Pilling is the small bobbles of fibre that appear on hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers where the fabric rubs: under the arms, on the cuffs, along the sides and on the seat of your trousers. It does not mean a garment is faulty, but it does make a good piece look tired. The good news is that you can prevent most of it, and remove what does appear in a few minutes.
Why do hoodies pill?
Every knitted fabric has short fibre ends on its surface. When the fabric rubs against itself, a bag strap or the washing machine drum, those loose ends tangle into tiny balls. Three things make it worse:
- Friction: backpack straps, desk edges, and washing with rough items like jeans and towels.
- Brushed surfaces: fleece is brushed to make it soft, which lifts more fibre ends, so the inside of a fleece hoodie pills more easily than French terry.
- Blended fibres: in cotton and polyester blends, cotton fibres can break away while the stronger polyester fibres hold the bobbles in place, so they stay visible longer.
How to stop hoodie pilling: 8 habits that work
- Turn it inside out before washing so the outer face rubs less.
- Wash cold or at 30°C on a gentle or wool cycle. Heat and fast spins increase friction.
- Wash like with like. Keep hoodies away from denim, towels and anything with zips or Velcro.
- Do not overload the drum. Clothes need room to move gently rather than grind against each other.
- Use a liquid detergent rather than powder, which can be abrasive, and skip fabric softener on fleece.
- Air dry. Tumble drying is one of the biggest causes of pilling and shrinkage. Dry flat or on a wide hanger.
- Wash less often. Air a hoodie out between wears; wash when it actually needs it.
- Rotate your hoodies. Wearing the same one every day concentrates wear in the same spots.
How to remove bobbles from clothes safely
If pills have already formed, remove them before they multiply.
- Fabric shaver (best): a battery or rechargeable de-piller cuts bobbles off cleanly. Lay the hoodie flat, keep the fabric taut and use light circular movements.
- Fabric comb or sweater stone: good for small areas and knitwear. Brush in one direction.
- Disposable razor (with care): glide it lightly over flat, taut fabric. Never use it on ribbed cuffs or seams, and never press down.
Avoid pulling pills off with your fingers; it drags more fibres to the surface and makes the problem worse.
Does fabric weight affect pilling?
Denser, heavier fabrics generally hold their fibres more tightly, so a well-made heavyweight hoodie tends to pill less than a thin one. Our Essential Heavyweight Hoodie is 430 GSM, and the Vintage Washed Frayed-Hem Hoodie is 340 GSM with 88.5% cotton. Garment-washed finishes like this one are also pre-softened, so they change less in your own wash. Read more in what does GSM mean in clothing?
Caring for different hoodie types
| Hoodie type | Wash | Dry | Extra tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushed fleece | Cold, gentle, inside out | Air dry | No fabric softener; it flattens the pile |
| French terry | 30°C, inside out | Air dry | Reshape while damp to keep the fit |
| Printed or embroidered | Cold, inside out | Air dry, never iron the print | See our print care guide |
| Washed or faded finish | Cold, with dark colours | Air dry | Expect subtle, even colour change: that is the design |
Frequently asked questions
Can you stop a hoodie pilling completely?
Not completely, because any knitted fabric sheds some fibre with wear. Good washing habits and a fabric shaver keep it to a minimum.
Does 100% cotton pill?
Cotton can pill, but because cotton fibres break more easily, the bobbles tend to fall away rather than staying attached.
Is pilling a sign of poor quality?
Not on its own. Friction, washing and drying habits have a big effect. Heavy pilling after one or two gentle washes, though, can point to a loosely knitted fabric.
Looking for hoodies built to last? Shop our men's luxury hoodies and women's hoodies.
