Pilling and wool garments
In the textile industry, everyone knows (and dreads) pilling, especially when it comes to wool, as this phenomenon is quite frequent… unless the yarn is of good quality. At Emmetex, we carefully study and analyze the fabrics we produce so that you never have to deal with this inconvenience.
What is pilling?
Pilling is a “phenomenon that leads to the formation of small dots on fabrics, which can make clothes look old and ruined in a short time.”
This does not only depend on the quality of the fabric used, as it can also occur if we do not take proper care of wool garments; good care means avoiding pilling but also keeping the garments in optimal condition.
Here are a few tips to prevent and/or contain pilling.
10 tips to save our woolen clothes.
- Let’s start with the basics: washing. Washing wool garments is always tricky, as this may cause both pilling or tightening of the wool itself, to the point of making the garment no longer wearable. First of all, the temperature! Wool garments must be washed only in cold water and preferably by hand. If you have to use a washing machine, choose a delicate wash cycle. Finally, turning the garment inside out is also a good idea.
- Choose the right detergent! Whether you are washing by hand or in a washing machine, always use a detergent with enzymes, as this ‘cleans’ the garment from the formation of any type of fabric pellets.
- When washing woolen garments by hand, do not rub the fabric if there is a stain. Use a stain remover directly on it, without rubbing or twisting the garment.
- Be very careful with Velcro. If the garment (or any other garment in the same wash) contains a Velcro part, make sure that it never comes into contact with the wool, as this may lead to pilling.
- No tumble dryers! Wool garments should be air-dried, preferably not directly in the sun, and away from any artificial heat sources, including heaters.
Emmetex wool, for conscious consumers
Wool garments need more care, however, they will also outlast any other type of garment, especially if they are well-kept. Buying a woolen garment means not having to buy the same garment over and over, as wool is a very durable fabric that will last over time. By doing so, you will also take care of the environment because you will reduce the need to produce new textiles and waste. Shopping more consciously, refraining from buying fast fashion products and choosing valuable garments and fabrics is the only way to fight textile pollution and, in turn, increase the production of organic, ecological and environmentally friendly fibres, such as wool.