How to Remove Pilling from Cashmere

Pilling is completely normal for cashmere — even the highest quality cashmere pills. It's caused by short fibers working their way to the surface with wear. The good news: pills are easy to remove and your cashmere will look like new again.

Why Cashmere Pills

Cashmere fibers are extremely fine and soft, which makes them prone to tangling into small balls (pills) on the surface with friction. Pilling is most common:

Under the arms and along the sides where friction is highest
Where a bag strap rubs against the shoulder
At the cuffs and collar from regular wear
In the first few wears of a new cashmere garment

Pilling does not mean your cashmere is low quality — it's a natural property of the fiber.

Best Tool: Cashmere Comb

A cashmere comb is the gentlest and most precise tool for removing pills from cashmere. Unlike electric fabric shavers, a cashmere comb gives you full control and won't accidentally damage thin or delicate areas.

How to Use a Cashmere Comb

Lay the garment flat on a hard, smooth surface.
Hold the fabric taut with one hand.
Comb in one direction with light, short strokes. Work with the grain of the knit, not against it.
Work in small sections — focus on pilled areas rather than combing the entire garment.
Remove collected pills from the comb regularly as you work.
Be gentle on thin areas — use even lighter pressure on fine or worn sections.

Alternative: Electric Fabric Shaver

For heavier pilling, an electric fabric shaver removes pills faster than a comb. Use the lowest speed setting on cashmere and move slowly. The cashmere comb is gentler and preferred for delicate or thin cashmere.

How to Prevent Pilling on Cashmere

Hand wash instead of machine washing — less agitation means less pilling.
Turn cashmere inside out before washing.
Use a mesh laundry bag if machine washing.
Carry bags with a crossbody strap rather than under the arm.
Store folded — not hanging — to reduce fiber stress.
Depill regularly — removing pills before they accumulate keeps cashmere looking fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pilling mean my cashmere is low quality?

No — all cashmere pills, including the finest grades. Pilling is a natural property of the fiber. Higher quality cashmere may pill slightly less, but regular depilling with a cashmere comb keeps any cashmere looking pristine.

How often should I depill cashmere?

As needed — typically every 3–5 wears or at the start of each season. New cashmere often pills more in the first few wears as loose surface fibers work out. After the initial break-in period, pilling reduces significantly.

Can I use scissors to remove cashmere pills?

Yes — carefully snip individual pills with small sharp scissors. This works for isolated pills but is very slow for larger areas. A cashmere comb is much faster and more effective.

Will depilling damage my cashmere?

Not when done correctly with a cashmere comb and light pressure. Avoid pressing hard or going over the same thin area repeatedly. The comb removes only the pills, not the underlying fabric.

My cashmere has a lot of pills — is it ruined?

No — even heavily pilled cashmere can be restored. Work through the pilled areas systematically with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver on low speed. After depilling, the cashmere will look significantly better.

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