Many people wonder “why is my wool sweater pilling?” While many consider pilling a sign of low fabric quality, even the best sweaters will pill. Fortunately, removing pills is easy once you know how it’s done. 

We’ll share some pointers on how to get rid of pilling on wool sweaters to help you keep your new sweater looking great. You’ll also discover how to prevent and minimize wool sweater pilling. But, one of the best things you can do is start with a high-quality wool sweater that naturally resists pilling in the first place. Look no further than Aran.

We want to help keep your new Aran sweater looking beautiful for many years to come and teach you how to remove pilling from wool sweaters without damage. 

When you choose our Merino wool sweater for women, our Men’s merino wool sweater, or one of our other offerings, you get authentic Irish craftsmanship with real clan stitching and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Shop at Aran and add a touch of Ireland to your wardrobe today. 

What Exactly Is Fabric Pilling?

Fabric pilling happens when surface fibres on your garment break and become tangled with each other. The broken fibres tangle into tiny lint balls called pills. All fabrics will pill to some extent with normal wear and tear. You’ll also hear pills called bobbles, lint balls, or fuzzballs.

Pills are unsightly but mostly do no harm to the garment. But if you see a lot of pills in one area of your garment, that means you have many broken fibres. That weakened area of fabric can easily become a hole. 

Why is My Wool Sweater Pilling?

Wool sweater pilling starts when something rubs against the yarn and breaks the surface fibres. These fibres get tangled together and clump up into tiny lint balls. Fabric pills can attract loose fibres floating in the water during a wash cycle and make the ball grow larger.

The Role of Friction in Causing Pills

Friction is the primary cause of wool sweater pilling. Seat belts, purse straps, and even upholstery can break the surface fibres as you move. Continued rubbing tangles the broken fibres into a pill. 

It’s impossible to avoid some friction. When you bend your elbows or sit down in a chair, you rub wool fibres against each other or against a foreign object. But there are ways to minimize that friction and to keep sweater pilling to a minimum. 

fibre Length and Yarn Type Matter

Yarn makers spin fibres on a spinning wheel or machine to form a continuous thread. Longer fibres result in a smoother, more lustrous, and more durable yarn. Yarns made with shorter fibres have an uneven texture and are more prone to fraying and pilling. 

We get asked all the time, are Merino wool sweaters itchy? It has finer, softer, longer fibres than regular wool. That makes them gentler on sensitive skin. And those soft, long fibres don’t just make them more comfortable. They also make our Aran Merino wool sweaters less likely to pill.

Impact of Fabric Blends on Pilling

Many sweaters use a blend of natural and synthetic fibres. But different fibre types rub against each other when you wear or wash the garment. This can cause the shorter fibres to break and form pills. And blends typically use cheaper wool with shorter fibres. 

When synthetic material pills, it holds on to the fabric more tightly than wool pills. This makes them harder to remove. That’s why we recommend sweaters made with 100% high-quality wool. Choose between our V-neck vs crew neck sweaters or go with one of our other fine offerings. 

Washing and Care Habits That Lead to Pilling

Take a look at your laundry detergent if you’re wondering, “Why is my wool sweater pilling so much?” Most detergents contain enzymes that weaken the fibres and strip away the oils that keep your sweater soft. 

More importantly, don’t put your wool sweaters in a washing machine or dryer. Washing machines and tumble dryers jostle your sweater against other clothes. That produces friction, which is the first step toward fibre breakage and pilling. 

How to Remove Pilling From Wool Sweater

There’s no shortage of advice on how to get rid of pilling on wool sweaters. Unfortunately, much of it is wrong and will do your sweater more harm than good. That’s why we decided to take it upon ourselves to create this guide. Here’s how to remove pilling from wool sweaters the safe and traditional way. 

Use a Sweater Comb for Gentle De-Pilling

Sweater combs have been used as an Irish wool sweater pilling remover for centuries. They pull loose threads out instead of cutting them. When you cut the pill off a loose thread, the thread’s frayed ends can form another pill. When you remove it with a comb, it’s gone for good. 

Combing a sweater takes more time than running a fabric shaver over it. But it's a much better choice for delicate fabrics like Merino wool. And you never have to worry about batteries or an available outlet with a sweater comb.

What About Fabric Shavers?

Fabric shavers are best used on heavy coats. The fabric shaver’s sharp blades can damage your sweater if not used properly. A bit too much pressure and you can break the fibres, which leads to further pilling. In the worst case, you can make a hole. 

We recommend sweater combs for removing pills from your Aran sweater. The Irish have used combs as a wool sweater pilling remover for centuries. You will get the best results if you use traditional combs on our traditional Aran sweaters.

Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Ruin the Sweater

Some people use single-blade safety razors as a wool sweater pilling remover. But this is even more likely to produce snags and holes than a fabric shaver. Lint rollers can also lead to pulls and damage if you press too heavily. 

A sweater comb is the best choice for how to remove pilling from wool sweaters. But you need to comb slowly and gently to make sure you get rid of the pills without harming your sweater.

