I. Introduction
The pilling of fabric is a bothersome, and all-too-common, problem for people, particularly synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Even if the sweater you love is an excellent pair of leggings or a beautiful jacket, forming little fuzzily balllike balls on the surface can take a negative impact on the quality of the garment and diminish its lifespan.
Pilling occurs when fabric fibers become loose and catch on each other, forming small balls that stick to the cloth. Such pills not only render the garment unworn and old but also make it uncomfortable when worn because they leave a roughness in them.
Polyester is one of the most used synthetic materials in clothing and textiles and is particularly prone to pilling. Given that it’s used in clothing, furniture and the manufacture of goods, knowing how to avoid pilling is a must for any person who wants to preserve the look and functionality of their polyester garments.
In this post, I want to share an in-depth guide on how to avoid pilling of polyester garments. We’ll discuss what causes pilling, why polyester is particularly prone to pilling, and some helpful advice and best practices to reduce or eliminate pilling.
II. What is Fabric Pilling?
Definition of Pilling
Fabric pilling involves forming small, wispy balls or clumps of knotted fibers on the surface of a garment. These pills are made from fibres that have slipped down to the surface and have become stuck together through friction and rubbing.
Pills usually develop in the roughest areas of a garment:
Under the arms
On the undersides of pants or leggings.
Around the sleeves and collars of blouses.
Over the padding and fabric of cushions and sofas.
Pilling is not necessarily a sign of bad fabric, but it can dramatically change the feel and look of a cloth and leave it less appealing.
Causes of Pilling
Pilling occurs for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is friction and the natural nature of the fabric. Let’s explore these causes a bit more closely:
1. Friction or Abrasion
The main factor that causes pilling is friction. When two sides are touching each other, the fibres on the fabric surface can unwind and unravel. This friction eventually creates pills.
Common sources of friction include:
Washing and Drying: The continuous motion of clothing through a washing machine or tumble dryer rubs fabric against one another, untying and pilling the fiber.
Wearing: Wearing clothing during daytime (walking, sitting, carrying bags) will cause clothing to rub against one another or the external fabric, leading to piling.
2. Loose or Weak Fibers
The structure and quality of a fabric’s fibers determine how susceptible it is to pilling. Loosely spun fibre fabrics tend to pill more because they are not bound together with staples.
Causes of frayed or damaged fibers:
Low-quality Fabrics: The weaker the fiber, the more it unravels and breaks.
Fiber Length: Short fibers get closer to the surface quicker than long fibers, and so fabrics made with short fibers are prone to pilling.
What Makes Synthetic Fabrics Such As Polyester So Easy to Pill?
Polyester, being a synthetic fiber, is particularly susceptible to pilling for several reasons:
1. Smooth and Slippery Surface
Polyester is slippery, in contrast to natural fibers like cotton or wool. While this makes the fabric wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, loose threads on the surface are at greater risk of collapsing into pills.
2. Fiber Strength and Elasticity
Polyester fibres are durable and high in elasticity. This helps keep the fabric resilient but also means that once pills are incorporated, they are hard to dissolve because the fibres are not as likely to detach themselves naturally.
3. Static Electricity
Polyester attracts static electricity that can cause fibres to stick together. This static pull can generate pills when the fabric is dry or when it is brushed against other synthetics.
4. Blended Fabrics
Polyester is sometimes combined with other fibres — for example, cotton, wool or spandex — to create textiles that have all these properties. Yet mixed fabrics can aggravate the pilling problem as the different fibers have differing strengths and resistance to abrasion. For example:
Polyester-Cotton Blends: Cotton is more brittle than polyester, and will break easily, leading to pilling.
Polyester-Spandex Compounds: Spandex gives it slack and flexibility, but can also rub up on it, which makes pills more likely.
III. What Causes Piling in Polyester Clothes?
In order to effectively avoid pilling, you need to know what triggers it. These factors are broadly categorized into two types: fabrics and external factors.
Fabric-Related Factors
Fiber Quality and Type
Good polyesters are less susceptible to pilling because they are woven from tightly spun fibers.
Fabrics that have longer fibers are less likely to pill than those with shorter fibers.
Fabric Construction
Knitted or woven fabrics don’t pill as easily as those made from loose materials, because the fibers are not tied loosely together.
Smooth fabrics, like satin or microfiber polyester, do not pill as much as rough fabrics, like fleece or brushed polyester.
Blended Fabrics
Combining polyester with other fibres can also affect pilling resistance. For instance:
Polyesters-wool blends tend to pill more because wool naturally sheds fibers.
Polyester-cotton blends tend to pill more readily when the cotton fibers are short or weak.
External Factors
Friction and Abrasion
The more frequent rubbing or contact with hard surfaces, such as backpacks, belts or furniture, the greater the chance of pilling.
The pilliest parts of clothes, such as the armpits or thighs, are highly textured.
Washing and Drying Practices
Using the wrong washing and drying processes will cause the fibers to unravel and pill.
Overloaded washer increases the surface area between garments and encourages pilling.
Use of Chemically Provocative Detergents and Fabric Softeners.
Chlorine based detergents or fabric softeners are harsh chemicals that break down the fibre and encourage pilling.
Environmental Factors
If you live in arid or dehumidified areas, static electricity can cause fibers to stick and form pills.
Over time, exposure to sunlight and heat makes fibres susceptible to pilling.
