The 8 Best Fabric Shavers of 2023

Jun 09, 2023

Our top pick is the Beautural Fabric Shaver for its dual power options, versatile settings, and fabric compatibility.

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Real Simple / Kristin Kempa

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.

To find the best fabric shavers, we spent hours researching the type, settings, fabric compatibility, and surface size of many options on the market. We also spoke with Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully, for expert tips on how to use a fabric shaver and what to look for when shopping for one.

“As a stylist, one of the key items in my styling kit is a fabric shaver,” says Thomas. “This item is one of my little secrets and is so important to keeping your clothing looking brand new.”

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a versatile, effective fabric shaver.

Who it isn't for: People who want a manual fabric shaver.

The Beautural Fabric Shaver stands out because it has two power options—it can be battery-powered for portability or connected to an AC adapter with a nearly 10-foot cable for use on upholstery or household fabrics. It also has three shave heights, which are versatile enough to make it compatible with various fabrics, like cashmere, wool, and bedding. We particularly love the textured grip handle and spacious lint container. This fabric shaver even comes with a replaceable cutting blade and cleaning brush.

Unlike other fabric shavers, the head of this one has a nearly three-inch cover with three sizes of mesh to increase the shaving area and efficiently remove lint, no matter the size. This powerful yet gentle fabric shaver is our top choice for restoring and refreshing everything from your sweaters to your couch.

Price at time of publish: $25

Type: AC adapter and battery-operated | Dimensions: 5.31 x 3.54 x 7.28 inches | Surface Size: 2.8 inches | Number of Settings: 3

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a fabric shaver at an affordable price.

Who it isn't for: People who want a large fabric shaver to cover a lot of surface area.

If you’re in the market for an even more affordable option, then we recommend the Conair Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover. It effectively removes lint and fuzz, so your sweaters and other clothing look brand-new. It works on most fabrics because it has three shaving heights. (There aren’t any speed settings, though.) With a two-inch shaving surface, this fabric shaver is slightly smaller than our top pick.

Even though it’s available in rechargeable and battery-powered options, we recommend choosing the latter if you want the more inexpensive version. Bonus: It comes in five different colors, including green, pink, and blue.

The Conair fabric shaver also comes recommended by the expert we spoke to: “This little wizard won't break the bank but will keep your sweaters de-pilled throughout the winter months,” says Thomas. “This shaver is a great purchase for anyone who is new to the sweater shaving game.”

Price at time of publish: $15

Type: Battery-operated or rechargeable | Dimensions: 2.75 x 3.8 x 7.75 | Surface Size: 2 inches | Number of Settings: 3

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want an aesthetically pleasing fabric shaver to use on delicate fabrics.

Who it isn't for: People who want an affordable fabric shaver.

The thought of shaving delicate or finicky fabrics such as cashmere, wool, and chunky knits may be off-putting—but with the Steamery Pilo 2 Fabric Shaver, you can put your worries to rest. This sleek, compact fabric shaver can handle even the trickiest fabrics, making it worth the splurge for people with a lot of delicate clothing to shave. “I love how this one feels in your hand when you use it,” says Thomas. “This little machine is pretty high-powered and will do wonders on any type of knit.”

This fabric shaver is USB rechargeable, and it can be used for up to an hour on a single charge. It also comes with a brush to keep the lint container and shaving surface clean. Although the container is small and will require frequent emptying, this fabric shaver is a must for those who want to keep their handmade sweaters and expensive knits looking new.

Price at time of publish: $65

Type: USB rechargeable | Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.6 x 3.7 inches | Surface Size: 2 inches | Number of Settings: 1

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a dual-head fabric shaver to cover more surface area.

Who it isn't for: People who want a travel-sized fabric shaver.

Whether you are shaving a long knit blanket or want to de-pill your fabric couch, a large fabric shaver is a must for these heavy-duty tasks. That’s why we love the Mansttlin Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover. The dual-head design covers a larger surface area with more precision, allowing for faster trimming all around. This shaver has two adjustable speeds, which can be used on low for delicate fabrics and on high for upholstery.

It comes in three colors and is USB rechargeable with a runtime of over an hour. This fabric shaver also includes two extra blades, two cotton brush pads to remove lint, a USB charging cable, and a cleaning brush to keep the shaver clear of fuzz and lint.

