Top 7 Fabric Shavers of 2024: Expertly Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall Fabric Shaver

For a fabric shaver that’s fast, reliable, and adaptable to different materials, we highly recommend the Conair Portable Fabric Shaver CLS1. In our tests, a single pass eliminated approximately 75% of pills without damaging the fabric. The adjustable outer ring, which controls blade height, is a standout feature. We tested it at the longest blade setting and achieved impressive results in no time.

After six months of rigorous use, this fabric shaver continues to deliver top-notch performance without causing snags, holes, or damage to fabrics. While the collection chamber is smaller than some competitors, requiring more frequent emptying, this minor inconvenience doesn’t detract from its overall value. Priced affordably, it’s an ideal choice for first-time buyers. Available in six colors, it comes in both battery-operated and rechargeable versions. 

Type: AC adapter and battery-powered | Surface Size: 2 inches | Number of Settings: 3

Best Budget Fabric Shaver

If you prefer a manual, budget-friendly lint remover, the Ruri Portable Lint Remover is an excellent choice. During testing, it required multiple passes to remove pilling, but its blade-free design made it easy to clean the fuzz from the shaver head. The grooved wooden handle prevents slipping, though a more cushioned grip would enhance comfort. This two-pack is perfect for those seeking an affordable, safe option for fabric and upholstery care. 

After six months of use, this fabric shaver remains in excellent condition. It’s particularly effective for removing hair from rugs and works well on thicker fabrics without snags, though it may struggle with thinner materials. Its manual design ensures it never clogs or jams, maintaining consistent performance over time.  

Type: Brush | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: N/A

Best Fabric Shaver for Furniture

Fabric sofas and armchairs, much like sweaters and coats, are prone to pilling and collecting lint, pet hair, and debris. To maintain your upholstery’s cleanliness and prevent pilling, we suggest the Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush. This tool includes a lint brush on one end for removing fuzz and an ergonomic handle for comfortable use. 

The shaver comes with three interchangeable heads: one for large items like couches and thick sweaters, another for medium tasks like bedding, and a third for delicate fabrics such as cashmere and silk. However, our tests revealed that the pressure needed for operation might not be ideal for delicate materials. Despite this, it’s a versatile two-in-one tool ideal for furniture and upholstery care. 

After six months of use, the shaver continues to perform exceptionally well on sturdy fabrics like cotton and wool jackets. While it doesn’t damage incompatible fabrics like microfiber and knit, it can leave them looking fuzzier. The three interchangeable blades remain durable, showing no signs of wear or dullness. Additionally, its battery-free design makes it an eco-friendly choice. 

Type: Brush | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: N/A

Best Portable Fabric Shaver

When traveling with your favorite sweaters, maintaining their cozy appearance and feel is essential. The Gleener On The Go Portable Compact Fabric Shaver & Lint Remover is a great choice due to its compact size and versatile interchangeable edges. These edges cater to different fabrics: one for wool, another for synthetics, cotton, and cashmere, and a third for delicate materials like cotton and silk. Each edge securely fits into the shaver, eliminating the risk of losing them. While testing, we found that cleaning the built-in lint brush of fuzz buildup was slightly challenging, but it didn’t significantly hinder its performance. 

After six months of testing, this fabric shaver remains highly effective. We’ve observed no holes or snags, though it’s crucial to use it properly by placing clothes on a hard, flat surface and keeping them taut to minimize potential damage. Its affordability, compact size, and jam-free design are additional highlights.

This fabric shaver features a round, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand and requires no adjustments, batteries, or complex assembly. Given its reasonable price, portability, and easy storage for interchangeable edges, it’s an excellent choice for anyone needing a travel-friendly fabric shaver.

Type: Brush | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 3

Best Fabric Shaver for Delicate Fabrics

While fabric shavers might seem unsuitable for delicate items like cashmere scarves or embroidered fabrics, the Magictec Rechargeable Fabric Shaver defies expectations. Despite its single height setting, it performed exceptionally well on a cashmere sweater during testing. It’s user-friendly, comfortable to handle, and effectively removes pills without damage. The added lint brush on the back is a convenient feature for removing loose lint, pet hair, and dust. 

After six months of testing, this shaver continues to impress with its gentle yet effective performance. It hasn’t caused any holes or snags in our garments, and we’ve experienced no clogs, jams, or blade deterioration.

While this fabric shaver may not perform as well on thicker fabrics or upholstery due to its higher setting, it’s ideal for delicate materials like cashmere, lace, linen, and other fabrics requiring gentle care. We would have appreciated adjustable speed and height settings, but this wasn’t a significant drawback.

Type: Electric | Surface Size: 2.5 inches | Number of Settings: 1

Best Heavy-Duty Fabric Shaver

Wool and thick cotton fabrics are often difficult to de-pill due to their susceptibility to snagging. The Philips Fabric Shaver stood out as the best heavy-duty option, delivering exceptional results on thick, textured materials during testing. It effectively removed fuzz without causing snags or damage, despite lacking adjustable settings. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance made it a top choice.

After six months of use, this fabric shaver remains highly effective and hasn’t damaged any fabrics. It’s easy to clean and has never clogged or jammed. While the blades have dulled slightly with frequent use, this hasn’t significantly impacted performance—just an extra pass or two is needed for optimal results. 

One minor issue is the collection bin’s tendency to slide off depending on how the shaver is held. With a bit of care, it’s an excellent tool for revitalizing thick sweaters, blankets, and similar items.

