Brushed cashmere is loved for its airy softness and cloud-like feel—but if you’ve noticed tiny fuzz balls forming on the surface, you might wonder if it pills easily. The short answer: yes, brushed cashmere can pill, but it’s a natural and manageable part of the fabric’s life. Pilling doesn’t mean your garment is low quality; it simply reflects how the delicate fibers move and rub during wear. With the right care, your brushed cashmere can stay luxuriously smooth and beautiful for years.
Chunky Brushed Cashmere Argyle Crewneck Sweater
What Is Brushed Cashmere?
Brushed cashmere is made by taking traditional cashmere yarn and gently brushing its surface with fine bristles. This process lifts the fibers slightly, creating a fuzzy, ultra-soft texture that feels lighter and warmer than tightly spun cashmere. A brushed cashmere cardigan or womens brushed cashmere sweater offers a plush, cozy feel that’s perfect for layering in cooler weather. The brushing technique enhances softness but also makes the outer fibers more prone to friction, which is why pilling can occur.
Why Does Brushed Cashmere Pill?
Pilling happens when loose fibers on the surface of your garment twist together due to friction—like from arm movement, bag straps, or even layering. Brushed cashmere has extra surface fibers from the brushing process, so it may pill more at first than tightly woven knits. However, this doesn’t mean it’s inferior. High-quality brushed cashmere naturally sheds some fibers in its early wears, and after a few gentle de-pilling sessions, it stabilizes and pills far less.
Where Pilling Occurs Most Often
You’ll often see pilling in high-friction areas such as:
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Under the arms
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Along the sides of cardigans or sweaters
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Around the wrists or cuffs
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On the front or back of sweaters where a coat or bag rubs
For example, a pink brushed cashmere sweater may develop small pills where your handbag strap rests on your shoulder. With regular maintenance, these pills can be safely removed without harming the fabric.
How to Prevent Pilling
You can’t stop pilling entirely, but you can reduce it by following a few easy habits:
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Avoid over-washing. Cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing; air it out between wears instead.
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Rotate your sweaters. Let your garments rest a day or two between wears so the fibers can recover.
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Avoid rough layers. Pair brushed cashmere with smooth fabrics like silk or cotton to reduce friction.
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Use a cashmere brush. Gently brushing the surface helps remove loose fibers before they form pills.
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Store properly. Fold, don’t hang, your cashmere to prevent stretching and rubbing.
A cashmere shawl or brushed cashmere scarf will benefit from the same care—avoid storing them near zippers or rough textures that can pull or snag fibers.
Brushed Cashmere Sequin V-Neck Sweater in Top-Tier Italian Yarn
How to Remove Pills Safely
When pills appear, it’s best to remove them gently instead of pulling them by hand, which can damage the knit. Here’s how to do it safely:
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Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver. Lay your garment flat and glide the tool lightly over the pilled areas.
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Brush lightly afterward. Use a soft cashmere brush to smooth and fluff the fibers again.
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Wash occasionally. Hand wash in lukewarm water with a gentle cashmere detergent to refresh the fibers.
After a few washes and de-pilling sessions, your brushed cashmere will become smoother and shed less frequently.
Caring for Different Brushed Cashmere Pieces
- Cardigans: A brushed cashmere cardigan should be folded instead of hung to avoid stretching. Brush after every few wears to maintain its softness.
- Sweaters: A womens brushed cashmere sweater is best layered over lightweight tops rather than directly under thick coats, which can rub the fibers.
- Scarves and Shawls: A brushed cashmere scarf or cashmere shawl can collect friction pills around the edges—gently remove them with a cashmere comb every few wears.
- Accessories: Even small pieces like fingerless cashmere gloves can pill where they meet other fabrics, like coat sleeves or handbags. Light brushing keeps them smooth.
The Difference Between Brushed and Regular Cashmere
| Feature | Brushed Cashmere | Regular Cashmere |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, fuzzy, and airy | Smooth and dense |
| Warmth | Slightly warmer due to raised fibers | Moderately warm with tighter weave |
| Pilling | More likely at first due to brushed fibers | Less prone to early pilling |
| Look | Casual, cozy finish | Sleek, polished finish |
| Care | Requires gentle brushing and de-pilling | Easier to maintain |
Brushed cashmere offers a more relaxed and modern feel than traditional cashmere, making it ideal for everyday wear and layering. While it requires a bit more attention, the payoff is the luxuriously soft comfort it brings.
Chunky Oversized Brushed Cashmere Polo Collar Sweater
How to Wash Brushed Cashmere Correctly
Since washing affects pilling, it’s important to handle brushed cashmere delicately:
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Fill a basin with cool water and a few drops of cashmere-safe detergent.
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Gently submerge your sweater or scarf—never rub or wring.
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Rinse thoroughly and press water out gently using a towel.
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Lay flat to dry, reshaping as it dries.
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When dry, brush the surface lightly to revive the fuzzy finish.
Avoid machine washing or tumble drying, as the agitation and heat can tangle fibers and cause excessive pilling.
Storing Brushed Cashmere the Right Way
To protect your brushed cashmere during off-season months, fold each item and store it in a breathable cotton or linen bag. Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to deter moths. Never hang your cashmere—it stretches easily and can lose shape over time.
How to Keep Brushed Cashmere Looking New
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Brush after washing to restore the nap of the fabric.
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Steam lightly to remove wrinkles and keep the fibers relaxed.
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Avoid friction-heavy accessories like coarse handbags or metal jewelry when wearing brushed cashmere.
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Store clean. Oils or lotions left on the fibers can attract dirt and dull the softness over time.
Chunky Brushed Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Final Thoughts
So, does brushed cashmere pill? Yes—but it’s entirely normal and easy to manage. Pilling happens because brushed cashmere is crafted for softness, with fibers that naturally move as you wear them. With simple tools like a cashmere brush and proper care habits, your favorite brushed cashmere cardigan, cashmere shawl, or fingerless cashmere gloves can stay smooth, warm, and elegant season after season. Treat it gently, give it time to settle, and you’ll enjoy the refined comfort that makes brushed cashmere one of fashion’s most cherished materials.