Pilling on pajamas and how to prevent it when purchasing them

Pilling on pajamas can effectively take the joy out of wearing even the most beautiful set, causing sleepwear to lose its elegant appearance sooner than expected. Small pills on the fabric's surface don't always indicate poor quality, however—they're often the result of fiber properties, weave type, friction, or improper care. In this article, we'll thoroughly diagnose the problem and offer advice on how to choose pajamas that will retain their smoothness and aesthetic, refined character for longer.

What are pillings and why do they occur?

Pilling is a small ball of fiber that appears on the surface of a material due to friction and natural wear and tear. It occurs when looser fibers shift outward, intertwine, and form characteristic clumps—"pilling." Importantly, pilling doesn't always indicate poor quality . It's often the result of the properties of a specific raw material and its processing method.

The most common causes of pilling are:

• mechanical friction – e.g. rubbing of material against bedding, a blanket or your own body,
• type of fibers – shorter and less twisted fibers come to the surface more easily,
• a looser weave or soft knit fabric that allows the fibers to move freely,
• incorrect washing – too high temperature, intensive spinning or mixing with thicker materials.

The problem is particularly apparent in sleepwear, as the materials are typically soft, delicate, and pleasant to the skin. It's this subtlety, so prized by Oh!Zuza, a fashionable women's lingerie store , that makes the fibers require careful selection and care. Therefore, when purchasing, it's worth paying attention not only to the set's appearance but also to the composition, finish, and quality of the stitching – these factors largely determine how long the pajamas will retain their elegant character.

Fibers under the microscope – which materials pille more often?

Fiber type is one of the key factors influencing pilling. The length, curl, and strength of the fibers determine whether the material will remain smooth for a long time or will quickly develop small pills. For nightwear, materials with a soft, pleasant feel, yet with a proper finish and stability, are particularly important.

The most important differences between fibers:

• Viscose – soft, breathable and extremely comfortable, but with lower quality yarn it may be more susceptible to pilling.
• Viscose satin – thanks to the satin weave, it has a smoother surface, which reduces the risk of friction and improves visual durability.
• Silk – naturally smooth and resistant to pilling, it retains its elegant appearance for a long time.
• Fiber blends – their susceptibility to pilling depends on the proportions and quality of the components used.

Oh!Zuza's offerings feature women's viscose pajamas , which, with proper care, retain their aesthetic appeal and softness for years. High-quality yarn and meticulous finishing ensure that the material not only drapes beautifully but also withstands everyday wear. This significant difference, often invisible at first glance, determines the durability of the entire set.

Viscose and viscose satin – significant differences

Although both materials are based on the same raw material, their properties can differ significantly. Viscose satin is not a different composition, but a different weaving method – the satin weave makes the fabric surface more slippery and uniform. This allows:

• the material looks more luxurious,
• is less susceptible to visible pilling,
• reflects light better and maintains the "premium" effect longer.

A good example is the Bliss Women's Pajamas with Long Pants, Viscose Satin – Black and the Bliss Women's Pajamas with Long Pants, Viscose Satin – Dusty Pink . These models combine refined weave and high-quality fibers for durability and an elegant look, even after numerous washes.

Silk – natural smoothness and pilling resistance

Silk is one of the most refined natural fibers. Its long, durable fibers make the material exceptionally smooth and less prone to pilling . Furthermore, silk has excellent temperature regulation properties, which enhances sleep comfort.

Our collection of women's silk pajamas includes styles like the Oh!Zuza Lullaby Long Silk Pajamas – deep navy blue with a paisley pattern , and the Oh!Zuza Lullaby Short Silk Pajamas – deep navy blue with a paisley pattern . These are options for women who expect not only elegance but also durability and the highest quality finish – from the yarn to the tailoring details.

Weave, Construction, and Blends – The Hidden Culprits

Not only the type of fiber but also the way it's processed influences whether pilling will appear on pajamas. The weave or structure of the fabric determines how tightly the fibers are bonded together. The more compact and stable the structure, the less risk there is of individual fibers rising to the surface and entwining into tiny balls.

