Pilling
Also: bobbling · fuzzballs
Pilling is the small balls of tangled fibers that form on a fabric's surface where it rubs against itself or other surfaces — common on knits, under the arms, and at the cuffs. It's one of the most frequent signs of wear on used clothing and a key input to the fabric-condition grade.
How to detect it
- Look at high-friction zones: underarms, inner thighs, cuffs, and collar
- Angle the garment under light — pills cast tiny shadows
- Run a hand across the surface; pilled fabric feels rough, not smooth
Grade impact
Pilling drives the Fabric Condition factor (30% of the grade). Light, sparse pilling nudges an item from Excellent (8) toward Good (6); heavy, widespread pilling that dulls the whole surface pushes it into Fair (5) or lower.
Fixability
Often improvable: a fabric shaver or sweater comb removes surface pills, though it can't restore fibers already thinned by abrasion. De-pilling before photographing can legitimately raise the grade.
How to disclose it
Note it plainly ('light pilling at the cuffs') and show a close-up. Disclosed pilling rarely causes a return; undisclosed pilling in a 'like new' listing does.
Pilling — frequently asked
- Does pilling lower a clothing grade?
- Yes. Pilling is assessed under the Fabric Condition factor. Light pilling drops an item a tier or so; heavy pilling across the garment can take it to Fair or below. De-pilling before grading can raise the result.
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