Cashmere Pilling Explained: Causes, Prevention & Easy Fixes

November 6, 2025

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

With over a decade at GOBI Cashmere, Uchral has devoted her career to designing exquisite knitwear. Beginning as a textile designer, she went on to lead the design division and now directs design development. Her extensive expertise in fashion design, coupled with years of hands-on experience, enables her to craft timeless, high-quality cashmere pieces that seamlessly fuse tradition with modern innovation. She offers expert insights into cashmere fashion, design trends, the creative journey behind each garment, as well as how to wear, care for, and fully appreciate cashmere.

Author Profile

What is Cashmere Pilling?

Pilling refers to the small fuzz balls that form when loose fibers on the surface tangle due to friction. It is especially visible in areas like underarms and cuffs, or where your cashmere cardigan or cashmere hoodie rubs against other fabrics.

Unlike synthetic fibers, cashmere pills less over time because the shorter fibers eventually shed, leaving only longer, stronger fibers intact. That’s why after a few gentle de-pilling sessions, your woman's cashmere sweater or mens cashmere sweater will look smoother and softer than ever.

Does High-Quality Cashmere Pill?

Yes, even the best quality Mongolian cashmere will pill slightly at first. The difference is in the fiber length. Longer fibers are found in luxury Mongolian cashmere clothing, which pills significantly less than short-fiber blends. So while all cashmere pills initially, the best investment is in authentic Mongolian cashmere.

Cashmere Pilling Causes

Friction and Daily Wear

The number one cause of cashmere pilling is friction. Areas that rub, like underarms, seatbelts, handbag straps, or the sides of cashmere joggers will naturally develop pills.

Fiber Length and Quality

Shorter fibers loosen more easily and form pills. This is why Mongolian cashmere is superior; it comes from goats raised in extreme climates, producing extra-long fibers that reduce pilling over time.

Improper Washing or Care

Machine washing, harsh detergents, or hanging cashmere garments can cause unnecessary fiber breakage. Poor storage also increases pilling risk. Read to know more about how to care for your cashmere.

How to Prevent Pilling on Cashmere

Best Way to Wash Cashmere to Avoid Pilling

Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent or baby shampoo. Gently press out excess water, never wring. Lay flat to dry. This is the best way to wash cashmere to avoid pilling.

How to Store Cashmere to Prevent Pilling

Always fold, never hang, as hanging distorts fibers. Store in cotton bags with cedar or lavender to protect from moths. Proper storage reduces wear on delicate fibers and helps stop cashmere pilling.

Choosing High-Quality Mongolian Cashmere

The most effective prevention is quality. Longer, stronger fibers in luxury Mongolian cashmere pill significantly less. Choosing GOBI ensures you enjoy garments like a cashmere coat or cashmere hoodie that resist wear while staying luxuriously soft.

How to Fix Cashmere Pilling (Easy Removal Methods)

When pills appear, they’re easy to manage if you know the right techniques.

How to Use a Cashmere Comb for Pilling

A cashmere comb is the safest tool. Lay the garment flat and gently brush the surface in one direction. This method quickly removes fuzz without damaging the fibers.

Natural Ways to Remove Pilling from Cashmere

If you don’t have a comb, you can use a fabric shaver, lint roller, or even sticky tape in emergencies. These natural ways to remove pilling from cashmere keep your garments fresh between wears.

Fixing on the Cashmere Sweater

To fix pilling on a cashmere sweater, such as a women's cashmere sweater or a men's cashmere sweater, de-pill gently after a few wears. Once the shorter fibers shed, your sweater will look smoother and pill less over time.

Beyond Pilling: Cashmere Care & Maintenance

Good habits go beyond pill prevention. Proper cashmere care and maintenance ensure your garments remain as luxurious as the day you bought them.

Seasonal Storage Tips

At season’s end, clean your cashmere pieces before storing. Fold neatly in cotton bags with natural moth repellents. This applies to everything from a cashmere cardigan to a cashmere hat & gloves set.

Travelling with Cashmere

Fold your cashmere scarf or cashmere joggers into soft pouches to avoid snagging. Cashmere’s lightweight quality makes it perfect for packing luxury comfort that travels beautifully. Read more about Cashmere Travel Essentials.

Refreshing Between Wears

Air out your cashmere after each wear instead of frequent washing. This refreshes fibers and extends the life of garments like a cashmere hoodie or cashmere coat.

So, does high-quality cashmere pill? Yes, but only slightly, and far less when you choose Mongolian cashmere. More importantly, pilling is easily fixed and part of the natural settling of fibers. With proper care, you can remove cashmere pilling, maintain elegance, and enjoy your pieces for decades.

At GOBI, every garment is crafted from luxury Mongolian cashmere, offering the softest cashmere, designed for enduring quality, long-lasting comfort, and timeless style. Whether it’s a woman's cashmere sweater, a man's cashmere sweater, or a versatile cashmere cardigan, your cashmere essentials deserve care but reward you with elegance that lasts a lifetime.

Pilling is not a flaw; it’s a reminder that you’re wearing one of the rarest, most beautiful fibers in the world. Embrace it, care for it, and let your cashmere essential wardrobe reflect true luxury.

FAQs

What causes cashmere pilling?

Cashmere pilling is caused by friction when shorter surface fibers tangle and form tiny balls, especially in high-rub areas like underarms, cuffs, or sides.

Does high-quality cashmere pill less?

Yes. High-quality cashmere, made with longer fibers, pills less than low-grade blends. With proper care, it stays smooth, soft, and elegant much longer.

Can I remove cashmere pilling naturally at home?

Yes. Use a cashmere comb, lint roller, or gentle fabric shaver. Even sticky tape works in emergencies to safely remove pilling without harming the fibers.

Does Mongolian cashmere pill less than regular cashmere?

Yes. Mongolian cashmere has ultra-long, fine fibers from goats in extreme climates. They pill less, feel softer, and maintain their smooth surface for longer.

Is pilling a sign of bad quality cashmere?

Yes and No. All cashmere pills slightly, especially when new. However, high-quality fibers pill less over time, leaving garments smoother, softer, and more durable with proper care.