Does merino wool pill?

It can, especially in the first few wears as short surface fibers shed, and more so with softer, finer merino and in high-friction spots like where a bag strap rubs. It is usually cosmetic and stops once the loose fibers work out; a cheap fabric comb or sweater shaver handles the rest. Tighter-spun, higher-ply, and higher-quality merino pills less. Because pilling behavior varies by garment, it is worth reading broad user consensus before buying a specific sweater — we report that as consensus, not as our own testing. Persistent, heavy pilling that keeps returning is a genuine mark against a piece.