We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Laundry Products The 7 Best Fabric Shavers, Tested and Reviewed The best tools for keeping fabrics and furniture in mint condition. By L. Daniela Alvarez Updated on July 31, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Henry Wortock Whether you want to keep your delicate sweaters in mint condition or de-pill your upholstered couch, a fabric shaver is one of the most practical and convenient ways to maintain your clothing and furniture for years to come. “As a stylist, one of the key items in my styling kit is a fabric shaver,” says Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully. “This item is one of my little secrets and is so important to keeping your clothing looking brand new.” To find the best fabric shavers, we tested 20 manual, electric, and battery-powered models in our lab and at home for six months while considering factors such as performance, ease of use, design, and value. We also spoke with Thomas for expert tips on how to use a fabric shaver and what to look for when shopping for one. Our Top Picks Best Overall Fabric Shaver: SALE Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover at Amazon $15 $11 Jump to Review Best Budget Fabric Shaver: Ruri's Portable Lint Remover at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best Fabric Shaver for Furniture: Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Portable Fabric Shaver: Gleener Portable Compact Fabric Shaver & Lint Remover at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Fabric Shaver for Delicate Fabrics: SALE Magictec Rechargeable Fabric Shaver at Amazon $20 $13 Jump to Review Best Heavy-Duty Fabric Shaver: Philips Electric Lint Remover and Fabric Shaver at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Adjustable Fabric Shaver: Rowenta Portable Lint Remover Shaver at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Overall Fabric Shaver Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $15 at Target $18 at Walmart What Stands Out It quickly and efficiently clears pilling from various fabrics. What Could Be Improved The collection bin is on the smaller side, which means more frequent emptying. If you want a fabric shaver that’s quick, effective, and versatile enough to work on various fabrics, our top recommendation is the Conair Portable Fabric Shaver CLS1. During testing, we found that just one swipe removed about 75% of pills without causing holes or snags. We liked that it has an outer ring that you can turn to adjust the blade height for different fabric types. We tested this fabric shaver without the outer ring (longest blade height) and found it quite effective with quick results. After six months of testing, this fabric shaver still performs just as well as the day we received it, and we’ve never noticed any snags, holes, or damage to our clothing. Although the collection chamber is smaller than other models, which means more frequent emptying, it wasn’t too much of a downside. Considering the price, this shaver is an excellent value, especially for first-time buyers. You can also choose between six colors in a battery-operated or rechargeable model. Type: AC adapter and battery-operated | Surface Size: 2 inches | Number of Settings: 3 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Budget Fabric Shaver Ruri's Portable Lint Remover PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s safer to use than other shavers since it doesn’t have an exposed blade. What Could Be Improved The handle could have a more comfortable grip. Using an electric fabric shaver requires some caution, so if you want a manual option at a budget-friendly price, the Ruri Portable Lint Remover is for you. During testing, it took a few passes to get rid of pilling, but we liked that since there were no exposed blades, we could pull off the fuzz from the head of the shaver. The wood handle has grooves to prevent slipping, but we did think it could have used a grip of some kind for extra comfort. This two-pack is a great option for anyone who needs an affordable fabric shaver that's safer for shaving fabrics and upholstery. After testing this fabric shaver for six months, it’s still holding up great. We’ve learned that it’s ideal for collecting hair on rugs, and while it doesn’t cause any snags on thicker fabrics, it might not be the best for thinner ones. We love that the quality hasn’t changed and that we never have to worry about clogging or jamming because of its manual design. Type: Brush | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: N/A Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Fabric Shaver for Furniture Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Pottery Barn $20 at Lowe's What Stands Out The other end of this fabric shaver handle is a lint brush. What Could Be Improved It requires some elbow grease and isn't suitable for delicate fabrics. Just like sweaters and coats, fabric sofas and armchairs can easily pill. They also collect lint, pet hair, and other debris that can be challenging to remove. To keep your upholstery clean and pill-free, we recommend the Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush. This fabric shaver has a lint brush on the other end that you can use to clean up fuzz, plus a comfortable ergonomic handle. This shaver has three interchangeable heads: one for big and bulky items like couches and chunky sweaters, one for medium-level shaving to use on bedding, and one for delicate items such as cashmere and silk. However, we found in our testing that the pressure required to use this fabric shaver may not be suitable to completely de-pill delicate fabrics. Still, this is a convenient two-in-one fabric shaver perfect for furniture and upholstery. After using it for six months, the shaver still works really well on less delicate fabrics like smooth cotton and wool jackets. While it doesn’t outright damage the fabrics it’s not compatible with, like microfiber and knit, it does result in a fuzzier look. That said, all three interchangeable blades have shown to be quite durable—they haven’t dulled or shown any wear and tear. We also like that we don’t have to worry about batteries, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Type: Brush | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: N/A Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Portable Fabric Shaver Gleener Portable