There are times when pilling isn't just normal wear. If you notice pilling on a brand-new tri-blend after one or two washes, that could be a manufacturing issue—maybe the yarn quality is lower or the dyeing process weakened the fibers. That's rare with decent brands, but it happens.

Another edge case: if you're using a front-loading washer, sometimes the collar rubs against the rubber gasket during the spin cycle. That's a constant friction point. Turning the shirt inside out helps here too, but you could also consider a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

Also, be careful with any collar that has a printed label inside. The rough edge of the label can rub against the fabric and start pilling. If you feel a stiff tag, it's worth trimming it off—just don't cut the seam.