Type: Battery-operated | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 1

Best Adjustable Fabric Shaver

For a versatile shaver suitable for various fabrics, the Rowenta Portable Lint Remover Shaver with Adjustable Shave Height is an excellent multi-functional tool. It features a fixed-speed blade and an adjustable guard with three height settings, allowing you to customize it for different materials. During testing, we observed that it performed faster and more efficiently without the guard. However, using the guard, which is designed for safety, may extend the shaving process compared to other models. 

We appreciated that this fabric shaver includes a cleaning brush to prevent fuzz clumps from causing jams. It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to empty when the collection bin fills up. If you enjoy meticulously maintaining fabrics of varying thickness and delicacy, this shaver is an essential tool. 

Type: Battery-operated | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 3

Final Verdict

The Conair Portable Fabric Shaver CLS1 stands out as our top choice due to its efficiency, performance, and affordability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Ruri Portable Lint Remover is an excellent alternative. 

Our Testing Process

We rigorously tested 20 fabric shavers in our Lab to identify the best options. Using a pilled fabric swatch divided with painter’s tape, we labeled one side for the fabric shaver and the other for a razor. For shavers with multiple settings, we started with the medium speed and highest blade height. We timed the process, assessed comfort and maneuverability, and checked for fabric damage. After removing pilling, we recorded the time taken and compared the results. 

We then evaluated the razor's effectiveness on the other half of the swatch, removing pilling within two minutes or until the fabric was clear. We noted any damage and compared the appearance of both sides. Finally, we emptied the fuzz collection, checking for clogs or residue. 

Once the Lab testing concluded, we analyzed the retail price of each fabric shaver, considering its performance during tests to determine its overall value. We also used each shaver over a six-month period to evaluate its durability and long-term effectiveness. 

How to Shop for Fabric Shavers Like a Pro

Use

Thomas advises considering the types of fabrics you’ll be maintaining before purchasing a fabric shaver. Your intended use will also influence factors like size, as some shavers are compact for travel, she explains. Additionally, while some shavers are versatile for various fabrics, others are tailored for specific materials such as cashmere or wool.

Type

Fabric shavers come in manual (brush or comb style), electric, battery-operated, or hybrid models. Thomas suggests assessing your needs to determine the best fit. 

“Consider when and where you’ll use the shaver,” she says. “Do you travel frequently and need a portable option? Will you use it on large items like blankets or multiple sweaters? Or is it for small, delicate knits? Answering these questions will help you select the ideal fabric shaver for your wardrobe.”

For tasks like cleaning your couch, a fabric shaver with a long power cord offers convenience without battery concerns. Battery-operated models are travel-friendly, while manual shavers provide precise control for delicate fabrics.

Surface Size

When choosing an electric or battery-operated fabric shaver, the surface size is a key factor. The mesh-like head, typically 2 to 3 inches in diameter, may require multiple passes for larger items like furniture or blankets. 

“Surface size is crucial, particularly if you intend to use the shaver for larger items such as pillows or blankets rather than smaller garments like sweaters,” Thomas explains. “Consider your primary use to ensure you select the most suitable shaver.”

Settings

Electric and battery-operated fabric shavers often feature adjustable settings, speeds, and shave heights. Thomas notes that these options influence the shaver’s speed and the blade’s proximity to the fabric. 

“For delicate materials like cashmere, a different setting is required compared to thicker fabrics such as chunky wool knits,” she explains. “The shaver’s settings control how close or far the blades are from the fabric. If too close or fast, you risk damaging the material. If too far or slow, you may not effectively remove the fabric pills.”

More Fabric Shavers to Consider

Allisable Fabric Shaver: Despite having only one setting, this shaver impressed us by removing nearly 90% of pilling in just a few minutes. We appreciated its ease of use, affordability, and the fact that it runs for up to three hours on a single charge. If you need a straightforward yet efficient fabric shaver, this is a great choice.

Beautural Sweater Fabric Shaver Home-Edition: This fabric shaver stood out for its adjustable blades and ergonomic grip. During testing, we found its speed and trim length easy to modify, and it effectively removed most fabric pilling in just a few passes. While the detachable battery holder on the handle was occasionally inconvenient, we appreciated the option to use an AC adapter. Additionally, it includes a cleaning brush and a spare blade set, adding to its value.

Questions You Might Ask

What can you use a fabric shaver on besides clothes?

A fabric shaver can rejuvenate various household fabrics, such as upholstery, bedding, and curtains. Thomas has successfully used hers on scarves, pillows, and throw blankets. Many shavers are also suitable for car seats and rugs.

Can you use a fabric shaver on cashmere?

Cashmere, known for its softness and delicacy, requires careful maintenance to preserve its quality. Some fabric shavers feature a cashmere-specific setting, while others are designed exclusively for this material.

“Ensure the shaver you choose is labeled safe for cashmere,” advises Thomas. “Some models may not be gentle enough, so it’s important to verify the device’s suitability.”

Can fabric shavers damage your clothing?

According to Thomas, the key to avoiding damage to your clothes while using a fabric shaver lies in the technique. Gentle handling, such as avoiding excessive pressure, ensuring garments are laid flat, and working slowly, can help prevent snags or tears.

Is investing in a fabric shaver worthwhile?

Thomas advises, “I suggest a fabric shaver to all my clients. Rather than buying new clothes, you can rejuvenate your existing wardrobe, making items appear and feel brand new. Consistent maintenance on high-friction areas like sleeves or collars also stops excessive pilling.”

Trust Our Expertise

This piece was authored by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributor to Mytour with nearly three years of experience crafting lifestyle and product review content. For this article, she conducted extensive research on fabric shavers and gathered shopping tips from Grace Thomas, the founder and lead stylist at Builtgracefully.