Choose quality materials and take care of your clothes to prolong their appearance from the first day.

FAQ

What is polyester ?

polyester is a synthetic fiber obtained by processing chemical products derived from petroleum. It is the textile most used in industry for its strength and low cost.

Does polyester pill ?

Yes, polyester tends to form pilling because of its smooth nature and its easily detachable short fiber composition. Areas of friction such as the neck or armpits are particularly affected, particularly on delicate laundry.

How to know if a fabric will pill ?

Several signs indicate that a fabric may pilling:

• A material such as polyester, wool, cashmere.

• A fragile mesh, threads sticking out.

• A rough and uneven feel.

• A cheap, poor quality fabric.

• Pilling already present on the new garment.

What coat material does not lint ?

Certain fabrics are more resistant to linting for a coat:

• Nylon with its smooth surface.

• Densely woven cotton.

• Virgin untreated cashmere.

• Silk that withstands friction well.

• Linen, robust and patina well.

What material does not pill ?

The following materials are less prone to pilling:

• Silk with its smooth surface.

• Nylon that resists wear.

• Long fiber mercerized cotton.

• Linen, strong and patina.

• Certain technical materials (Goretex, fleece).

Updated March 19, 2024