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What is Pilling ? Causes, Prevention and Solutions

Key Takeaways

Pilling is the formation of small balls on clothing made of cotton, wool and other materials. It is caused by friction, wear and poor quality of fibers. To avoid pilling, choose quality fabrics and wash gently. The pilling shaver makes it easy to remove pills.

The brand The Oversized Hoodie® is famous for its plaid sweatshirt  high-end, certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. It is entirely vegan, free of toxic and chemical substances, and promotes a cruelty-free approach towards animals. These giant sweaters, which have also been honored with the “Confiance Textile” Quality Label, are distinguished by their incomparable softness and their excellent quality-price ratio, providing a feeling of comfort unrivaled.

Introduction

You notice the appearance of small balls on your favorite clothing ? These balls are often a source of frustration and give a worn appearance to fabrics.

Definition of pilling

Pilling refers to the formation of small lint or balls on the surface of fabrics and clothing. These little balls are made up of fibers that come off the garment.

Understanding pilling

Pilling is a common normal phenomenon that affects many textiles. It causes the appearance of tiny lint on the surface of clothing.

In this article, we will discover the causes of this problem and the solutions to avoid it. We will see in particular:

  • What causes pilling of fabrics
  • What are the textiles most affected
  • How to prevent and treat pilling
  • Effective tools against pilling

Also read: Which sweater does not pill ?

Plaid Sweat Rouge

Causes of pilling

Several factors can cause unsightly pilling to appear on your clothes.

Fabric production factors

The quality of the yarn and the type of weave influence pilling. Poor quality fibers or loose weaving weaken the fabric. Friction then easily detaches threads on the surface.

Wear and friction

Normal wear and tear on clothing causes small lint to come loose. Friction between two textile surfaces accentuates this phenomenon.

For example, the friction of a wool sweater on a cotton coat will accelerate the formation of pilling.

The impact of human forces and actions

Certain actions such as sitting or rubbing against a rough surface tear fibers. Intense heat and humidity also amplify pilling.

The link between fabric quality and pilling

better quality fabrics are more resistant to wear and friction. Conversely, poor yarn quality promotes pilling.

Also read: Does viscose pill ?

Plaid Sweat Beige

Identify the materials, fabrics and fibers that pill the most

Not all textiles react in the same way to pilling. Here are the main ones affected:

What are the textiles at risk ?

Wool, cotton, cotton/polyester blends are the great champions of pilling. Airy knits are also sensitive to this.

Wool and cotton: materials prone to pilling

Wool and cotton are among the most affected materials. Their fibers come off easily. So be careful with wool sweaters!

Can polyester pill ?

Pure polyester pills little. But associated with cotton, it becomes more sensitive to the phenomenon. fabrics mixing cotton and polyester are therefore to be watched!

Also read: Oversize cut: what is it ?

Preventing and treating pilling on your clothes

It is possible to prevent and treat pilling with a few simple actions.

Tips to prevent pilling

  • Choose clothes made from good quality materials
  • Wash gently inside out at 30°C maximum
  • Use a detergent suitable for textiles
  • Iron to close the fibers

How to deal with pilling

Several solutions allow you to get rid of unsightly pilling.

1. Using a pilling razor: an effective solution ?

The pilling shaver makes it easy to remove unwanted lumps. It is a fast and effective treatment to restore a smooth appearance to the fabric.

2. Other tools to get rid of pills

The clothes brush, the pilling stone or even the iron equipped with a lint catcher are some of the alternatives.

3. Natural solutions to eliminate pilling

Adhesive tape or cactus leaf helps remove pilling without chemical treatments.

Recommended tools and techniques

To prevent and treat pilling, we recommend:

  • A pilling razor to quickly remove already formed pills
  • Washing risky clothing inside out
  • Using a special detergent for delicate textiles
plaid sweat blanc

Pilling and aesthetics: how to deal with it ?

The appearance of pilling can quickly become a source of aesthetic concerns.

  • Do not panic or dramatize when faced with a few problems
  • Remember that pilling is a normal phenomenon linked to wear
  • Promptly treat with a pilling razor to restore the appearance of the garment
  • In case of intense pilling, reserve the textile for domestic use

With a few reflexes, it is possible to limit pilling to enjoy your favorite textiles for a long time!

Conclusion

Pilling is the appearance of small balls on the surface of clothing.This phenomenon mainly affects cotton, wool, and cotton/polyester blends.

To avoid it, rely on quality fabrics, delicate washing and careful ironing. The pilling shaver makes it easy to remove unsightly pills.

With a little attention, it is possible to limit pilling to preserve the appearance of your favorite clothes.

Causes of pilling Risk materials Prevention and treatment
Friction, wear Wool, cotton Quality fabrics
Poor fiber quality Cotton/polyester blends Delicate wash inside out
Loose knit Air mesh Adapted detergent
Heat, humidity Careful ironing
Pilling razor

FAQ

What material does not pill ?

Polyester and nylon are two materials that resist pilling well. Technical fabrics and tight knits are also less affected.

How to know if a fabric will pill ?

Several signs should alert you to the risk of pilling: an airy knit, fibers that already stand out, a cotton/wool-based composition. Touch also gives an indication.

Why all sweaters pill ?

Sweaters are often made of wool or a wool/cotton blend, which are among the materials most prone to pilling. The neckline and armholes are areas of intense friction.

What are the materials that pill ?

Cotton and wool are the two materials most affected by pilling. Their fibers tend to come off easily. Polyester pills little.

Does polyester pill ?

Polyester pills very little compared to cotton or wool. However, when mixed with cotton, it becomes more susceptible to pilling.

About the Author

Photo de l'auteur

Geoffrey Lamri

Welcome to our blog! I'm Geoffrey Lamri, the founder of The Oversized Hoodie®. With more than 5,000 customers supported and 10,000 items sold over the last 2 years, our brand has become a reference in the world of homewear and loungewear, and particularly specialized expertise in snuggle hoodies, snuggle hoodies and fleece tights.

Our journey began with 18 months of intensive research and development, where we dove into the world of materials, design and production, with particular attention paid to material selection quality and thoughtful design.

We are proud to be the only ones on the market to offer snuggle hoodies and fleece tights certified by renowned labels such as Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, Oeko-Tex® STeP, and the Confidence Textile Quality Label.

Our mission is clear: to help you make your space a true haven of peace and relaxation, by offering you expert advice and superior quality products. We are here to support you in your quest for ultimate comfort at home.

Have a good read and don’t hesitate to share your feedback and questions!

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