Preventing Pilling: Care Tips for Long-Lasting Pajamas

If you’ve ever pulled your child’s favorite pajamas out of the laundry only to find little fuzz balls all over them then you are not alone. Fabric pilling is one of the most common frustrations for parents. These tiny balls, often called pills or lint balls, form when fabric fibers break and tangle due to friction—either from wear, washing, or drying.

Pilling is a natural part of fabric wear. But there are simple, effective ways to prevent it from happening too soon. Our pajamas are made using high-quality cotton blends that resist pilling longer, especially when cared for correctly. 

This guide will show you how to prevent pilling on clothes, especially your little one’s sleepwear, so their favorite PJs stay soft and smooth wash after wash.

Shop Long-Lasting Pajamas at Leveret

What Causes Pilling on Pajamas and Clothes?

If you’ve ever wondered why your child’s pajamas start to look worn out even after just a few washes, the answer is usually fabric pilling. These tiny fuzz balls may seem harmless, but they can make clothes look old, rough, and less comfortable over time.

Pilling happens when loose fibers on the surface of fabric get broken and tangled due to friction. This friction can occur from regular use, like your child rolling around in bed or playing on the floor, or from laundry cycles. Especially when clothes are tossed into a machine with heavier items. As the fabric rubs against itself or other garments, tiny fibers loosen, bunch together, and form small, visible pills.

Several factors affect how quickly these pills show up, including the type of fiber, how the fabric is made, and how it's washed and dried. Understanding these causes is the first step in learning how to prevent pilling on clothes and keeping your child’s pajamas in great condition.

Fiber Type and Fabric Blend

Not all fabrics are created equal. Short fibers, commonly found in synthetic materials like polyester or in lower-quality cotton. These are more likely to break and tangle on the surface. These fibers don’t hold together well under friction, making them more prone to pilling.

On the other hand, long-staple cotton and premium bamboo viscose are made from longer, smoother fibers that are naturally stronger. These materials don’t fray as easily and resist tangling, making them a much better choice for items like kids’ pajamas.

That’s why Leveret chooses durable, cotton-based fabrics for its sleepwear collections. When paired with proper care, these blends are much less likely to pill, even after frequent washing.

Washing Friction and Agitation

Your laundry routine plays a major role in how fast clothes begin to pill. The agitation inside the washing machine. Especially when using regular or heavy-duty cycles, it causes fabrics to rub together aggressively. If pajamas are washed with coarse items like towels or jeans, the friction increases, and so does the risk of pilling.

Overloaded machines also make the problem worse, as clothes are packed tightly and can't move freely. The more they grind against each other, the more surface damage occurs.

The good news? Pilling isn't permanent, and it’s not inevitable. With just a few adjustments to how you wash, sort, and dry your child’s clothes, you can greatly reduce friction and stop fabric pilling before it starts.

How to Prevent Pilling on Clothes (Especially Pajamas)

If you're frustrated by those little fuzz balls that make clothes look old before their time, you're not alone. Fortunately, learning how to prevent pilling on clothes, especially on pajamas that go through frequent wear and washing. It is easier than you might think. The secret lies in how you wash, dry, and care for your garments.

Below are five simple, effective habits you can build into your laundry routine to stop pilling before it starts and help your little one’s pajamas stay soft, smooth, and cozy for much longer.

1.  Wash Clothes Inside Out

Turning clothes inside out may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference. When the outer surface is protected from rubbing against the washing machine drum or other clothing, there's less chance for friction to damage the fibers. This habit significantly reduces wear on the visible side of the fabric and keeps pajamas looking newer, even after dozens of washes.

2. Use the Gentle or Delicate Cycle

Regular or heavy-duty wash cycles use high-speed agitation to clean tough stains. But that same agitation can also cause increased friction and fiber breakage, leading to pilling. The gentle or delicate cycle, on the other hand, uses lower spin speeds and softer movements, which are much better suited for baby clothes, kids' sleepwear, and any fabric you want to preserve.

Explore our Newborn Pajamas Collection for garments that deserve this level of care.

