This feature deals with the presence of distinct hairs, warts, scales or patches on the surface of the pileus. This feature covers such structures when they are part of the pileus surface itself (innate) and when they are remnants of the universal veil (which entirely covers the fruit-body when young). A x5 hand lens should be used to determine the texture of the pileus surface. See also Pileus surface (cracks, pits or wrinkles) for splits, pits or wrinkles in the surface.

It can be difficult to tell if warts or scales on the pileus surface are from the universal veil or innate. A useful guide is that the universal veil often leaves remnants of similar colour and texture both on the pileus and at the base of the stipe, where they may form a Volva.

Choose this state if: the pileus surface is composed of radially arranged, more or less parallel fibrils (small fibres) which are appressed (flat to the surface), although the ends may be upturned in places. There may be some aggregation of fibres, but not into distinct scales. When the fibres are fine, the pileus surface often has a silky sheen. If the fibres are short and not appressed, but upright or tangled, see finely hairy or coarsely hairy.

If you are straining to see individual fibres under the hand lens, choose the glabrous option.