How to Prevent Pilling on Clothes and Remove It Safely

Pilling can make a well-loved sweatshirt look tired long before the fabric itself has reached the end of its life. Those small balls of fibre usually appear where movement and friction meet, such as under the arms, along the sides, beneath a bag strap or at the cuffs.

The good news is that pilling is often manageable. Understanding why it happens helps you prevent unnecessary wear, wash clothes more gently and remove pills without damaging the surface.

What is fabric pilling?

Pilling is the formation of small fibre clusters on the surface of a textile. During wear and washing, loose fibre ends move outward, rub together and become tangled. Stronger fibres can hold the cluster to the garment, creating the familiar raised ball.

A pill does not automatically mean a garment is poorly made. Some soft, fine or brushed fabrics are naturally more likely to release surface fibres. The speed and severity of pilling depend on fibre length, yarn structure, fabric construction, finishing, fit and how the garment is worn and cared for.

Why do clothes pill?

Friction is the main cause. A seat belt repeatedly crossing a sweatshirt, a backpack rubbing one shoulder or a sleeve moving against the side of the body can all encourage pilling. Washing adds more movement, especially when soft garments share a cycle with rough denim, zips or hook-and-loop fasteners.

Shorter fibres are more likely to work their way out of a yarn. Loosely spun yarns and very soft finishes can also expose more fibre ends. Synthetic fibres may form pills that remain attached for longer because they are strong, while some natural-fibre pills break away more readily.

Does pilling mean bad quality?

Not by itself. A quality garment can pill in areas of constant friction, particularly if its surface is soft or brushed. Quality becomes easier to judge by looking at the whole garment: yarn consistency, seam strength, collar recovery, colour, fabric stability and how it changes after several wears.

Heavy pilling after very limited use can still indicate that the fibre, yarn or finish is not suited to the garment's purpose. If you are comparing pieces before buying, use our guide to recognising good-quality clothing as a broader checklist.

How to prevent pilling on clothes

Reduce repeated friction

Notice where pills form first. If they appear beneath a crossbody bag or backpack, adjust the strap or rotate bags. Make sure a coat lining is smooth enough to move over knitwear and sweatshirts rather than gripping the surface.

Fit matters too. Fabric that is constantly pulled tight beneath the arms or across the torso may rub more intensely. A little ease can reduce strain, although oversized clothing can still pill where folds repeatedly touch.

Turn garments inside out before washing

Turning a sweatshirt or T shirt inside out protects the visible face from some of the movement inside the drum. It will not eliminate friction, but it gives the outer surface less direct contact with other garments.

Separate soft clothes from rough items

Wash similar fabrics together. Keep soft cotton, fleece and knitwear away from heavy denim, towels, exposed zips and garments with abrasive hardware. Fasten zips and close hook-and-loop tabs before the cycle starts.

Use a gentle, correctly sized load

An overfilled machine can press garments against one another, while a very aggressive cycle creates unnecessary movement. Follow the care label, choose the mildest effective cycle and leave enough space for clothing to move without being compressed.

Use a measured amount of detergent

More detergent does not mean cleaner clothing. Excess product may rinse poorly and can leave the fabric feeling less fresh. Follow the detergent instructions for the load size, water hardness and level of soil.

Wash only when needed

Every wash adds mechanical action. Airing a clean sweatshirt between wears and treating a small mark promptly may delay a full cycle. Hygiene and comfort still come first, but not every garment needs washing after a brief, light wear. Our clothing wash-frequency guide offers a practical starting point.

Dry with care

High heat and prolonged tumbling can be hard on some surfaces. Follow the label and use a lower-impact drying method when recommended. Reshape the garment and dry it with enough support to avoid stretching the shoulders or neckline.

How to remove pilling safely

Lay the clean, dry garment on a flat, firm surface and smooth the area without stretching it. Use a fabric shaver designed for clothing, moving lightly and slowly. Empty the collection chamber often so the tool continues to work cleanly.

A sweater comb can suit some sturdy knits, but test it on a hidden area first. Delicate, loose or textured fabrics need particular care. Keep any tool away from seams, embroidery, prints and raised details.

Do not pull pills off with your fingers. Pulling can draw more fibre out of the yarn and leave a thin or uneven patch. Scissors are also risky because it is easy to catch the fabric beneath the pill.

How often should you use a fabric shaver?

Only when the surface needs it. Fabric shaving removes material, even when done carefully. A light pass at the start of a season or after visible pilling is more sensible than using it automatically after every wash.

Stop as soon as the surface looks even. Repeatedly shaving the same area can thin the fabric. If a garment continues to pill heavily after each wear, focus on the source of friction instead of removing the result again and again.

Can you remove pilling from a sweatshirt?

Usually, yes. Sweatshirts often pill on the soft inner face or at high-contact points on the outside. For the visible surface, use a fabric shaver with light pressure and keep the fabric flat. The brushed interior does not need to look perfectly smooth, and aggressive removal can change its softness.

A well-structured sweatshirt can remain useful even as it develops a softer character. The available TELLS Signature Mark Sweatshirt in Gray works as a quiet everyday layer, and its neutral colour makes subtle surface care especially worthwhile.

How to care for hoodies and sweatshirts between washes

Let the garment air after wear before folding it. Remove lint with a gentle clothing brush or lint roller, paying attention to the direction of the surface. Store it folded if a hanger would place stress on the shoulders.

If you wear a sweatshirt under outerwear, check that the jacket has enough room through the sleeve and armhole. Crowded layers create friction and can also disturb the silhouette. Our guide to layering without bulk explains how to combine weights with less compression.

Does fabric softener prevent pilling?

Fabric softener is not a reliable cure for pilling, and it may be unsuitable for certain fibres, finishes or performance fabrics. Always follow the garment label and detergent guidance. A gentler cycle, sensible sorting and less abrasion are more useful habits.

Can pilling be repaired permanently?

Existing pills can be removed, but the underlying fabric may pill again if the same friction continues. Prevention and maintenance work together. Reduce the repeated rubbing, care for the garment gently and remove surface pills only when necessary.

A softer surface does not have to mean a shorter life

Pilling is a visible record of movement. It often appears first on the clothes we reach for most. With measured washing, thoughtful layering and careful removal, those fibres do not need to decide when a garment leaves your wardrobe.

Discover more practical fabric knowledge in TELLS Journal Materials & Care.

What we choose to keep becomes part of who we are.