3. Avoid Harsh Detergents or Bleach

Strong, chemical-heavy detergents and bleach can weaken fabric fibers over time. It makes them more likely to break and tangle into pills. Instead, you should use mild, fragrance-free, or baby-safe detergents. These formulas clean effectively without stripping away the fabric’s natural strength and softness.

4. Don’t Overload the Machine

It’s tempting to throw in one big load and be done with it. But overloading your washing machine is one of the biggest reasons for pilling. 

When clothes are packed too tightly, they rub harshly against each other with every spin. This constant abrasion leads to more pills, especially on soft garments like cotton or bamboo sleepwear. Keep your loads light so fabrics have room to move gently.

5. Air Dry or Use Low-Heat Drying

High heat from dryers breaks down fibers quickly and increases surface damage. These two things that lead to faster pilling. To preserve your pajamas, it’s best to air dry them flat in a shaded area. If you need to use a dryer, choose a low-heat or tumble-dry setting and remove items promptly to avoid over-drying.

By following these care instructions consistently, you’ll be surprised how much longer your pajamas and other favorite clothes stay in top shape. A little extra care on laundry day goes a long way in stopping pilling and keeping your child’s wardrobe soft, clean, and photo-ready.

How to Remove Pills From Pajamas Safely

Already seeing pilling on pants or pajamas? Don’t worry! You can restore your child’s sleepwear without causing further damage.

Best Fabrics for Reducing Pilling

One of the easiest ways to prevent pilling before it starts is to choose the right fabric from the start. Some materials are simply better at holding up to daily wear and multiple washes. These fabrics typically have longer, stronger fibers that resist breakage, reducing the likelihood of those frustrating little fuzz balls forming on the surface. Here's a closer look at the best options:

Long-Staple Cotton

Not all cotton is created equal. Long-staple cotton refers to varieties where the individual cotton fibers are longer and stronger. These extended fibers interlock more tightly when the fabric is woven, resulting in a smoother surface that’s far more resistant to pilling.

Because long-staple cotton is more durable, it’s less likely to shed fibers during wear or washing, and it maintains its shape and softness longer than regular cotton. The added bonus? It feels luxuriously soft to the touch. This fabric is ideal for children's pajamas that need to be both gentle and long-lasting.

Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo viscose is another excellent choice for avoiding fabric pilling. The fibers in bamboo fabric are naturally round, smooth, and strong, which helps them resist tangling or fraying on the surface of the garment.

In addition to being pill-resistant, bamboo viscose is known for its moisture-wicking properties and temperature regulation. That makes it perfect for sleepwear—especially for children who tend to get warm or sweat during sleep. When processed responsibly, bamboo fabric also holds up well in the wash, retaining its shape and softness over time.

Modal and Tencel

Both modal and Tencel are types of rayon made from natural sources like beechwood or eucalyptus pulp. They fall into the category of semi-synthetic fabrics because they’re plant-derived but require chemical processing.

What sets them apart is their fiber strength and smoothness. Modal and Tencel fabrics are known for being incredibly soft, lightweight, and resistant to surface abrasion. Because their fibers are stronger and more uniform than traditional cotton or synthetic blends, they’re less likely to pill, even with repeated washing.

Additionally, these fabrics are breathable, eco-friendly, and offer a gentle feel that’s great for sensitive skin. These qualities make them ideal for baby and children’s clothing.

Choosing any of these high-quality fabrics—especially those used in Leveret’s bamboo and cotton pajamas—is one of the most effective ways to reduce pilling, extend garment life, and keep your child’s sleepwear looking and feeling great.

Explore our Cotton Babywear collections.

Leveret’s Approach to Fabric Quality

At Leveret, we don’t just make pajamas, we design everyday essentials that feel good, last long, and stand up to family life. Here's how we approach fabric quality, step by step:

Premium Fabric Selection

We start with the right materials. Leveret uses carefully sourced cotton blends and luxuriously soft bamboo viscose, both selected for their comfort and performance. These fabrics are naturally breathable, gentle on skin, and less likely to pill, making them ideal for sleepwear that gets worn and washed often.

Rigorous Testing Standards

Every fabric we use goes through quality testing before it becomes part of a Leveret garment. We check for:

• Fiber strength, to ensure the fabric holds up over time.
  

