How to Prevent Sweaters From Pilling, According to a Laundry Expert

Winter is almost here, which means it's officially time to dust off the season's uniform: sweaters. While sweater weather has its pros—cozy outfits and yummy hot chocolate, for example— there’s one tiny consequence that's always hard to deal with—pilling.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as finding pills on your go-to sweater. Those tiny, unsightly balls of fabric can make even the most luxurious knitwear look old and worn out. While pilling is a common issue, especially with certain types of yarns, it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of your sweater-wearing experience. Understanding why pilling happens and how to prevent it can keep your sweaters looking fresh and new for longer.

Sweaters are a wardrobe staple, offering warmth, comfort, and style. But indulging in the coziness of these garments, it’s easy to overlook the care they require to maintain their appearance. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, pilling can be managed effectively.

Below, garment care expert Patric Richardson, also known as The Laundry Evangelist, shares his best tips for preventing and removing sweater pills for a hassle-free winter season.

Why Sweaters Pill

Pilling occurs when fibers in the fabric become loose and form tiny balls on the surface of the material, according to Richardson. This typically happens due to friction—think about everyday wear and tear and the environment in which you wear your garment. The fibers that make up the fabric, especially if they’re short or loosely spun, can break and tangle together, creating those dreaded pills.

Certain fabrics are more prone to pilling than others. For instance, higher-quality fabrics, like cashmere, are often more susceptible because they have shorter, more delicate fibers. Synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic can also pill but for different reasons. In these cases, the fibers are stronger, but when they do break, they tend to tangle and form pills more readily. Understanding the type of fabric your sweater is made from can help you anticipate and manage pilling.

But Richardson says that, while pilling may be reduced over time, it's important to accept it as just a byproduct of wearing sweaters. "It's not a defect; it's a characteristic of that fiber," Richardson says.

How to Remove Pills

If your sweater has already started pilling, don’t worry. There are several methods to remove them and restore your garment to its former glory. Richardson says one of the most common and effective tools for this job is a sweater comb, which works by manually brushing away the pills. For those who prefer a DIY approach, Richardson says, a simple razor can do the trick. Carefully shave the pills off the surface of the sweater, making sure to use light pressure to avoid cutting the fabric. If the pills are not too large, try a lint roller. Though Richardson says a lint roller is not as effective as a sweater comb.

Next up, let’s talk laundry. How you wash your sweaters is absolutely crucial when it comes to preventing pilling. It’s important to note that tossing an already-pilled sweater into the wash can make things worse, according to Richardson. Any existing pills can agitate other clothing fibers, causing more loose ends and even more pilling—we don’t want that. Most sweaters provide a care tag with proper washing instructions. Different fabrics call for different methods.

To minimize pilling, you can either handwash, which Richardson says might be the safest option or you can also use a mesh garment bag to protect your sweaters in the wash.

How to Prevent Pilling

Preventing pilling starts with proper care and handling of your sweaters. The first step is to always follow the care label instructions—this might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Richardson suggests that you should try to minimize friction as much as possible when wearing your sweater. This means avoiding rough surfaces, or even touching your sweater with your hands.

Storing your sweaters properly is another key aspect of prevention, according to Richardson. Folding sweaters instead of hanging them helps maintain their shape and reduces the chances of fibers breaking. Additionally, storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight can prevent the fibers from becoming brittle, which can lead to pilling. For additional protection, especially when storing them away for the spring and summer seasons, Richardson says: "Wrap them in tissue paper."