To get rid of pilling on sweaters, lay the garment flat and glide a fabric shaver lightly over the fuzzy spots. The shaver trims the little balls of fiber off the surface. Then, change a few washing habits so new pills don’t form as quickly.
Pilling is annoying, but it’s also normal, and it’s fixable. Here’s what causes it and how to clear it safely.
Why do sweaters pill?
Pills form when short fibers rub together and tangle into little balls. This happens most where there’s friction, like under the arms, along the sides and around the cuffs where a bag strap or seatbelt rubs.
Some fabrics pill more than others. Soft blends and loosely spun yarns tend to pill easily because their fibers are short and can work loose. It doesn’t always mean a sweater is poor quality.
How do you remove pills safely?
A fabric shaver is usually the quickest, gentlest option. Here’s how to use one:
- Lay the sweater flat on a smooth surface, like a table.
- Stretch the fabric gently with your free hand.
- Move the shaver in light, slow strokes without pressing hard.
- Empty the lint catcher as it fills.
- Check for thin spots and stop if you see them.
New to this? Our guide to the best fabric shavers for beginners covers easy-to-use models. If you’d like more control, look at the best adjustable fabric shavers, which let you change the cutting height for delicate knits.
What about other removal methods?
You don’t have to use a shaver. A sweater comb or pumice-style stone works on some knits, and a fine-toothed comb can lift pills from chunky wool. Avoid cutting pills with scissors, though, because it’s easy to snip the knit itself and leave a hole.
Whatever you use, go slowly and test a hidden spot first, such as the inside hem. Some very delicate fabrics, like fine cashmere, need an especially light touch.
How can you stop pilling from coming back?
Removing pills fixes the surface, but good habits keep it looking fresh. Try these:
- Turn sweaters inside out before washing.
- Use a gentle cycle or hand-wash, with cool water.
- Wash knits separately from rough items like jeans or towels.
- Skip the dryer when you can, and dry flat.
- Rotate your wardrobe so one sweater doesn’t take all the friction.
Another trick is to freshen a sweater with a light steam instead of washing it every time. Fewer washes means less wear. Our portable clothes steamer roundup shows compact models that work well for that, and our guide on how to steam clothes explains the technique.
Which fabrics need extra care?
Not all knits can take the same treatment. Wool, cashmere and blends with a lot of loose fibers need the lightest touch, while sturdy cotton and acrylic knits are more forgiving.
Before you start on any sweater, here are a few things to check:
- Read the care label for any cleaning or handling warnings.
- Test the shaver on a hidden spot, like inside the hem, to see how the fabric reacts.
- If the sweater has a loose or open knit, use an adjustable setting or a hand tool instead.
- Never pull on a snagged loop. Tuck it back into the knit with a needle instead.
When is it time to let a sweater go?
Sometimes a sweater is just worn out. If pilling returns right away after you remove it, or the fabric is thinning and showing holes, further shaving won’t help. Heavy pilling can be a sign that the fibers are breaking down.
Even then, you’ve got options. Many people keep a well-loved but pilled sweater as a lounge or layering piece, where the look matters less. And a quick steam can relax stretched-out fibers and freshen a tired knit before you decide.
How should you store knits?
Storage matters too. Fold sweaters instead of hanging them, because hanging can stretch the shoulders. Keep them in a dry spot with some breathing room, and avoid cramming them against rough surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing pills damage a sweater?
Not if you do it gently. Light strokes with a shaver on a flat sweater remove only surface fibers. Pressing hard or repeating the same spot can thin the fabric.
Will pilling stop after you remove it?
Often it slows down a lot. Pilling tends to be heaviest in the first few washes, as loose fibers work their way out.
Which sweaters pill the most?
Soft, loosely spun knits and blends of different fibers tend to pill more. Tightly woven fabrics usually pill less.
The bottom line
Pilling doesn’t mean your sweater is ruined. A gentle fabric shaver, a lighter touch in the wash and a little care get most knits looking fresh again. For an easy start, check out our roundup of the best fabric shavers for beginners.