Why Does My Fleece Pill and How to Fix It
By Volcom® | Skate, Surf & Swimwear, Snowboarding Clothes ... | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Fleece pilling is normal, but you can slow it down and remove pills without damaging the fabric. Learn the causes, fixes, and when to stop.
Quick Answer
Fleece pilling is caused by friction and loose fibers, and you can fix it with a fabric shaver or by washing inside-out. Stop shaving once the surface looks smooth to avoid thinning the fabric.
Why Fleece Pills (and Why It’s Not a Flaw)
Pilling happens when short, loose fibers on the surface of fleece tangle into tiny balls. This is a natural result of wear, especially where your arms rub against your sides or where a backpack strap sits. It’s not a sign of poor quality—even premium fleece will pill over time.
The type of fleece matters. Heavier, denser fleece with a tighter knit resists pilling better than lighter, looser weaves. For example, Volcom’s Hydro Fleece uses a 290g weight that’s built to handle rough use, so it tends to hold up longer before pilling becomes noticeable.
The Tradeoff: Shaving vs. Leaving It
You can remove pills with a fabric shaver or a sweater stone, but each method has its limits. Shaving is fast and effective, but if you press too hard or go over the same spot repeatedly, you can cut the fleece’s surface and create thin spots. Leaving the pills alone is safe, but the fabric will look worn and feel less soft.
A good middle ground is to shave only the most visible areas—like the chest and sleeves—and leave less noticeable spots alone. This preserves the fabric while keeping your fleece looking fresh.
Diagnosis and Fix for Fleece Pilling
- Symptom: Tiny fuzz balls appear on the surface of your fleece, especially on the chest, sides, and sleeves. Check if pills are only on high-friction areas; this is normal wear, not a defect.
- Likely Cause: Friction from movement, backpack straps, or washing with rough fabrics like denim causes loose fibers to tangle. Wash fleece inside-out and with similar soft fabrics to reduce future pilling.
- Corrective Action: Use a fabric shaver or sweater stone on the pilled areas. Work in gentle, circular motions and stop as soon as the surface looks smooth. Test on a small, hidden spot first to see how your fleece reacts.
- When to Stop or Choose Another Option: Stop shaving if you notice the fabric thinning or if pills reappear quickly after shaving. If the fleece is heavily pilled or worn thin, consider replacing it with a more durable fleece. If pilling returns fast, it may be time for a new fleece with a denser weave.
Fleece That Resists Pilling
- Kids' Big Hydro Fleece Hoodie: The Kids' Big Hydro Fleece Hoodie uses 290g hydrophobic fleece in a long fit with ribbed cuffs and hem. The denser 290g fleece and ribbed trims reduce friction points, so this hoodie is less prone to pilling in high-wear areas like the cuffs.
Kids' Big Hydro Fleece Hoodie
