Tips

Pilling is not a sign of poor quality. It is a sign of wear — and wear is what a good sweater is for. Those small clusters of fibre that form on the surface of knitwear are the result of friction, nothing more. The good news is that they are straightforward to remove, and doing so properly will restore your sweater to something close to its original appearance. Here is how.

Understanding Why Pilling Happens

Pilling occurs when short or broken fibres on the surface of a knit tangle together under repeated friction — typically at the sleeves, underarms, and sides of the body where a bag strap or jacket lining rubs consistently. It affects natural fibres like wool and cotton just as readily as synthetics. The denser and tighter the knit, the less susceptible it tends to be — which is one reason construction quality matters as much as fibre content.

The Right Tools for the Job

There are three reliable methods, each suited to different levels of pilling.

A Fabric Shaver

For moderate to heavy pilling, a fabric shaver — also called a lint shaver or defuzzer — is the most efficient tool. Lay the sweater flat on a clean surface, hold the fabric taut with one hand, and move the shaver in slow, even strokes across the affected area. Avoid pressing too hard. Let the tool do the work. Empty the collection chamber regularly so suction stays consistent.

A Sweater Stone or Pumice Block

A sweater stone works well on heavier knits and wool. Use light, unidirectional strokes — always in the same direction — to lift pills without pulling at the weave. It requires a little more patience than a shaver but is gentler on delicate fibres.

A Disposable Razor (With Care)

In the absence of dedicated tools, a clean disposable razor used with a very light hand can remove pills from a flat, stretched surface. This method carries more risk of snagging the knit, so treat it as a last resort and work slowly.

How to Prevent Pilling Going Forward

Turn your sweaters inside out before washing. Wash on a gentle or hand-wash cycle in cold water. Avoid tumble drying — lay flat to dry instead, reshaping the garment while it is still damp. Store knitwear folded rather than hung, which prevents stretching at the shoulders and reduces surface friction in the wardrobe.

A well-maintained knit rewards the effort. The Stedford Classic Quarter Zip is built to be worn consistently and kept properly — the kind of piece that improves with care rather than deteriorating without it.

The Bigger Picture

Caring for what you own is an extension of how you dress. A wardrobe maintained with the same intention it was built with lasts longer, looks better, and ultimately costs less. Removing a little pilling is a small act — but it is the kind of small act that separates a wardrobe from a collection of clothes.