What Is Clothes Pilling (And How You Can Keep It From Ruining Your Threads)?

Cashmere and knitted fabrics will pill more than others, and the same can be said for wool, cotton, and fleece. This is based on the fabric's structure — these fabrics have short fibers, which are not as long-lasting as fabric with long fibers. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic are also more prone to pilling; when something is made with one or more synthetic materials, you can expect the fabric to break down, which leads to pilling. This can be caused by wearing an article of clothing often, or it can be a result of friction caused by layering clothing. When you throw it in the wash, you'll sometimes find other fabric colors on your clothing.

This is likely from another piece with pilling in your washer. This isn't great for your clothing, aesthetically speaking or otherwise. Experts recommend that you invest in fabrics that won't pill. This includes denim, silk, and woven fabrics. Textile expert Sean Cormier told Today that tight fibers are also a must when it comes to clothing that won't pill. He explained, "The higher the twist, the firmer the feel of fabric." Cormier added, "You'll see pilling on a lot of loose knits because there's more area for the abrasion to take place and it's not as tightly twisted."

On your next shopping trip, read the label and see if the piece is synthetic or if it's made with durable fabric to determine if pilling will be an issue.