How to Prevent Pilling in Your Swimwear

Pilling, those small bobbles of fabric, is one of the most common swimwear frustrations. It is usually caused by friction and poor fabric, and the right habits keep it away.

Mind where you sit

Rough surfaces like concrete pool edges, gritty rocks and textured loungers rub against the fabric and cause pilling. A towel between you and the surface makes all the difference.

Wash gently

Machine washing, especially with rougher fabrics like towels, accelerates pilling. Hand-washing alone, separately from other items, protects the surface.

Choose quality fabric

Dense, high-quality fabric pills far less than cheap, loosely woven alternatives. This is one more reason that well-made swimwear is worth the investment.

If a few pills do appear, a fabric comb or dedicated de-piller restores a smooth finish in minutes.