If your golf polo suddenly starts to look fuzzy or rough around the edges, you’re probably dealing with pilling. It’s those annoying little balls of fabric that pop up after wearing and washing, especially around areas that rub like your sides or underarms. It doesn’t mean your shirt is ruined, but it can take away from that clean, sharp look you expect when stepping out on the course.
Pilling can happen even on premium polos, and throwing them out too soon just adds to waste and costs. The good news is, pilling is usually something you can fix. There are gentle, fabric-safe ways to take care of it so you don’t damage your favourite polos. In this article, we’re sharing practical tips for getting rid of pilling without harming the fabric.
What Causes Pilling?
Pilling starts when fibres on the fabric’s surface get loose and break away from the weave. As those fibres rub together during wear or while being washed, they twist into tiny clumps or balls. That’s what creates the pilled texture you see, especially on high-movement areas of your shirt.
Golf polos are particularly prone to this because of the way they’re used. Swinging your clubs, shouldering your golf bag, or layering up can all increase the amount of friction the fabric faces. Even if you’re careful when washing your gear, rubbing against rougher clothing like jeans or being tumbled in a dryer on high heat can speed up the process.
Common causes of pilling include:
1. Constant rubbing from bag straps during play
2. Washing with abrasive fabrics like towels or denim
3. Drying on high heat which stresses fibres
4. Frequent wash cycles in a short time, which breaks down fibre strength
Environmental factors also play a role. Playing in cooler, dryer weather can increase static, making fabrics cling and rub more. This added friction encourages pills to form, especially when layering up during early morning or winter rounds.
Just because your golf polo is showing signs of pilling doesn’t mean it's worn out. Most pills form on the surface and can be dealt with easily if you’re careful about how you treat the fabric.
Gentle Methods to Remove Pilling
Once you notice some pilling, it’s tempting to pick or scratch at them, but that risks damaging the weave. Instead, take a careful approach using simple tools designed to clean up the surface without pulling the fibres loose.
Here are a few fabric-safe methods that work well:
1. Use a fabric shaver: A fabric shaver is one of the most effective and safest tools to restore your shirt’s surface. Place your polo flat on a hard surface and gently run the shaver over the affected zones. Choose a low setting and move slowly to cover the area without cutting into the fabric itself.
2. Rub with a lint remover: A coarse lint brush can help lift early-stage pills that haven’t stuck to the surface fully. This works better than a sticky roller, which won’t do much if the fibres are already rolled tightly into pills.
3. Try a fine-tooth comb: A soft plastic comb with fine teeth can be handy on smooth fabric surfaces. Glide it across in short strokes to collect the pills without snagging the weave. Be sure to work across flat areas and avoid seams or loose ends.
4. Wash by hand: Skip the washing machine for shirts that already have pilling. Soak them in cold water with a mild detergent, swish it around with your hands, and then rinse gently. Do not twist or wring the fabric. Press it between a towel to remove water before drying flat.
None of these methods take long, but they make a big impact when done right. Test on a hidden part of the shirt first and go slowly. Being patient can save your favourite polos and keep them going strong for many more rounds.
Preventing Pilling in the Future
Once your shirt is looking good again, a few simple changes to how you care for it can help stop pilling from coming back. Most of it comes from rough handling in the wash, dryer, or when stored, so small tweaks in those everyday habits go a long way.
Here are some ways to prevent more pilling:
1. Wash polos separately from rough fabrics like denim or towels
2. Use cold water and gentle spin cycles on your washing machine
3. Add liquid detergent, which dissolves more evenly and is gentler on fibres
4. Place the shirt in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from zippers, hooks or tangled fabrics
5. Avoid using high heat in dryers. Line dry or dry flat when possible
6. Fold the shirt when storing it, rather than hanging it, to avoid stretching or seam stress
Being more selective with wash loads makes a noticeable difference. Gentle detergent and shorter wash cycles preserve shirt fibres better, reducing the chance of pilling. When it’s time to dry them, laying shirts flat or air drying with minimal heat helps them keep shape without overexposing them to wear.
Even how you store your polos matters. Hanging them, especially on thin hangers, causes pulling at the seams or shoulders. Keeping polos folded in drawers or shelves protects their structure and prevents friction from storage.
Choosing Durable Fabrics
Picking the right fabric blend from the start means your polos can hold up to wear a lot better. Some materials are naturally more resistant to pilling. Others might feel soft at first but can wear out faster.
Look for blends that feature tightly-woven polyester or yarns built for performance. These handle friction better and hold their shape longer. Shirts that blend natural and synthetic fibres can work well too, as long as they’re not loosely knit.
Avoid golf polos that feel overly soft straight off the rack. That extra softness often comes from surface brushing during production. While it may feel nice at first, it weakens the top layer of fabric and makes it more likely to pill.
Check the tag before you buy. Knowing the material mix helps you choose a shirt that can match up to your regular use. If you’re unsure, ask the manufacturer what kind of wear testing their products go through. That kind of information gives you more control over how long your next polo will last.
Keep Your Golf Polos Looking Fresh
Golf polos take a beating out on the course, in storage, and in the wash. But pilling doesn't mean it’s time to toss your favourite one in the bin. With a few mindful adjustments in how you treat them, you can extend their life and have them looking crisp every time you tee up.
Removing pills gently with the right tools, washing with care, choosing tightly woven fabric blends, and changing how you store your shirts are all part of the picture. These small details add up over time and can make your polos feel like new much longer.
If you're looking for shirts that go beyond just stylish patterns and bright colours, start by choosing quality fabrics that work hard too. It’s a smart way to cut down on replacements and keep your wardrobe sharp across every round you play.
Elevate the quality of your wardrobe with a golf polo that’s made to handle wear, movement, and repeat washes. At Birdie Kings, we create performance-driven styles built for the course, the clubhouse, and everything in between. Explore our latest designs and find a new favourite golf polo that matches your game and your lifestyle.