Compact Fabric Shaver & Lint Remover PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon View on Gleener.com What Stands Out It has three interchangeable edges for different fabrics. What Could Be Improved The fuzz buildup can be challenging to remove. Traveling with your favorite sweaters means you need extra care to keep them looking and feeling cozy. We like the Gleener On The Go Portable Compact Fabric Shaver & Lint Remover for its small yet efficient size and interchangeable edges that work for different types of fabrics—one for wool; one for synthetics, cotton, and cashmere; and one for delicate cotton and silks. Each edge fits directly into the shaver, so you never have to worry about losing one. Although the accumulated fuzz on the built-in lint brush was slightly challenging to remove during our testing, it wasn’t a huge setback. The fabric shaver is still just as effective after six months of testing. We haven’t noticed any holes or snags, but it is worth noting that it’s important to use it correctly by laying your clothes on a hard, flat surface and pulling them taut to reduce potential damage. We also love that it’s inexpensive, small, and impossible to jam. This fabric shaver has a round shape that easily and comfortably fits in your hand and does not require any adjustments, batteries, or complicated assembly. Considering the reasonable price, portability, and ease of storing its interchangeable edges, we think it’s worth it for anyone who needs a travel-sized fabric shaver. Type: Brush | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 3 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Fabric Shaver for Delicate Fabrics Magictec Rechargeable Fabric Shaver $13 at Amazon $24 at Walmart What Stands Out This shaver is great for refreshing cashmere and other delicate fabrics. What Could Be Improved There is only one height setting. You might think fabric shavers are the last thing you want to use on your expensive cashmere scarf or intricate embroidery, but the Magictec Rechargeable Fabric Shaver is a game changer for refreshing delicate fabrics. Despite only having one height setting, this fabric shaver impressed us when testing it on a cashmere sweater. It’s easy to use, comfortable to hold, and gently removes pills. We also like that the back of this fabric shaver is a lint brush to quickly clear off loose lint, pet hair, and dust. We tested this shaver for six months, and it continues to deliver positive results. It has proven to be gentle yet effective, not causing any holes or snags in our clothing. We also never experienced any clogs, jams, or changes in the quality of the blades. While this fabric shaver may not be as effective on thicker fabrics and upholstery since the setting is on the higher side, it’s perfect for fabrics like cashmere, lace, linen, and other delicates that may need some extra attention and care. We wished we had the ability to adjust the speed and height of the razor, but we didn’t consider this a dealbreaker overall. Type: Electric | Surface Size: 2.5 inches | Number of Settings: 1 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Heavy-Duty Fabric Shaver Philips Electric Lint Remover and Fabric Shaver PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon What Stands Out This fabric shaver is effective on thick fabrics and fabrics with excessive pilling. What Could Be Improved The collection bin can slide off during use. Wool and thick cotton can be challenging to shave and de-pill since they are more prone to snagging. We chose the Philips Fabric Shaver as the best heavy-duty fabric shaver since it exceeded expectations when tested on thick, textured fabrics. We were impressed with how much fuzz this fabric shaver removed while never snagging or damaging the fabric. While there are no adjustable settings, its gentle yet efficient performance and ease of use more than made up for it. After using it over the course of six months, it’s still just as effective, and it hasn’t damaged anything we’ve used it on. It was also easy to clean and never clogged or jammed. We used it so much at first that the blades have since dulled slightly, but this hasn’t affected its performance to a drastic degree—an extra pass or two is all that’s needed to do the trick. One downside was that the collection bin could slide off depending on how you hold the fabric shaver. With a little caution, you can breathe new life into your thick sweaters, blankets, and more. Type: Battery-operated | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 1 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Adjustable Fabric Shaver Rowenta Portable Lint Remover Shaver PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $30 at Bed Bath & Beyond $15 at Jcpenney.com What Stands Out It has three adjustable shave heights for various fabrics. What Could Be Improved It takes longer than other fabric shavers, especially with the guard on. If you want a versatile shaver for different fabrics, the Rowenta Portable Lint Remover Shaver with Adjustable Shave Height is a multi-function tool for just about any material. This fabric shaver has a blade with a fixed speed, but the adjustable guard has three height settings so you can find the one that works best for your item. During testing, we found that this fabric shaver worked faster and more efficiently with the guard removed. Since the guard is for safety, it’s important to note that using the shaver with the guard on will take several minutes longer than other models. We liked that this fabric shaver comes with a cleaning brush to remove any fuzz clumps that might cause it to jam. It’s also lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to empty when the collection bin gets full. If you like to take your time maintaining your fabrics, regardless of their thickness or delicate nature, this shaver is a must-have. Type: Battery-operated | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 3 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict Our top pick is the Conair Portable Fabric Shaver CLS1 for its speed, effectiveness, and reasonable price. If you want something more affordable, we recommend the Ruri Portable Lint Remover. Our Testing Process To find the best fabric shavers, we acquired 20 models and tested them in our Lab. We used a pilled swatch of fabric and painter’s tape to divide the fabric into two halves. Then we