Why Do Some Hoodies Pill After Washing? (And How to Stop It)
Few things are more annoying than a hoodie that looks great on day one and is covered in tiny fuzzy balls a few washes later. Those little bobbles are called pilling, and while it happens to almost every hoodie eventually, some pill far faster than others. Here's why it happens and what you can do about it.
What Is Pilling?
Pilling happens when loose fibres on the surface of the fabric rub together and tangle into small balls. Friction is the cause. Anywhere the fabric rubs against itself, a bag strap, or the washing machine drum, fibres work loose and knot up.
Why Some Hoodies Pill More Than Others
1. Short fibres. Fabric made from short fibres has more loose ends poking out, so it pills more easily. Longer, better-quality fibres sit tighter in the yarn and resist bobbling.
2. Loose knitting. A tightly knitted fabric holds fibres in place. A loosely knitted one lets them escape. This is one reason heavier, denser hoodies often hold up better. Our guide to how to tell if a hoodie is high quality shows what to check before you buy.
3. The fibre mix. Blends can pill differently from pure cotton. Synthetic fibres are strong, so when they do pill, the bobbles tend to cling on rather than fall off. Neither option is pill-proof. See our comparison of 100% cotton vs. cotton blend hoodies for the trade-offs.
4. How you wash it. Hot water, long cycles, and heavy spinning all increase friction. Washing a hoodie with jeans, towels, or anything with zips and rough textures makes it worse.
5. Where it rubs. Underarms, cuffs, the sides, and anywhere a bag strap sits will pill first.
How to Stop Hoodies Pilling
- Turn it inside out before washing, so the outer surface rubs less.
- Wash at 30°C on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Wash with similar fabrics. Keep hoodies away from jeans, towels, and anything with zips or Velcro.
- Close zips and tie drawstrings so they don't snag the fabric.
- Use a gentle detergent and skip fabric softener if your hoodie has started to pill. Softener can leave residue on fibres.
- Don't overload the drum. Clothes need room to move freely.
- Air dry where you can. Tumble drying adds friction and heat. If you do use a dryer, choose a low setting.
- Wash less often. Hoodies rarely need washing after every wear. Airing one out between wears reduces wear and tear.
How to Remove Pills You Already Have
- Fabric shaver: the quickest, most effective option. Glide it gently over the fabric.
- Fabric comb or pumice-style stone: a good low-cost alternative.
- Small scissors: for the odd stubborn bobble. Cut carefully and don't pull.
Avoid pulling pills off by hand, as this can tug the fabric and make more of them. Remove them gently, and your hoodie will look fresh again.
Does Pilling Mean a Hoodie Is Poor Quality?
Not always. Almost every knitted fabric pills a little, especially in the first few washes, as loose fibres work their way out. What matters is how much and how quickly. A hoodie that pills heavily after a handful of washes is likely to have shorter fibres or a loose knit. One that pills lightly and responds well to a shave will usually look good for a long time.
The Bottom Line
Pilling is caused by friction and loose fibres, and you can't remove the risk completely. But the right fabric plus gentle washing keeps it to a minimum, and a fabric shaver fixes whatever does appear.
Ready for a new favourite? Browse our full hoodie collection and find a design that suits your style.
Related Reading
- How to Tell If a Hoodie Is High Quality (Before You Buy)
- The Ultimate Guide to Hoodies: Which Style Is Right for You?
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed and approved for publication by the editorial team at WhatUWant2Buy.
