polyester viscose pilling

[Mikilt]

Hello friends,
I spent a few days at the TX ren fest in a polyester viscose kilt. I had to wash it when I got home, so I hand washed in the tub with a little detergent. Cool warm wash, cold rinse, hang dry. I noticed some pilling on the outside apron. Close to the fringe, above where my right knee would be. Nothing was rubbing it. My sporran wasn't that low.... So guys: what probably caused it, and what can I do about it? I'm not sure if it was there before the wash, or after. Also, for the leather straps, I used some saddle soap on them while they were wet to replace some of the oils lost / keep them from drying out. Was that a good idea or bad idea? Thanks!

I have acrylic kilts that pill. I do my best to maintain them with fuzz remover.

remington-fuzz-away-fabric-shaver-mdn.jpg