labeled the left side “fabric shaver” and the right “razor”. If the fabric shaver had multiple settings, we first used the medium speed setting with the highest blade height available. We began a timer and shaved the left side, noting whether we created any holes or snags in the fabric. While using the fabric shaver, we also evaluated the tool's comfort and maneuverability. After we removed the pilling, we stopped the timer and recorded how long it took in our results sheet. Next, we compared the effectiveness of the fabric shaver by using the razor on the right side of the fabric swatch. We shaved the swatch until it was clear of pilling or until two minutes had passed, again noting whether we created a hole or tear. After completing both sides of the swatch, we compared the appearance of the halves and evaluated whether we could see a difference. Then, we emptied the fuzz collection from the fabric shaver, noting whether any fuzz became stuck or clogged. After the Lab tests were complete, we looked at the retail price of each product. We evaluated the price along with the fabric shaver’s performance during tests to assess the overall value. We continued to use each fabric shaver throughout the course of six months to determine how well it performed over time. Real Simple / Henry Wortock How to Shop for Fabric Shavers Like a Pro Use Thomas says that before buying a fabric shaver, you should consider the different fabrics you need to take care of. How you plan on using the fabric shaver will also determine things like size, since some are small and meant for travel, she says. There are also versatile fabric shavers that can be used on nearly every fabric, while others are designed for specific materials, like cashmere or wool. Type Fabric shavers can be manual (like a brush or comb), electric, battery-operated, or a combination of those types. To decide which one is best for you, Thomas recommends considering your needs. “Think about when and where you will be using this item,” she says. “Do you travel often and want to take it on the go? Are you going to use this on large pieces like blankets or multiple sweaters? Only using the shaver for small delicate knits? Once you can answer these, you can choose the best fabric shaver for your clothes.” If you need to clean your couch, a fabric shaver with a long power cord will give you the most functionality without worrying about running out of battery. Battery-operated fabric shavers are portable and great for travel, while manual shavers are best for delicate fabrics since it’s easy to control pressure. Surface Size It’s also important to consider the surface size of a fabric shaver, especially when using an electric or battery-operated model. The round, mesh-like head is usually only 2 to 3 inches, which means that it may require more passes on bigger pieces of clothing and furniture. “The surface size matters, especially if you plan on using your fabric shaver for pillows and blankets instead of sweaters or knitwear,” says Thomas. “Think about what you plan to use your tool for the most as this will help guide you to select the right shaver.” Settings Many electric and battery-operated fabric shavers have multiple settings, speeds, and shave heights. According to Thomas, these settings will determine how fast the shaver works and how close the blades are to the fabric. “For more delicate fabrics, like cashmere, you'll want a different setting than for a chunky wool knit,” she says. “The settings on a shaver determine how close or far the shaver will be from the knit. Too close or fast and you could cause a hole in the material. Too far or slow and you might not get to the root of the pill of the fabric.” Real Simple / Henry Wortock More Fabric Shavers to Consider Allisable Fabric Shaver: Considering this fabric shaver only has one setting, we were impressed that it removed about 90% of pilling within just a few minutes. We also liked how easy and comfortable it was to use, the budget-friendly price, and that it lasts up to three hours on a single charge. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective fabric shaver with just one setting, this is an excellent option to consider. Beautural Sweater Fabric Shaver Home-Edition: We liked this fabric shaver for its blade adjustability and comfortable grip. In our testing, we found that the speed and trim length were easy to adjust and this shaver did a good job removing most of the pilling on fabric with just a handful of passes. Although we weren’t a fan of the battery holder on the handle that detached occasionally, we liked that it can also be used with an AC adapter. We also liked that it comes with a small cleaning brush and a spare set of blades. Real Simple / Henry Wortock Questions You Might Ask What can you use a fabric shaver on besides clothes? Using a fabric shaver can help revive other household items and fabrics, including upholstery, bedding, and curtains. Thomas has used her fabric shaver on scarves, pillows, and throw blankets, and many fabric shavers can be used on items like car seats and rugs, too. Can you use a fabric shaver on cashmere? Cashmere is one of the softest, most delicate, and most expensive fabrics, so maintenance and care are imperative to keep these items looking their best. Some fabric shavers may have a cashmere-specific setting, while others are made specifically for cashmere. “Make sure to purchase one that indicates it is safe on cashmere,” says Thomas. “Some aren't as gentle, so you'll want to keep an eye on the qualifications of the device.” Can fabric shavers damage your clothing? Thomas says that preventing damage to your clothing when using a fabric shaver is all in how you handle it. For example, making sure you don’t apply too much pressure, laying your clothing items flat, and taking your time can help prevent snagging or tearing. Are fabric shavers worth it? “I recommend a shaver to each and every client I work with,” says Thomas. “Instead of replacing your garment, you'll be able to refresh your pieces and make them look and feel like new again. Regular upkeep in areas with more wear and tear, such as sleeves or necklines, also prevents the fabric from over pilling.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching fabric shavers. She also received tips on how to shop for fabric shavers from Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.