How to Stop Cashmere from Pilling

Pilling is one of the most common frustrations with cashmere, but it doesn’t have to be. While a tiny bit of initial pilling is natural, excessive fuzziness isn’t normal and usually has clear causes—either fiber quality, knitting technique, or daily care.
This guide explains why cashmere pills and exactly how to prevent it, in a simple, practical, and reliable way.

1. Why Cashmere Pills in the First Place

Pilling happens when loose surface fibers twist together into tiny balls. (To understand why cashmere fibers behave this way, you can also read our guide on how cashmere is made.)
This is influenced by:

More pilling when:

Fibers are short
Knitting is loose
Cashmere is low grade
Clothing rubs heavily at the underarm, elbows, or sides

Less pilling when:

Fibers are longer and finer
Yarn is tightly spun
Knitting is dense and compact
Washing and storage are correct

Understanding this helps you tell whether the issue is material or maintenance. (If you want to compare cashmere with other luxury materials like wool, silk, and cotton, we have a full fabric comparison guide.)

2. Choose High-Quality Cashmere From the Start

The biggest factor in pilling is fiber quality.
Long, Grade-A fibers pill far less because they have fewer loose ends.

What to look for:

Smooth, even surface (not fluffy)
Dense stitching
100% cashmere label (avoid blends)
Fabric that feels soft but not greasy or overly silky
A knit that bounces back when gently stretched

Cheap cashmere pills no matter how carefully you wash it—so starting with quality matters most. (For a deeper checklist on identifying premium cashmere, see our guide on how to tell if your cashmere is truly high-quality.)

3. Reduce Friction — The Real Secret to Preventing Pills

Pilling is caused by friction, not washing.
To minimize daily abrasion:

Avoid rough coats like boucle or coarse wool
Choose smooth-lined outerwear
Wear a silk or cotton base layer underneath
Be mindful of repeated friction spots (underarms, seatbelt area, bag straps)

This single habit reduces pilling more than anything else. (If you want layering ideas that protect cashmere from friction, our winter layering guide may help.)

4. Wash Cashmere Gently (The Right Way)

Proper washing actually reduces pilling over time because it helps stabilize the fibers.

Wash correctly:

Use cold water only
Use a gentle wool/cashmere detergent
Do not rub, wring, or twist
Press water out with a towel
Lay flat to dry (never hang)

Good washing maintains the yarn’s twist, so fewer fibers break loose. (We also have a complete cashmere care guide if you want step-by-step washing and storage instructions.)

5. Use a Cashmere Comb Occasionally (Not Too Often)

A high-quality cashmere comb removes the loose surface fibers before they form pills.

How to use it safely:

Only on dry fabric
Light downward strokes
No aggressive scraping
Use only when needed, not after every wear

This keeps the surface clean without damaging the knit.

6. Store Cashmere Properly to Prevent Fiber Breakage

Good storage minimizes fiber friction and prevents fuzz from forming.

Best method:

Fold (never hang)
Store in breathable cotton bags
Use cedar or lavender to repel moths
Keep sweaters dust-free and dry

Smooth storage = smoother surface = fewer pills.

Conclusion

Stopping cashmere from pilling is completely achievable:
Start with high-quality fibers, reduce friction, wash gently, store correctly, and remove the occasional loose fuzz with care. With these habits, your cashmere will stay smooth, elegant, and long-lasting—season after season.