pluizen

Pluizen is a Dutch verb meaning to fluff up, tease out, or raise the nap of fibers. It is used in contexts such as grooming fur or hair, and finishing textiles. In grooming, pluizen refers to brushing or combing a coat to loosen tangles and create a soft, airy appearance, or to remove shed hair. The term is commonly used for animals with long or dense fur, such as cats, rabbits, or dogs, but can apply to any coat.

In textiles and fashion, pluizen describes raising the surface fibers of pile fabrics to create a plush look or feel. This can involve mechanical brushing, napping, or other finishing steps to lift the short fibers from the fabric surface. Proper pluizen can enhance softness and appearance, while over-pluizen may damage the fabric or shorten its lifespan.

The word pluis (fluff or lint) is the root of pluizen, with the suffix -en forming the verb. The concept is linked to care and finishing practices across clothing, upholstery, and animal grooming. Related terms include pluis, pluisjes, and nap.