What is the term for a surface defect of textiles that typically occurs when washing and wearing fabrics?

The term for a surface defect of textiles commonly experienced during washing and wearing is pilling. Pilling occurs when fibers in the fabric break loose and form small balls or clumps on the surface. This phenomenon typically arises due to friction, whether from movement during wear or from the agitation of washing. The resulting pills can impact the fabric’s overall appearance and texture, often making it look worn or aged prematurely.

Crock resistance refers to the ability of a fabric to resist color transfer when rubbed against another surface. Wicking describes how moisture moves through a fabric, often used in performance textiles to keep the wearer dry. Crease resistance relates to a fabric's ability to resist folding and wrinkling, maintaining its shape and smooth appearance. While all these terms describe important characteristics of textiles, they do not pertain specifically to the surface defect caused by washing and wearing that pilling represents.