Cashmere pills because loose short fibres work their way to the surface and tangle into small balls where the knit rubs, under the arms and at the cuffs. Some pilling in the first weeks is normal, even in good cashmere, and it settles once the loose fibres are gone. Remove it with a cashmere comb and buy long-fibre cashmere jumpers to keep it to a minimum. The N.Peal edit is spun from long Inner Mongolian fibre for exactly that reason.
Does pilling mean poor quality?
Not on its own. All cashmere pills a little at first. Constant pilling that never stops is the sign of short fibres, loose spinning and a light knit, which is why cheap cashmere thins and develops holes after a season.
How to remove pills
- Lay the knit flat on a table.
- Use a cashmere comb, holding the fabric taut with your other hand.
- Comb in short, light strokes in one direction.
- Stop when the surface is smooth. Over-combing thins the knit.
An electric fabric shaver works too, but keep it light. Never pull pills off by hand.
How to prevent pilling
- Buy long fibres. Inner Mongolian cashmere has some of the longest fibres in the world. Read what Mongolian cashmere is.
- Choose denser knits. A 2-ply knit pills less than a loose 1-ply. See cashmere ply explained.
- Rest it. Give a jumper a day off between wears.
- Watch the friction. Cross-body bags and rough coat linings cause most bobbles.
- Wash it inside out by hand, as in our guide on how to wash cashmere.
Cashmere that pills least
Dense, tightly spun knits hold up best. The Honeycomb Knit Cashmere Jumper in Pebble Grey has a honeycomb texture that hides wear, and the Emilia Cable Round Neck Cashmere Jumper in Oatmeal Brown is a cable knit with plenty of body. The superfine cashmere and silk Eden Superfine Cashmere Round Neck Top in Black has a smooth, tight surface.
Where cashmere pills most
Pills form where the knit rubs: under the arms, on the inner sleeve, at the cuffs and wherever a bag strap sits. A shoulder bag worn on the same side every day is the biggest single cause. Coats with rough linings come second.
Pilling by knit type
| Knit | Pilling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fine 1-ply | Moderate at first | A single strand has more loose fibre ends |
| 2-ply classic | Low | Two twisted strands hold fibres in place |
| Chunky and cable | Low to moderate | Dense, but more surface area |
| Cashmere and silk | Low | Silk gives a smooth, tight surface |
The first month
A new jumper sheds its loosest fibres in the first few weeks. Comb it after the first three to four wears, then again as needed. After that, a long-fibre cashmere pills far less often, and the surface softens rather than thins.
When to worry
If a knit keeps pilling heavily after months of care, the fibres are short. If it starts to show thin patches and holes, it is past saving. Neither should happen with a good long-fibre cashmere worn and washed with care.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for cashmere to pill?
Yes. Most cashmere pills a little in the first few weeks as loose fibres work out. It should settle after a few combings.
Does expensive cashmere pill?
Less than cheap cashmere, because it is spun from longer fibres. It still pills a little at first.
What is the best way to remove pills from cashmere?
A cashmere comb, used lightly in one direction with the knit laid flat.
Can you shave cashmere?
Yes, lightly, with an electric fabric shaver. Do not press hard.
Will washing cashmere stop pilling?
Gentle washing helps the fibres settle, but it will not stop pilling caused by friction.
Read next: How to wash cashmere, Mongolian cashmere, The best cashmere jumpers for women.
By Gemma Deeks, Luxury Handbags Fashion Editor. Updated 19 October 2026.
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