Pilling

Definition

The formation of small, tangled balls of fibre (pills) on a fabric surface caused by abrasion during wear and washing. Pilling is more common in fabrics with loose fibres or short staple lengths — cheap polyester fleece is notorious for it. Pilling resistance is tested using a Martindale or ICI pilling box and rated 1-5. Quality fabrics with combed cotton, longer staple fibres, or anti-pilling treatments rate 3-5.