It's impossible to talk autumn and winter style without mentioning knitwear. A chunky jumper or cosy cardigan is an absolute staple, but if you're partial to knitwear, you'll know how frustrating it is when bobbles stop your garments from looking as good as they could.

Pilling occurs when tiny pieces of fabric encounter friction — in other words, daily wear and tear. You'll probably often notice troublesome patches around the underarm area, or where you carry your shoulder bag, and they can make a beautiful piece of knitwear look old and worn.

Luckily, it is possible to keep your knitwear looking smart and bobble-free — here's what you need to know.

For a high-tech approach, try the Gleener Fuzz Remover, or the John Lewis Clothes Shaver.

Otherwise, using a single-blade razor, gently shave away pills, using your free hand to keep the garment flat. To ensure you don't damage the structure of the fabric, apply the least pressure possible. You can use adhesive tape to collect the fluff you shave away.

Alternatively, use a very fine-toothed comb to brush away bobbles. Pull the comb towards you, with the teeth angled away, so they don't catch in the fabric. If the fabric contains synthetic fibres, which often have more stubbornly attached pills, you might need to go back over the same area a few times for the best result. We found that a comb used for treating head lice, such as the Elimination Headlice Comb, was the toughest on bobbles.

For a handy fix when you’re away from home, the scratchy part of a velcro fastening is also effective at getting rid of individual bobbles. Again, lay the garment flat and use your thumb and forefinger to keep the surface of the garment taut. Instead of using a brushing motion, swipe the bobbles so the velcro doesn't get tangled in the main fabric.

Although somewhat inevitable, there are things you can do to reduce bobbles from forming in the first place.

Wash garments inside out and make sure you're using a fabric conditioner. If machine washing, use a programme for wool or delicates and a slow spin speed — this will help protect the fibres.

If you want to avoid washing machines altogether, try handwashing with a gentle laundry detergent such as Stergene Non Bio Liquid Handwash.