Pilling on cashmere? Here's why it happens and how to remove it
Pilling on Cashmere? Here's why it happens and how to remove it
Have you ever found those annoying fabric pills on your favorite cashmere sweater? Don't worry, it's not a defect in the garment, but a completely normal phenomenon called pilling. Let's see why it forms and what you can do to reduce it!
Why do pills form?
Pilling occurs when the shorter fibers of the fabric emerge to the surface and, due to friction, tangle together forming small knots. This happens especially in carded yarns, which contain shorter fibers and give cashmere its typical soft, slightly fuzzy effect. In combed yarns, on the other hand, the phenomenon is less evident because longer, stronger fibers are used.
The type of fabric, the twist of the yarn, and even how you wash and wear your sweater also influence the appearance of pilling.
How much pilling is normal?
Experts use a scale from 1 to 5 to measure the level of pilling:
- 1 → Obvious pilling, the garment fills with pills very quickly
- 5 → Almost no signs of pilling, the fabric remains smooth over time
If a cashmere sweater pills a little at first, there's no need to worry: over time, the shorter fibers are eliminated, leaving only the longer, more resistant ones.
How to remove pills from cashmere?
Fortunately, there's a simple solution: an electric lint remover! It's a small tool that, in a few minutes, removes annoying pills without damaging the fabric. You can easily find it online or in home goods stores, often at very affordable prices.
Pilling is a natural and inevitable process in cashmere garments, but with a little care, you can keep your sweaters beautiful and soft for a long time. Next time you find some pills, don't panic: arm yourself with a lint remover and enjoy your cashmere stress-free!