Price at time of publish: $40

Type: USB rechargeable | Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 3 inches | Surface Size: 4 inches | Number of Settings: 3

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a portable fabric shaver for quick touch-ups while on the go.

Who it isn't for: People who want a shaver made for specific fabrics or materials.

A compact fabric shaver can be invaluable and convenient when you travel—no more plucking lint and fuzz off your sweater while on vacation. We like the Evercare Fabric Shaver because of its ergonomic shape and tiny size that can fit in the palm of your hand. Despite its small size, this pick still has high-quality functionality and an affordable price tag.

Since it’s battery-operated, you can add two AA batteries before your trip so you don’t have to worry about adapters and incompatible outlets while traveling abroad. While most fabric shavers have six blades, this compact fabric shaver has three, making it ideal for smaller surfaces or fabrics that only need a light shave. While the smaller size fits perfectly in your travel bag, the larger version is better for heavy-duty use because it has a larger lint compartment.

Price at time of publish: $9

Type: Battery-operated | Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 4 inches | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: 1

Naadam

Who it's for: People who want to get rid of pilling and lint from cashmere.

Who it isn't for: People who want a more affordable fabric shaver for less delicate fabrics.

Cashmere is known for its buttery soft texture, luxurious warmth, and high price tag. Unfortunately, this delicate fabric pills easily, which might prevent you from wearing your favorite cashmere sweater or scarf as often as you’d like. With the Nori Trim, however, you can keep your cashmere as smooth and clean as the day you got it. This small yet mighty fabric shaver has six precision blades that quickly yet gently remove lint, pilling, and other imperfections from several fabrics, including cashmere.

This sleek fabric shaver is rechargeable with a USB-C cord, has a large lint collector compartment, and has a 2.5-inch shaving head for efficient use. For best results on delicate fabrics such as cashmere and wool, lay your garment as flat as possible and move the shaver in small circles or sweeping motions without pressing too firmly.

Price at time of publish: $59

Type: USB-C rechargeable | Dimensions: Not listed | Surface Size: 2.5 inches | Number of Settings: 1

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want to tackle lint and fuzz on their upholstery.

Who it isn't for: People who want an electric fabric shaver.

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 smooth, we recommend the Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush. 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 cashmere and merino, and one for delicate items such as silk blends and linen.

The other end of the handle is a lint brush, so you can conveniently use this two-in-one product on nearly any fabric to breathe new life into it. It also has an ergonomic handle and doesn't require batteries or electricity.

Price at time of publish: $21

Type: Brush | Dimensions: 9.9 x 4.9 x 1.9 inches | Surface Size: Not listed | Number of Settings: N/A

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a small comb to shave their fabric.

Who it isn't for: People who want a large fabric shaver for upholstery.

If you’re still unsure about using an electric fabric shaver to de-pill your delicate clothing items, a comb may be your best bet. We love this one from Comfy Clothiers because it comes with two combs—one for cashmere and another for all types of sweaters—that effectively yet gently remove fuzz, pilling, and lint. The cashmere comb has a brass brush that delicately removes pilling, while the sweater comb features a mesh brush.

Though it may take longer, manually shaving fabric with a comb gives you complete control of the pressure. For best results when using both combs, hold them at a 90-degree angle and work in the direction of the knit. Be sure to remove any lint or fuzz from the comb after every use to avoid snagging or pulling on the next item you tackle.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Comb | Dimensions: 3 x 1.75 inches | Surface Size: 3 inches | Number of Settings: N/A

Our top pick is the Beautural Fabric Shaver for its multiple settings, two power options, and effectiveness on various fabrics and upholstery. But if you want a non-electric fabric shaver for clothing and upholstery, we recommend the Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush.

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.

Fabric shavers can be manual (like a brush or comb), electric, battery-operated, or a combination of those types. If you need to clean your couch so it looks new again, then 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 super portable and great for travel, while manual shavers are best for delicate fabrics since it’s easy to control pressure.

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 two to three inches, which means that it may require more passes on bigger pieces of clothing and furniture.

Many electric and battery-operated fabric shavers have multiple settings, speeds, and shave heights. These settings will determine how fast the shaver works and how close the blades are to the fabric. (Delicate materials like cashmere require a lower height, while thicker fabrics and upholstery require a higher height.)

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.

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.”

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.

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.