Viscose and Pilling: What You Absolutely Need to Know

Introduction

Pilling of clothes is a phenomenon that happens to almost everyone. Those unsightly little lint that appear on our sweaters, shirts and pants can really ruin our look. But not all textile materials react in the same way.

Viscose in particular is renowned for its tendency to pill quickly. So, does viscose pill? What are the factors that influence the appearance of these unwanted little balls? Are there ways to prevent and remove them?

In this article, we will try to answer all these questions about the link between viscose and pilling.

Also read: What pilling material?

The characteristics of viscose fabric

viscose is a textile fiber obtained from wood cellulose. Thanks to a chemical manufacturing process, we obtain a very soft fabric to the touch, which has the shiny appearance of silk. Viscose is an extremely absorbent and comfortable material, ideal for close-fitting clothing such as t-shirts, underwear and dresses.

However, despite its undeniable qualities of softness and comfort, viscose also has faults:

• It creases easily
• It tends to stretch with wearing and washing
• It is poorly resistant to high temperatures and chemical products
• It tends to shrink when washing and drying

Above all, viscose has an unfortunate tendency to pilling, that is to say, to form small lint on the surface of clothing. Let's take a closer look at this phenomenon of pilling.

Also read: Which sweater does not pill?

Pilling: understanding this phenomenon

Pilling refers to the gradual appearance of small balls of fluff, called pilling, on the surface of a fabric. These pills are formed by fibers which detach from the fabric and clump together into small balls.

Several factors can cause pilling to appear on clothing:

• The quality of the fabric: the less tight and finely woven it is, the more it tends to pill
• friction: areas of friction such as the armpits, collar and cuffs pill more easily
• heat: under the effect of heat, textile fibers tend to detach more easily
• The washing: poor washing, with too aggressive a detergent or too high a temperature, prematurely wears out the fabric
• Drying: too brutal drying, especially in the machine, weakens the fibers

There are different degrees of pilling depending on textile materials. Woolens like mohair are very sensitive. Cotton pills moderately while synthetic materials like polyester are quite durable. But what about viscose?

Also read: What is Pilling?

Viscose and pilling: an obvious link?

Viscose has the reputation of being one of the fabrics that pills easily. Due to its delicate and soft texture, this material tends to relax its fibers under the effect of friction. The slightest friction against the skin, the buttons of a jacket or the back of a chair is enough to cause the appearance of unsightly lint.

Viscose pills all the more because:

• The weave is loose or coarse
• Viscose is associated with fragile fibers such as wool or cashmere
• The garment is worn frequently
• It is not maintained carefully

Although known to be fragile, not all viscose is equal. You can find high-quality viscose on the market, with a tight weave, which is more resistant to the appearance of pilling. But overall, viscose still remains a risky material in terms of pilling.

I strongly recommend carefully examining the quality of a fabric before purchasing. This will save you a lot of disappointments!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

How do you know if a viscose garment will pill?

Before buying viscose clothing, there are a few signs that can alert you to its probable tendency to pilling:

• The fabric has a shiny and silky appearance
• The mesh is coarse or loose to the touch
• The lining is made of cotton, which rubs against the viscose and promotes pilling
• The garment has a lot of risky seams and details
• The label indicates "viscose" without mentioning "high quality"

You can also perform the pilling test: gently rub the fabric with your finger. If you see small threads appearing, it's a bad sign. Ditto if you see fraying at the seams.

Of course, even good quality viscose will pill over time. But by choosing your clothing carefully, you will delay this phenomenon.

It is essential to take care of your viscose clothes so that they keep their beautiful appearance for a long time. Washing and drying are key steps in preventing the appearance of unsightly pilling.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

How to wash, dry and iron viscose to avoid pilling

To preserve your viscose clothing as much as possible and avoid the premature appearance of pilling, it is essential to maintain them with care. Here are some maintenance tips

Viscose care, washing and ironing tips

• Wash your viscose clothes by hand or in the machine at low temperature (30°C maximum)
• Choose a gentle liquid detergent special for delicate textiles
• Avoid fabric softeners which weaken the fibers
• Dry flat, in the open air, and iron immediately
• Iron at medium temperature, with a cloth between the iron and the fabric
• Fold and store your clothes carefully after ironing
• Treat small pills quickly as soon as they appear
• Avoid stain removers and softeners that weaken fibers

When applied correctly, these care tips will help you maintain the softness of your viscose clothing and delay the appearance of pilling.

Also read: Polyester and Pilling: everything you need to know!

How to remove pilling from viscose clothing?

• Use a pilling razor or a regular metal razor by tilting the blade
• Rub gently with a clothes brush or a small rubber ball
• For stubborn pills, spray a little water and pass the steam iron lightly
• In the event of an invasion of pills, use an electric pill remover which combines rotating brushes and heat

These techniques must be carried out with caution so as not to damage the fabric.

By taking care of viscose clothing and regularly removing pilling, it is possible to extend their lifespan and their aesthetic appearance.

Which viscose clothing is likely to pill?

Certain viscose garments are more exposed to pilling than others. Areas of intense friction are particularly at risk.

Viscose coat

Viscose coats and jackets often rub against other clothing, handbags or even car seats. This repeated friction wears out the fabric and encourages the appearance of unsightly pilling.

Viscose sweater and sweatshirt

Viscose sweaters and sweatshirts are worn directly on the skin. The contact areas with the bust, stomach and back are therefore exposed to permanent friction, accentuated by movements. The appearance of pilling is then inevitable in the long run.

Viscose scarf

Wrapped around the neck, the viscose scarf experiences friction against the skin with each movement. Added to this is the friction caused by wearing a coat or a bag. Wear is accelerated, leading to premature pilling.

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Conclusion

Viscose offers many advantages: soft feel, fluidity, absorption and freshness. But this delicate fabric requires precautions for use and maintenance to avoid the unsightly phenomenon of pilling.

By choosing quality viscose clothing, then maintaining them with care, it is possible to preserve their aesthetic appearance for a long time. A few simple actions also allow you to remove pills when they appear.

With these wise tips, you will be able to fully enjoy the comfort and beauty of your viscose clothes, without fear of pilling!

FAQ

How do you know if a fabric will pill?

To know if a fabric is likely to pill, you must closely examine its composition and structure. Fine and delicate fabrics like viscose, silk or cashmere tend to pill. A tight weave and twisted fibers limit the risks.

Is viscose plush?

Yes, viscose has a tendency to pill, that is to say, to develop pilling. This is due to the fineness of the viscose fibers which are easily detached from the fabric. A viscose garment usually becomes plush after some time.

How to prevent viscose clothing from linting?

To prevent viscose clothing from pilling, it should be washed at low temperature, by hand or in a machine on a delicate cycle. It is best to dry it flat and iron it at low temperature.

How to prevent a viscose sweater from pilling?

To ensure that a viscose sweater does not pill, wash it by hand or in the machine at 30°C maximum, with a detergent suitable for delicate textiles. Dry it flat, without twisting it. Iron it by spraying a little water at a gentle temperature.

What material pills the most?

The materials most likely to pill are wool, angora, cashmere, viscose and synthetic fibers such as acrylic. Their fibers are easily detached from the fabric.

Does polyester pill?

Polyester tends to pill a little because it is a strong, smooth fiber that resists wear and tear. But a cheap, low-quality polyester garment can still develop pilling.

How to avoid pilling on a new sweater?

To avoid the appearance of pilling on a new sweater, wash it inside out at 30°C before the first wear. Do not use fabric softener, dry flat. Wear it with a cotton t-shirt underneath to limit chafing.

Mis à jour le 23 janvier 2024