Pilling clothing

Jenava

Hi ladies,
I have a few items of clothing that are a little pilly: My Halogen older ponte skirts (from where my jackets or tops rub on the hips), older cashmere sweaters, and, as I've discovered lately, trousers. With the sweaters and skirts I can generally get over it/use a sweater shaver. This last was a surprise to me. I recently got rid of a pair of light taupe-colored trousers because of this, and I recently discovered that a favorite pair of wide-leg black and white tweed trousers is very badly pilled where my thighs rub together.

This last pilling episode bothers me: I was going to have this pair of trousers altered because they are too big on me after a few pounds of weight loss. But then I discovered the worn fabric. The thing is, I don't think it's noticeable. Should I give these trousers up, or get them altered?

12 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Deborah

Veteran

It would depend on how much I liked the trousers and how much I felt the pilling affected the overall look. I have found recently that one of my blazers has done this too, where my arm must rub against my side?? I am going to try my little pilling contraption on it. Oh just saw it's not that noticeable on the trousers, in that case it wouldn't hurt to get some more wear out of them.

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I hate pilling and pass on anything with pills.

12 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

If it was a favorite pair, I would live with it. My ponte pants do this

12 years ago

gill

Active Member

I have a little device that remove some of the little pills, but the fabric is never quite the same. I've just learn't to live with it especially if it is an item that I really like.

12 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Maybe it was a favorite with your old body, but will it be with the slimmer you once it's altered?
It's time to discover a shape that suits your new one. Alterations are costly, then what if that pilling prevents you from feeling your best in them? What if they don't feel as wow with your actual body?
I would get a new pair for this year, but still keep the pilled ones in case your body goes through changes again.

12 years ago

rute

Veteran

I have the same problem! My things rub the trousers, that's why I prefer jeans!
I don't think you should alter, as, with time, the pilling will get worse.

12 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Rae recommended using a disposable razor on pilling ponte and I tried it with some success (not back to original sleekness, but not as noticeable). If the pants are in good condition otherwise and the spots are not noticeable I'd go for it and get them altered.

12 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

My experience with trousers is that pilling between the thighs will lead to further damage and eventual tears in fabric. Not worth altering.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So frustrating, Jeneva. I think maybe you could experiment to see if the pills come off before decided to alter or not. If the alteration is a small and inexpensive one, maybe worth it, but if it would cost a lot, maybe it's better to get new pants that fit your new self.

12 years ago

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