IV. How to Avoid Pilling Polyester Clothing?
1. Choose High-Quality Polyester Fabrics
The thickness of the polyester fiber is a factor that determines the anti-pilling property. Polyester isn’t the same, and making good choices during your shopping experience can save you a little money in the long run.
Consider Tightly Woven or High-Density Polyester Fabrics:
Tight weave fabrics are also less susceptible to pilling because the fibers are more tightly bound together so they don’t unravel and fray.
Denier is the density of the individual fibres that compose the fabric. High-denier fabric is heavier, more wear-resistant, and less susceptible to pilling.
Do Not Use Low-Quality or Cheap Polyester Clothing:
Fabrics such as cheap polyester clothing tend to contain loosely spun fibres, and that fiber can easily snap and pill. Superior fabrics may be more expensive to begin with, but they last longer and look better.
2. Wash Garments Properly
Wash correctly in order to avoid pilling. Polyester clothing is particularly prone to damage during washing because the agitation and friction can unfasten fibers and form pills.
Turn Garments Inside Out:
Washing clothes inside out helps to minimize friction on the outside — where pilling typically takes place. This easy maintenance will dramatically extend the life of your polyester clothing.
Use a Gentle Cycle:
Your washing machine’s soft cycle keeps the spins down, meaning that your fibers will be less likely to loosen and unravel.
Wash polyester garments with thick or rough objects such as jeans or towels, which can cause pilling.
Wash in Cold Water:
Hot water can fray polyester fibers and cause pilling. Washing it in cold or lukewarm water keeps the fabric strong and healthy.
Use a Mild Detergent:
Harsh detergents discolor fibers and promote pilling. Choose a mild liquid detergent that doesn’t damage synthetic fabrics.
Don’t use bleach or fabric softeners that contain a lot of chemicals as they will weaken the fibres and leave them susceptible to pilling.
3. Dry Garments Carefully
It is as vital to dry polyester clothes properly as to wash them. High temperatures may harm the fibres, which are more susceptible to pilling.
Air Dry Whenever Possible:
The best method of drying polyester garments is through air, which avoids heat damage to fibers.
Dry the garments by hanging or lying flat in a ventilated place.
Set the Dryer on a Low Heat Mode:
If you need a dryer, opt for a low heat or gentle setting to reduce the chances of damaging fibers.
Take garments out of the dryer when completely dry to avoid over-drying that weakens fibers and causes pilling.
Avoid Over-Drying:
When clothes made of polyester get too dry, the fibers are weak and susceptible to pilling. Check drying times and take items out immediately.
4. Minimize Friction During Wear
Pilling is often caused by friction during wear. By eliminating friction, you’ll be able to keep your polyester garments looking fresh and smooth longer.
Don’t Combine Polyester Clothing with Scabby Accessories:
Shoes, purses, jewelry and any pieces with serrations may rip and pill.
Try incorporating soft accessories or placing them in a position where they have less impact on the fabric.
Layer Garments:
Having an unwrinkled fabric, like a cotton undershirt or slip, underneath your polyester clothes will prevent friction and prevent pilling on the surface.
5. Apply Fabric Conditioners or Anti-Pilling Creams.
Compounds such as fabric conditioners and anti-pills can prevent friction between fibers and preserve the appearance of polyester clothing.
Fabric Softeners:
Fabric softeners seal the fibers, reducing the tendency to bunch up. But be careful, too many will deteriorate the fibres eventually.
Anti-Pilling Sprays:
Anti-pilling sprays are manufactured with a coating that keeps friction at bay and minimizes pilling.
Apply the spray as directed by the manufacturer to areas where friction is high.
6. Regularly Maintain Polyester Garments
Regular care will prolong the lifespan of polyester garments and delay the onset of pilling.
Use a Fabric Shaver or Lint Remover:
Fabric shavers and lint removers can also be used to rip apart pills that are already formed.
Just do not push too much — it will burn the fabric.
Brush the Fabric:
A fabric brush can maintain a clean surface by brushing off untidy fibers before they pill.
Scrub along the fabric’s hemline to keep it from fraying the fibres.
V. Fabric Comparison: Polyester and Other Fabrics (Pilling)
To know how polyester differs from other fabrics when it comes to pilling, you need to know what you’re choosing and how to treat it.
1. Polyester vs. Cotton
Pilling:
Polyester is much easier to pill than cotton because of its synthetic nature and texture.
Cotton pills rarely but may shrink or break down over time.
Care:
Cotton tends to be easier to maintain because it can withstand the higher temperatures at which it is washed and dried without major problems.
2. Polyester vs. Wool
Pilling:
Wool is incredibly vulnerable to pilling because of its natural fibres and loose weave. Yet pilling can be easily controlled if taken care of.
Polyester swells more frequently where friction is high but it is easier to maintain.
Care:
Wool needs careful treatment, like washing by hand or dry cleaning, polyester is more versatile and can be machine washed.
3. Polyester vs. Nylon
Pilling:
Polyester and nylon are synthetics that pill.
Nylon is much less pilly than polyester, especially if you’re using high quality fibres.
Care:
Nylon is typically stronger than polyester and able to withstand greater temperatures while being washed and dried.
Yashvi Jain, a writer by day and reader by night, is an accomplished content writer and published author of ‘Mind Under Construction. Yashvi possesses extensive knowledge of fabrics, sustainability, and literature. On occasions, you would catch her scripting for her YouTube channel, engrossed in fiction, or ardently dedicating her time to research and storytelling.