Caring for brushed cotton loungewear so it stays soft

Brushed cotton is one of the most comfortable fabrics for loungewear, but it's also one of the easiest to ruin in the wash. A few small habits make the difference between a set that lasts two years and one that pills after a month.

Why brushed cotton pills in the first place ¶

Pilling happens when short fibres on the surface of the fabric tangle together into small balls. Brushed cotton has more exposed surface fibres than a smooth weave, which makes it more prone to pilling. Especially in areas of friction like the underarms, the inner thighs, and anywhere a bag strap sits.

The quality of the cotton matters here. Longer-staple cotton fibres are anchored more securely in the weave and resist pilling better than short-staple fibres. This is why two brushed cotton garments at similar prices can behave very differently after six months of washing.

The washing habits that help most ¶

Turn the garment inside out before washing. This protects the brushed surface from friction against other items in the drum. Use a mesh laundry bag if you're washing with items that have zips or buttons. Metal hardware is one of the main causes of surface damage in a domestic washing machine.

Wash on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Hot water causes cotton to shrink and weakens the fibre structure over time. A short spin cycle is better than a long one. If your machine has a 'delicate' or 'hand wash' setting, use it for loungewear.

Drying and storage ¶

Air-dry where possible. A tumble dryer on a high heat setting will shrink brushed cotton and accelerate pilling. If you need to use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while it's still slightly damp.

Fold rather than hang. Hanging a relaxed-cut lounge set on a hanger can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape over time. A folded stack in a drawer keeps the fabric in better condition.

None of this is complicated. Inside out, gentle cycle, air dry. Those three habits will keep a good brushed cotton set looking right for a long time.