Does Alpaca Wool Pill? (Prevention, Causes and Solutions)

Ever noticed those tiny, annoying fuzzballs that mysteriously pop up all over your favorite wool sweater? That’s called pilling. But does alpaca wool pill? 

Alpaca wool garments can develop pilling over time, particularly in high-friction areas like the underarms. However, alpaca wool pills less than other types of wool due to its silky, long fibers, which reduce the likelihood of fibers tangling and forming pills.

Wondering why alpaca wool resists pilling better than other fibers? Let’s explore the unique qualities that make it so special.

Why Alpaca Wool Pills Less Than Other Fibers

Just like any other fiber, alpaca wool pills. However, alpaca wool pills less than other fibers because of its unique structure and characteristics. 

1. Silky Texture

Alpaca wool isn’t actually wool—it’s hair. The difference lies in its structure: alpaca fibers have tiny interlocking scales that give them a silky texture. This smoothness reduces friction between fibers, making pilling less likely compared to sheep’s wool, cotton, and other materials.

2. Strong and Long

Alpaca hairs are only shorn once a year when they’re at least 70 mm (2.75 in.) long. This long growth period ensures the fibers are strong and resilient. Longer, stronger hairs are less prone to breaking and tangling, which means fewer chances for pills to form.

3. Hollow Fiber

If you’re into alpaca, you will have heard this before: it has a unique hollow fiber texture. This means that most of the fiber is just air, and that means… Alpaca wool is very lightweight. And because of this, there is less friction, and when there is friction, it’s less aggressive. 

4. Low Lanolin Content

Another great feature of alpaca wool is its low lanolin content. Lanolin is a natural grease found on sheep's wool, and raw alpaca fleece naturally has some, basically all of it is removed during the production process of yarn. 

How does it help to avoid pilling? Well, as you can imagine, grease causes friction, and friction causes pilling. No grease, no pilling. 

Why Does Pilling Happen?

Thanks to its silky texture and durable, long fibers, alpaca wool is far more resistant to pilling than most other materials. But that doesn’t mean it is completely pill-proof. Over time… Those pesky fuzzballs will appear.

What Is Pilling?

If we want to understand how we can prevent or solve pilling, we need to first understand why (and when) it happens. 

Pilling is the process of forming little fuzzballs, or bobbles, on a piece of textile. A pill is an undesirable characteristic as it shows wear-and-tear.

What Are the Causes of Pilling?

Most of the time, pilling is caused by friction, such as when sitting, walking, or wearing the garment. Repeated rubbing against surfaces causes fibers to break and tangle, leading to pills.

Of course, the degree of pilling varies depending on the wearer. Imagine that you wear the same woolen sweater with a backpack every day… The consistent friction will cause pilling. In this case, the shoulders and back will probably start to show some pilling quite soon. 

These activities cause pilling: 

1. Walking (especially with tight clothing or rough surfaces rubbing against the fabric)

2. Sitting (rubbing against seats or surfaces, especially in high-contact areas like thighs or back)

3. Carrying Bags (straps rubbing against clothing, especially on the shoulders)

4. Using Armrests (constant friction on sleeves or elbows)

5. Washing and Drying (mechanical action in the washer or dryer)

6. Repetitive Movements (like brushing against surfaces or twisting fabric during wear)

The most common places for pills to form are those where the clothes rub-up against each other the most: 

• Collar

• Armpits

• Thighs 

• End of sleeves

Frequent use and washing put stress on the fabric, causing fibers to break or come loose. Higher-wear areas, like underarms or thighs, are especially susceptible.

• Did you know that linen and silk are known to pill very little?! All other fabrics are prone to pilling.  

Can Pilling Be Prevented? 

Pilling occurs when there is friction, although friction alone is not the reason for fuzzballs to emerge. If you want to find ways to prevent (to an extent only) or decrease your chances of pilling, you should look for the following characteristics: 

• Fiber Length

  • Alpaca fibers are naturally long (at least 70 mm when shorn), reducing breakage and tangling, which minimizes pilling.

  • Ideal Fiber: high quality alpaca wool (Make sure you get “first” shearing or look for a high quality store.)
    
    

• Fiber Quality

  • Alpaca fibers are finer and smoother than regular wool, which reduces friction and pilling.

  • Ideal Fiber: baby alpaca (It is even finer and softer than regular alpaca wool.)
    
    

• Technique Used (Weaving vs. Knitting)

  • Densely woven alpaca fabrics create a smoother surface that resists pilling better than loosely knitted alpaca garments. Density = less space for friction. 

  • Ideal Technique: twill or worsted alpaca (You’ll find fancy jackets, pants, suits, blazers, business attire using these techniques.)

• The Right Weather
  

  • Wearing alpaca garments in dry, cool conditions helps maintain their structure and reduces friction, preventing pilling.

  • Ideal weather: dry, cool climates (When fibers get wet, they tend to swell, when they swell, they can cause more friction…)
    
    

• Fiber Shape
  

  • Alpaca fibers are naturally silky and smooth, reducing friction and pilling compared to other types of wool, which can be fluffier.