Looser knits, very soft finishes, and a slightly "napped" surface are pleasant to the touch but also more susceptible to abrasion. Meanwhile, a satin weave—like viscose satin—creates a smooth, slippery layer that reduces fiber snagging and abrasion. This is why high-quality , fashionable women's pajamas made from refined materials maintain their elegant appearance longer.

The composition of the blend also matters. The addition of synthetic fibers can increase durability, but with low-quality yarn, it can also contribute to pilling. Therefore, it's not the mere presence of the blend that matters, but its proportion and the quality of the raw material. At Oh!Zuza, great importance is placed on careful material selection and precise seam finishing , ensuring that even delicate sleepwear maintains its structural stability and aesthetic appeal for a long time.

It's also worth paying attention to the details: double stitching, proper thread tension, and the way the elastic is sewn into the trousers have a real impact on the durability of the set. Refined construction is one of the pillars of the premium effect , visible not only on the first day of wearing but also after many washes.

Friction and washing errors – how not to shorten the life of your pajamas?

Even the highest quality fabrics can pill if exposed to intense friction and improper care. Pajamas rub against bedding, blankets, or mattresses, and during washing, they also rub against other items of clothing. This is a natural process, but it can be significantly reduced by following a few simple rules.

The most common mistakes that accelerate pilling:

• washing at too high a temperature,
• intense spinning,
• mixing delicate nightwear with thick towels or jeans,
• use of aggressive detergents,
• tumble drying without the appropriate program.

Particularly delicate materials, such as viscose and silk, require gentle treatment – ​​low temperature, gentle cycle, and washing inside out. Proper care ensures that both classic women's pajamas and more expressive , sexy nightwear can maintain their smooth, elegant appearance for a long time.

It's worth remembering that maintaining a premium look is a combination of material quality and conscious use . Gentle washing not only reduces pilling but also preserves the depth of color, the elasticity of the fibers, and the perfect drape of the material.

How to prevent pilling at the purchase stage?

While proper care is crucial, you can do most of your own when choosing your pajamas . The quality of the yarn, the material finish, and the design of the piece largely determine whether the set will still look elegant after several washes. It's worth paying attention not only to the color and style, but above all to the composition and nature of the material.

When purchasing, it's a good idea to check whether the material's surface is smooth and dense, whether there's no excessive fluff visible on the hanger, and whether the seams are carefully finished. High-quality viscose, properly woven viscose satin, or natural silk cope much better with everyday wear than random blends of unknown origin. Oh!Zuza collections are dominated by refined materials that combine softness with durability, which translates into longer-lasting aesthetics.

If you want to consciously assess the quality of materials, it is also worth taking a look at the guide on how to choose a high-quality cotton sweatshirt , where the issues of yarn, weight and finishing are discussed in more detail - many of these rules can also be successfully applied to sleepwear.

It's also good practice to choose models from a reputable manufacturer who clearly communicates the composition and pays attention to tailoring details. Transparency, consistent quality, and a modern approach to design mean that pajamas retain their shape, color, and smoothness longer , allowing you to enjoy comfort without worrying about quick signs of wear.

Materials and structures more or less susceptible to pilling – a practical table

The susceptibility to pilling depends on a combination of several factors: fiber type, yarn length and twist, weave, and material finishing. The following table will help you quickly assess which solutions promote a smooth surface and which require more careful handling.

In practice, this means that materials with a smooth, compact structure and carefully selected yarns perform best. These are the solutions that dominate Oh!Zuza collections – both in viscose models and luxurious silk offerings. Conscious material selection and proper care are the two pillars that help maintain the elegant appearance of pajamas for a long time .

Pilling doesn't have to be an inevitable part of wear and tear. By analyzing the composition, weave, and construction before purchasing, you can significantly impact the durability of your sleepwear and enjoy its aesthetics for many seasons to come.