Tips to Prevent Wool Sweater Pilling in the First Place

It’s important that you know how to remove pilling from wool sweaters. But you also need to choose the right sweater in the first place, and care for it properly after it arrives. Here are some pill-fighting tips to help you keep your Aran sweater in top condition. 

Choose High-Quality Wool From the Start

Cheap wool has shorter and coarser fibres. This not only makes it less comfortable and attractive. It’s also more likely to pill up or fray after a few uses. A cheap wool sweater may only last a season or two before it looks worn.

We make our Irish sweaters with the finest material available, three-strand Merino wool yarn. Our traditional stitching patterns produce tightly-knit, soft sweaters that keep you warm and stand out in a crowd. 

Wash Wool Sweaters Gently and Infrequently

Add a mild detergent like Woolite or a baby shampoo to a basin of cold or lukewarm water, then soak your sweater for 15 to 30 minutes. Rub any stains or dirt with a mild soap.

Gently rinse your sweater while pressing on it. Don’t wring the material or stretch the sleeves or collar out of shape. Rinse until there are no more suds.

Don’t wring your sweater. Fold it or roll it gently, then wrap it in a towel and squeeze gently to get rid of the water. When it’s no longer dripping, lay it out on a clothes rack and let it dry naturally. Put a fan nearby and your sweater should be dry in a day or so.

We recommend three to five wears between each wash. Merino wool has natural antibacterial properties that prevent odor, so more frequent washing is unnecessary. Follow this regimen and your Aran sweater will look good as new for years to come. 

Avoid Agitation and Heat in the Laundering Process

Agitation stresses wool fibres, causing damage that can cause pilling and weaken the weave’s integrity. Hot dryers can contort the fibres, which leaves you with a shrunken and distorted sweater. 

The only safe way to clean your Aran sweater is by hand washing with a gentle soap and air drying it flat. Never put it through a machine washer or tumble dryer. 

Store Wool Sweaters the Right Way

Hangers put pressure on the shoulder area, and can stretch wool sweaters out of shape. Fold your sweater and put it in a cool, dry, dark drawer or on a shelf. You may want to put cedar blocks or lavender nearby to discourage clothes moths. 

If you put your sweater in a clothing bag, use a breathable material like cotton. Breathable bags allow air to circulate, which prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold and musty odors.

Rotate Sweaters to Reduce Friction Hot Spots

Your new sweater can easily become an everyday accessory in the cold and damp seasons. But we recommend allowing at least 24 hours between each wear. Wool fibres are naturally resistant and will recover their shape if given time to rest. 

If you love a particular Aran style, buy two or three. You can showcase your Irish sweater without worrying that you’re stretching it and wearing it out. Three sweaters worn in rotation will last longer than three sweaters worn exclusively.

Limit Contact With Bags and Rough Outerwear

Unlined coats and denim jackets rub can lead to pilling. Stylish lined outerwear looks great with Aran sweaters and protects them from damage. You can also add one of our knit wool scarves to keep your neck warm and cushion your sweater against friction.

A soft shirt beneath your sweater helps alleviate some of the stress caused by shoulder straps by cushioning against the friction. You will also get less shoulder pilling if you buy a tightly knit sweater made with long fibre yarn like our Aran sweater collection. 

Spoil Yourself With High-Quality Wool Sweaters That Resist Pilling at Aran

Whether you’re looking for a wool sweater for women or a wool sweater for men, you’ll always find just what you’re looking for. Don’t settle for a cheap disposable sweater; buy an heirloom at Aran.

The Aran sweater was designed for the fisherman and farmers living on the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast. But today, everyone worldwide loves our sweaters - be it for the timeless heritage they represent, or simply the undeniable comfort and style they have to offer.

Our sweaters can absorb 30% of their weight in water before feeling wet and insulate against both cold and heat to keep you comfortable in all weather conditions. They’re carefully crafted from the finest Merino wool to stand the test of time.

Here’s what our customers have to say about our Irish wool sweaters.

“I have bought 4 sweaters from the company in the last year. These are top quality sweaters that deserve superlative words. There is almost no pilling. They keep me warm. They fit well and look stylish.” - Sharon

“I’ve tried the rest...you are the best! No pilling, super soft, elegant designs! My great-great-great granny O'Neill would be proud to wear anything and everything from Aran Sweater Market! Bravo…” - Ann

“These sweaters are the best! Soft, warm, beautifully made. They last for years! The colors stay vibrant and they barely pill. And Aran makes the shopping experience a pleasure.” - Lilac

Final Words on How to Get Rid of Pilling on Wool Sweater

Maintaining an Irish sweater doesn’t require a lot of work, but you need to know what you’re doing. These tips on how to remove pilling from wool sweaters will keep your new Aran sweater looking good for years to come. 

We certify everything we sell for authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship. Our 100% wool sweaters are renewable and sustainable. If you’re looking for a wardrobe showpiece, browse our site today!