It won't surprise anyone to know that here at Cheapism, we're all about ways to save money. So the concept of a fabric shaver that can extend the life of clothes, upholstery, and other fabric-covered items around the house is something we were very interested in testing.
To that end, we chose three highly rated fabric shavers off of Amazon and put them to the test on some sweaters, flannels, a rug, sofa, and other fabrics we had lying around the house that looked like they could use a refresher.
Keep reading to find out what we liked and didn’t like about each one, how it performed, and other takeaways from our fabric shaver faceoff.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Our Picks
- Conair Rechargeable Fabric Shaver — Best Overall Performance
- Sothing Rechargeable Fabric Shaver — Best for a Shorter Charging Time
- Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush — Best for Multifunctionality
Photo credit: Kris ScottReview: Conair Rechargeable Fabric Shaver
Best Overall Performance
$25
The Conair Rechargeable Fabric Shaver was our favorite of the three tools we tested, earning it "Best Overall" status. Though it's not without quibbles, it did the best job of the three fabric shavers, making a seriously pilled sweater and flannel shirt look almost new again.
Specs:
Comes in both rechargeable and battery-operated versions
Battery version requires two AAs
Rechargeable version can be used with and without cord
3-setting distance controller
2-inch shaving head
Nickel-metal hydride battery
What we liked:
Comfortable to hold and lightweight
Distance controller allows it to be used on a wide fabric range — from "socks to sofas"
Can be used with or without the cord
What we didn't like:
A somewhat ridiculous 16-hour initial charging time, followed by 12 hours for each full charge after that
Minimum 25 minutes of continuous, cordless use
Some buyers complain that the battery can't keep a charge long enough to get through more than one or two pieces of clothing
Amazon reviews: 4.6 stars
Our verdict: When you consider the price is just around $5 more than the other brands we tested and combine that with the job the Conair fabric shaver does, giving it a "best overall" rating is a no-brainer. That said, prepare to be frustrated with the device's battery life if you're not willing to use it with the cord plugged in.
Photo credit: Kris ScottReview: Sothing Rechargeable Fabric Shaver
Best for a Shorter Charging Time
$20
This fabric shaver does a pretty decent job of what it's supposed to do (though not as good as the Conair). The best things it has going for it is its charging time — a mere 90 minutes — and its price, which clocks in cheaper than the Conair. (Note: While Amazon lists the brand name as "Sothing," this product's box says "Pudding Fabric Shaver.")
Specs:
2-inch shaving head
Rechargeable with USB cord
3 mesh shaving sizes
Lithium ion battery (included)
What we liked:
Ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use
Much quicker charging time — takes about 90 minutes to get a full charge
Full charge gives about 90 minutes of use time
Slightly opaque collection chamber lets you know when it's time to empty out shavings
What we didn't like:
Replacement blades not available for purchase when the original gets too dull
Not as thorough as the Conair version
Amazon reviews: 4.5 stars
Our verdict: It won't do as good of a job as the Conair, and we're not excited about the device's sustainability or long-term use given that the company doesn't provide replacement blades. But if you don't want to deal with the long charging times or cords, the Sothing is a great alternative.
Photo credit: Kris ScottReview: Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush
Best for Multifunctionality
$20
If you're looking to forget about charging times and cords completely, the Gleener model is probably your best bet. Plus it does some other things that the Conair and Sothing fabric shavers don't.
Specs:
Comes with three fabric edges
Safe for use on a variety of fabrics
One end of handle features a lint brush
What we liked:
Lint brush makes it a multifunctional tool to use for fabric care
Easy to switch out fabric edges
You can use the fabric edges to clean the lint brush
Comes with a carrying pouch to keep all parts together
With no battery, it's more eco-friendly and sustainable
Replacement blades are available
What we didn't like:
Pulling action makes it much harder to use on stretchy fabric
Whereas the other devices cut fabric pilling and other defects, this one pulls (leaving a less clean-looking result)
The fabric edges can be difficult to fully clean
Takes more effort to get the job done
Amazon reviews: 4.2 stars
Our verdict: If you want to make your clothes and other fabrics look new again, the Gleener just doesn't do as good of a job as the other devices we tested. But we liked that it included a lint brush, and there are a couple of other reasons to consider this tool instead of or in addition to the others: One, this device doesn’t use batteries and offers replacement blades, so it's more sustainable; and two, when we pulled it through a rug that had been recently vacuumed, it pulled out a ton of stuff — including pet hair — that the vacuum didn't.
Other Fabric Shaver Options
The three fabric shavers we reviewed are by no means the only options available. Though untested by Cheapism, these devices get an average of 4-plus stars from Amazon buyers:
Bymore Fabric Shaver
$22 from Amazon
The Bymore Fabric Shaver features six stainless steel blades and a larger shaving head (a bit over 2.5 inches). It comes with a USB charger and requires two hours of charging time for around one hour of use.
Magictec Rechargeable Fabric Shaver
$14 from Amazon
With nearly 45,000 reviews giving this rechargeable device 4.6 stars, users give this more wallet-friendly fabric shaver high marks for its ease of use and standout job.
Vasson Fabric Shaver
$36 from Amazon
You get double the shaving action with this Vasson device, which features a rechargeable 2500mAh battery that the manufacturer says gives 2.5 hours of continuous use.
Popchose Fabric Shaver
$26 from Amazon
At 2.7 inches, the Popchose device's shaving real estate is about as big as they come, so if you're looking for a shaver to use on upholstery, this is a good option. It's rechargeable and comes with six blades, and about 77% of reviews give it 5 stars.
Beautural Fabric Shaver
$12 from Amazon
If you're looking for a budget fabric shaver with good reviews, you won't do much better than Beautural's battery-operated device. Just keep in mind that what you're saving on the device itself might be later spent (and then some) on batteries.
FAQs
Will fabric shavers damage my favorite clothes?
Not if they're used correctly, and this mostly just takes some common sense. Start with a light touch and experiment with how much pressure you'll need to apply to get the job done. Too much pressure and the stainless steel shaving blades can cause cuts or nicks in the fabric. If you have any doubt about the durability of your fabric, it's best to start on a section that might be less noticeable when worn, like near the armpit or on a section of a shirt tail that might get tucked in.
What type of fabrics can you use fabric shavers on?
Pretty much anything that's not super delicate, from sweater materials like cashmere and angora wool to heavier fabrics like those used in upholstery.
What are some best practices for using a fabric shaver?
It's always best to lay your piece of clothing on a flat surface. If you're shaving something that's super-stretchy or bulky, consider stretching it over a box or some other surface before shaving to avoid bunching up, which can cause fabric damage if caught in the shaver's blades.
Do fabric shavers get called by different names?
They're also known as depillers, lint shavers, fabric defuzzers, sweater shavers, and fuzz removers.
What size fabric shaver should I buy?
If you're going to be using the device mostly for clothing, the standard 2-inch shaving head should do the job nicely. If, however, you're going to be working on large pieces of furniture or rugs, consider buying a fabric shaver with a larger head or a double-headed shaver.
