Does a Wool Coat Pill?

Posted by Elizabeth Williams on

Do Wool Coats Pill? What You Should Know Before Buying a Wool Coat

If you've ever owned a sweater or coat that started looking fuzzy or worn after just a few wears, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear is: Do wool coats pill? The short answer is: yes, some wool coats do — but not all. Understanding why a coat may or may not pill can help you make smarter choices when investing in your wool outerwear. Because, all wool is not created equal.

What Is Pilling, and Why Does It Happen?

Pilling occurs when short or loose fibers on the surface of a fabric tangle together during friction — like from wearing a shoulder bag, sitting against a rough surface, or even just everyday movement. These little balls of fiber are called “pills.”

Wool, being a fiber, is prone to some pilling — especially in garments made with lower-quality wool or wool blends that mix in synthetic fibers. But the degree to which a coat pills depends on several key factors.

The Quality of the Wool Fiber Matters

High-quality wool coats — like the ones we make at The Checkroom — are crafted from long-staple, tightly spun wool fibers, which are much less likely to pill. Cheaper wools or wool blends often contain shorter fibers that break loose more easily, leading to faster pilling and a shorter lifespan.

We use 100% responsible, ethically sourced wool in all of our coats, and we work with American mills that prioritize both fiber quality and fabric construction. The result? A wool coat that is more resistant to pilling and holds up beautifully over time.

How to Care for and Prevent Pilling on a Wool Coat

1. Use a Wool Brush Regularly

Brushing your coat every few wears helps remove surface dirt and realign fibers before they tangle into pills. Use a soft-bristled wool or garment brush (not synthetic or stiff bristles), and gently brush in one direction — ideally once a week. This is a classic, often-overlooked habit that can extend the life of your wool dramatically.

2. Incorporate Steam 

Light steaming helps relax the wool fibers and smooth the surface of your coat. Use a handheld steamer or hang your coat in the bathroom while you shower. Steaming not only freshens the coat, releasing wrinkles, but it also helps reduce static that can lead to pilling (more on this below).

Why Steaming (and not washing) Matters

While pilling is mostly caused by friction, moisture and static electricity can play a role too — especially depending on your climate and care routine.

  • Wool naturally resists static, which is one reason why 100% Wool Coats pill less than Synthetic (Polyester or Acrylic) "Wool Coats". But in very dry environments (like heated indoor spaces during winter), even natural wool can build up some static, causing loose fibers to cling together and pill more easily. Use a steamer to gently restore the moisture to your wool coat during dry spells.

  • Wool loves moisture - but not too much! -  Wool, by its natural composition is water-resistant.  When exposed to light rain or snow, a wool coat will repel water for a short period, allowing you to shake it off or brush it away. This inherent water-resistance makes wool a great choice for outerwear. But when wool is over-saturated, such as with improper machine washing, the fibers swell making it more prone to tangling and pilling. Be sure to follow proper care instructions as most wool coats are dry clean only and should not be washed.

How to Remove Pills (Gently with a Brush!)

If pills do form, don’t worry — it’s easy to remove them without damaging the fabric.

  • Start with a wool comb: This tool is designed to remove pills safely. Hold the fabric taut and gently sweep the tool in one direction to remove any visible pills.
  • Follow up with a lint roller or wool brush to smooth the area once the larger pills are removed. Steam the area to restore the surface and finish.
  • Avoid pulling by hand: This can stretch or snag the wool fibers and cause even more damage over time.
  • Avoid tools that cut and shorten the fibers like shavers.

In general, wool should be brushed and combed so that the fibers can become untangled, not pulled and cut. 

Quality Wool + Proper Care = Less Pilling

At The Checkroom, we design with longevity in mind. Our coats are made from premium, 100% long-staple American-milled wool, carefully constructed from fiber to finish here in the USA. With proper care, your wool coat can remain a staple in your wardrobe for many seasons to come — no fuzz, no fuss.

Shop our women’s wool coat collection and discover what thoughtfully made outerwear really feels like.

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