• Weave quality, so it resists wear, tear, and friction.
  

• Shrink resistance, for a consistent fit.
  

• Colorfastness, so prints and colors stay bright, even after repeated washing.

This process ensures your pajamas don’t just look great out of the box and they stay that way.

Built for Everyday Use

Our sleepwear is designed with real life in mind. Pajamas need to be:

• Soft enough for a newborn’s skin, so there’s no irritation during sleep.
  

• Durable enough for active toddlers, who crawl, run, and roll all day long.
  

• Convenient for parents, meaning machine washable, quick-drying, and easy to care for.
  

Comfort Without Compromise

We combine comfort and durability in every piece:

• Cotton styles offer that cozy, classic pajama feel. These pajamas are soft, breathable, and built to last.
  

• Bamboo viscose options are incredibly smooth and lightweight, perfect for children with sensitive skin. Plus, they naturally resist pilling and moisture buildup.
  

Easy Care for Busy Families

We know you don’t have time for hand-washing or special treatment. That’s why Leveret pajamas are designed to be low-maintenance. With the right wash routine (like cold water and gentle cycles), our fabrics keep their softness, shape, and quality through all the spills, stretches, and spin cycles.

Lastly, we can say that Leveret pajamas are made for families. These pajamas are blending comfort, durability, and thoughtful design into every set. Whether you’re buying for a newborn, a toddler, or the whole family, our fabric-first approach means longer-lasting, better-feeling pajamas from day one.

Should You Replace Pilled Pajamas?

Not every pill-covered pajama set needs to go straight into the donation pile of trash. Pilling is a natural part of fabric wear, especially in kids’ clothing that sees constant use, stretching, and washing. Areas like the elbows, knees, cuffs, and seat of the pants often experience the most friction, making them more prone to surface pills. Even on high-quality fabrics.

If your child’s pajamas still feel soft, fit well, and aren’t causing discomfort, a few pills are nothing to stress about. You can easily refresh their look with a fabric shaver or lint remover, which safely removes the fuzz without damaging the material underneath. This quick fix can extend the lifespan of well-loved pajamas by many more wears.

However, there are times when replacement is the better option. If the fabric starts to feel rough, thin, or worn through, or if you notice your child scratching at the material or saying it feels itchy, it may be time to retire that set. Pilling combined with thinning fabric can also reduce insulation, breathability, and overall comfort—especially for sensitive skin.

To avoid premature wear and tear, here are a few tips to extend the life of your child's pajamas:

• Rotate between multiple sets to reduce daily wear on one pair.
  

• Wash with similar fabrics (avoid mixing with heavy or rough items).
  

• Use gentle detergents and low-heat drying to preserve fabric strength.
  

• Follow recommended care instructions, including washing inside out.
  

And when it's time for a fresh start, you can always browse our Seasonal Collections to find new, pill-resistant styles your child will love—and wear comfortably from day one.

Upgrade smart. Care well. Keep comfort lasting.

Lastly, Pilling may be common, but it’s not unavoidable. With the right fabrics and a few smart care habits. You can keep your child’s pajamas soft, smooth, and looking like new. At Leveret, we combine durable materials with thoughtful design to help families enjoy longer-lasting comfort, night after night, wash after wash.

FAQ

What causes pilling on clothes and pajamas?
Pilling is caused by repeated friction during wear or washing, especially on soft fabrics like cotton, fleece, or synthetics.

How can I prevent pilling on Leveret pajamas?
Turn them inside out, wash gently, use mild detergent, avoid overloads, and skip harsh chemicals.

Is fabric softener good or bad for pilling?
Use with caution. Some fabric softeners leave residue that causes fibers to cling together and pill.

Can bamboo pajamas pill too?
Yes, though less than synthetics. Leveret uses high-quality bamboo viscose that resists pilling with proper care.

How do I remove pilling from pajamas?
Use a fabric shaver or lint remover gently. Razors can work but should be used carefully.

Is pilling a sign of low-quality clothing?
Not always. Even high-quality fabrics can pill over time, especially with frequent use. Good care slows this down.