How to remove pilling from clothes

Pilling is a natural part of a garment’s life, caused by wear, friction, and washing. Those small, fuzzy balls often called pills can collect on the surface of your clothes, making them appear tired long before their time.

But pilling is not a fault, nor the end of the garment. It’s simply a sign of use. With a few tools and a gentle approach, these can be removed, restoring softness and texture while helping your garments feel like new again.

What you will need

Depending on the fabric and extent of pilling, you may choose from the following tools:

A fabric shaver (manual or battery-powered)
A lint roller or sticky tape
Small, sharp scissors or a safety razor
A sweater comb (ideal for natural fibres like cashmere or wool)
A flat surface with good lighting

Each tool has its place. Battery-operated fabric shavers are efficient for most garments, while sweater combs and razors offer control for more delicate items.

Step-by-step: How to remove pilling from clothes

Step 1: Lay the garment flat

Work on a clean, flat surface with good natural light. Smooth out the fabric and identify areas where pills have formed, commonly under arms, at cuffs, or along the sides where friction is common.

Step 2: Select your tool

Choose your method depending on fabric type:

Use a fabric shaver for most knitwear, cotton, or synthetics.

Choose a sweater comb or manual razor for delicate fibres like cashmere, merino or fine wool.

For small, scattered pills, try a lint roller or a piece of sticky tape.

Step 3: Gently remove the pills

Hold the fabric taut with one hand. With your tool in the other hand, work slowly and gently in the direction of the grain. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent damage. Pass over each section only once or twice; multiple light passes are better than one aggressive one.

For razors or scissors, use particular care not to snag or cut the fabric. Snip pills individually if needed.

Step 4: Clean the area

After removing the pills, use a lint brush or your hand to clear any remaining fuzz. This reveals any missed areas and smooths the fabric surface.

Step 5: Repeat if needed

If there are still visible pills, repeat the process in small sections. Work patiently; the results are worth the time.

How to prevent pilling

While some pilling is inevitable, especially with soft, natural fibres, there are ways to slow it down and extend the life of your garments:

1. Turn garments inside out before washing

This reduces surface abrasion and protects the outer fabric.

2. Use gentle wash cycles

Opt for cold, gentle settings with short cycles. Or hand-wash when possible.

3. Wash like with like

Separate soft knits and delicate items from rougher garments like denim or outerwear.

4. Avoid overloading the machine

Overfilling causes friction between garments. Allow space for movement.

5. Use a laundry bag

Place finer garments in a mesh bag to reduce agitation.

6. Choose the right detergent

Detergents containing enzymes such as cellulase help loosen and remove cotton pills.

7. Skip the dryer when possible

Tumble drying accelerates wear. Lay knits flat and hang woven pieces to dry naturally.

Why It matters

Caring for your clothes means recognising wear not as failure, but as part of the garment’s life cycle. At Afar, we believe pilling is not a flaw but a signal that the garment has lived, moved, and served. To gently remove pills is to restore beauty, extend use, and honour the hands and materials behind every piece.

Our Care & Repair Guarantee is a quiet promise to support the longevity of your wardrobe. We offer a complimentary first minor repair, such as reattaching labels, on all garments within 12 months of purchase. It’s our way of standing by what we make and encouraging a culture of maintenance over replacement.

If you're unsure whether your garment qualifies for a complimentary repair, or you simply need guidance on where to begin, reach out. We’re always happy to help. Learn more on our Care & Repair Guarantee page.

From our studio to your wardrobe, with love, John and Jana