Cashmere is one of nature’s finest fibres—beloved for its unrivalled softness, featherweight warmth, and timeless elegance. But even the most luxurious yarn can form pills over time. At Elle & Riley, we believe in transparency and education—because with the right care, your garments will remain as exquisite as the day you fell in love with them.
What Is Pilling, Really?
Pilling is not a flaw, but a natural occurrence in soft, short-staple fibres like cashmere. As you wear your sweater, gentle friction causes some of the delicate fibres to lift and form small balls on the surface. It’s a sign of use—not quality. In fact, the softest, highest-grade cashmere tends to pill initially, simply because the fibres are finer and more supple.