  • Ideal Fiber: suri alpaca (This type of alpaca is straight and has almost no crimp)
    
    

• Fiber Strength
  

  • Not all alpaca fibers are the same. If you want to prevent pilling, look for the finest and strongest grade of alpaca wool. They offer high durability and resistance to pilling.

  • Ideal Fiber: royal alpaca (Be ready to pay up, though…)
    
    

• Fabric Finish
  

  • While there’s something romantic about the idea of buying alpaca straight from the farm, those fibers are more prone to pilling. Look for combed yarns instead. 

  • Ideal Finish: combed alpaca yarns (Combed alpaca yarns have less loose ends and smoothly aligned fibers.)
    
    

• Natural Fiber-Only Fabrics
  

  • Pure fabrics resist pilling better than blends, thanks to superior fiber structure and strength. Watch out for synthetic blends! 

  • Ideal Fabric: 100% alpaca wool (Since blends use different types of fibers, they will obviously have different lengths, strengths, and structure, which makes pilling more likely.)

Ways to Further Reduce Pilling

Even though alpaca wool pills less than other fabrics, there are still ways to minimize pilling even more:

Limit Activities That Cause Friction

Alpaca wool is strong and durable, making it great for outdoor activities. However, when you’re hiking in your alpaca woolen sweater and you’re carrying a backpack… It might just increase the chances of friction. And friction increases pilling.

• Be mindful of activities that cause excessive rubbing against your alpaca garment.
  

• Avoid wearing heavy shoulder bags, backpacks, or camera straps that could rub against your clothing.

Wash Sparingly

Washing is one of the main causes of pilling, so reduce wash frequency when possible.

• Alpaca wool is naturally odor-resistant and stain-repellent—often, airing it out in a misty environment is enough to freshen it up.

Hand-Wash Alpaca Woolen Garments

When washing, avoid rubbing, wringing, or twisting your garment, as this increases the risk of pilling and felting.

• Always air-dry instead of using a dryer.
  

• For stains, rinse under running water rather than scrubbing.

For more information on the washing instructions for alpaca woolen garments, read my Step by Step Guide on How to Wash Alpaca Woolen Items. 

Can You Remove Pills from an Alpaca Garment? (Yes! Here’s How)

Do you find your item prone to pilling despite your efforts? There’s still hope. You CAN remove them. An age-old solution to pilling is to shave off the bobbles. 

Proceed with caution! Shaving machines—whether hand razors, electric shavers, or pill removers—can be too harsh and may cause permanent damage or holes in your garment.

Use a Fabric Shaver, Pill Remover, or Hand Razor

You’re not the only one who doesn’t like their fuzzballs… They made a machine to remove them: a fabric shaver.

• When “shaving” your item, always follow the instructions on the device. 

• Be sure to follow the same direction as the weave or knit. 

• Avoid pressing too hard to prevent damage.

• Be careful—I personally think a fuzzball here and there is more desirable than a hole :)

One of my favorite methods for removing fuzzballs is using an old razor. It allows for more control, minimizing the risk of making mistakes or accidentally shearing off more than you intend. Plus, it’s super gentle on the fabric, so my alpaca garments stay looking fresh and smooth without any damage.

What NOT to Do When Removing Fuzzballs

We all want to keep our alpaca garments looking fresh, but there are a few things you definitely want to avoid.

Don't Pull at the Pills

Something I need to remind myself of occasionally is not to pull a bobble off of my sweater or scarf. It might seem like a quick fix, but pulling pills off can actually do more harm than good. You risk loosening stronger fibers, which can lead to even more pills forming later on.

Don’t Use Scissors to Remove Fuzzballs

Read the title. Don’t use scissors. Just don’t. 

Using scissors can cut the fibers and cause permanent damage to your precious alpaca fabric.

Avoid Harsh Shaving Tools

Shaving machines (whether hand razors or electric shavers) can be a bit too harsh. They can create holes or cause irreversible damage if not used carefully. Always opt for a gentler approach (or just keep the fuzzballs.)

 

Final Thoughts: Become a Fuzzball Fan

Okay... I know it's radical... But just think about this: have you consider leaving your fuzzballs on your garment?

Keeping the fuzzballs can give your alpaca garment a more authentic, lived-in feel.

Some people even think it adds to the charm of natural fibers, embracing their rustic, cozy nature. Think of it as showing off the “realness” of the material.

• By embracing the fuzzballs, you’re reducing the need for constant "perfecting" or frequent cleaning.

• By accepting the occasional fuzzball, you're celebrating the natural beauty of the fiber and supporting slow fashion.

• By avoiding excessive washing or harsh treatments, you’re also giving your garment a longer life and preserving its integrity.

• By embracing fuzzballs, you might inspire others to think more naturally about their clothes and less critically about imperfections. 

It’s a small step, but becoming a Fuzzball Fan can help build a culture of acceptance for natural fibers and their quirks, leading to a more mindful mindset. The perfection of imperfection, right!?