We've all had those moments—getting ready to wear our favorite outfit only to face an unexpected fashion problem. From stuck zippers and stubborn stains to foul odors and misshapen garments, these little issues can frustrate us and make our go-to clothes seem ruined.
One particularly tricky issue is the infamous bumps on the shoulders. If you've ever left a sweater or t-shirt hanging in your closet for too long, you've likely seen those annoying bumps at the shoulders that make even the nicest outfits look untidy and worn out.
The good news? These wardrobe woes aren't permanent! In this post, we'll share practical and easy solutions to help you fix and prevent these shoulder bumps and tips about clothes hangers that don't leave shoulder bumps. Get ready to rescue your wardrobe and keep your outfits looking sharp and stylish. Let's get started!
What Are Shoulder Bumps and Why Do They Happen?
Bumps on shoulders are awkward lumps on the shoulders of clothes, often caused by hanging garments incorrectly. These unsightly marks can distort the natural shape of clothing, leaving even your most carefully chosen outfit looking unkempt.
The problem usually arises from using hangers that don't match the size or weight of your garments. For instance, narrow or pointy hangers tend to dig into the fabric, stretching it in ways it wasn't meant to stretch. Heavy items like sweaters are particularly vulnerable because their weight pulls on the fabric over time, creating those frustrating bumps. Even light garments can be affected if left hanging for too long without proper support.
Understanding how shoulder bumps form is key to preventing them. With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure your clothes retain shape and always look fresh off the rack.
Reactive Solutions: how to get rid of hanger bumps
Damp Cloth Method
One way to fix shoulder bumps is to dampen the affected area with water and let it dry for 10–15 minutes. This quick and simple solution can work well in some cases. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the fabric, and it might not be the most convenient option if you have to do it frequently.
Ironing/Steaming
Ironing or steaming is a quick way to smooth out the bumps on shoulders. Applying heat can relax the fabric and help it regain its original shape. While it's an easy fix, the results can vary depending on the type of material, so it might only work perfectly sometimes.
Dry Cleaning
Wondering how to remove hanger bumps without any extra effort? Another option is to take your clothes to the dry cleaners once the shoulder bumps have appeared. The dry cleaning process is thorough and can often restore the garment to its original shape. However, this might not be the most convenient solution, especially if you don't want to make frequent trips to the dry cleaners!
Proactive Solutions: Preventing bumps on shoulders
Folding Sweaters
One way to prevent shoulder bumps is folding your clothes instead of hanging them. This removes the weight and pressure that causes bumps. You'll need a dedicated space, like a drawer or shelf, to store your folded clothes. The advantage is that you won't have to worry about shoulder bumps. However, this method might not be ideal for you if you prefer to see all your clothes neatly hanging in your closet.
Folding Onto Hangers
The technique called "folding onto the hanger" or "hanging with a fold" involves folding the garment so that it drapes over the hanger rather than simply hanging from the shoulders. Essentially, you fold the item in half, aligning the arms and body of the garment, and then place it over the hanger, allowing the weight to be evenly distributed and avoiding pressure on the shoulders. This prevents shoulder bumps by keeping the fabric from being stretched or pulled in one spot.
Using Specialty Hangers
A great solution is to use specialty hangers designed to provide extra care and support for your clothes. Unlike standard hangers, these are tailored to prevent stretching or misshaping your garments. Let's take a look at the best hangers for no shoulder marks :
Padded Hangers
Padded hangers are the best hangers for no shoulder marks and to keep your clothes in top condition. Wrapped in soft satin, these hangers add a touch of luxury to your closet and provide extra protection for your garments. The padded material helps prevent clothes from stretching, while the anti-snag notches at the shoulders ensure that even delicate fabrics stay safe and secure. Whether you're hanging a favorite sweater, dress, or blouse, padded hangers are a great way to protect your clothing from general wear and tear, keeping them looking fresh and well-maintained for longer.
Extra Wide Wooden Hanger
If you're noticing shoulder bumps on your favorite sweaters or cardigans, the problem might be due to narrow hangers. Narrow hangers can create unsightly lumps that distort the shape of your clothes. The solution? No shoulder bump hangers like Extra-wide wooden hangers. Though the difference may seem small, just an extra half-inch of width can prevent these bumps and help maintain the shape of your clothes, especially when they're hung for long periods. Investing in wider hangers is a simple but effective way to keep your wardrobe looking its best.
Velvet Suit Hangers
Velvet suit hangers are an affordable yet effective solution for protecting your clothes from snags, bumps, and wrinkles. Unlike traditional hangers, these hangers have an ultra-slim profile that helps your clothes hang naturally, preventing awkward creases or folds. The notched shoulders keep your garments in place, ensuring they stay smooth and wrinkle-free even if stored for long periods. They're great for keeping your clothes in top condition without breaking the bank.
PRO TIP:
Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST) is the perfect tool for creating a functional and organized closet. Designed to help keep your clothes neatly spaced, it ensures everything stays in place and is easy to access. Whether you're organizing a large or a small closet, RST keeps your hangers perfectly spaced, preventing clothes from shifting out of place. This simple yet effective solution helps you maintain a tidy, well-ordered closet, making it easy to find and manage your outfits.
Bonus Tips for Closet Care
Keeping your closet organized doesn't just save time—it also helps extend the life of your clothes. Here are a couple of extra tips to make the most of your space, care for your garments, and prevent bumps on shoulders:
Rotate Your Clothing: If you tend to wear some outfits more than others, rotate items in your closet regularly. This prevents certain clothes from hanging in the same spot for too long, reducing the risk of permanent shoulder bumps or hanger marks.
Avoid Overcrowding: Overstuffed closets make it hard to find things and can cause wrinkles, fabric snags, and even mildew in humid conditions. Tools like Roomedys® Spacing Tape For Hangers(RST) help keep your hangers perfectly spaced, preventing clothes from shifting out of place. This ensures your garments stay neat and wrinkle-free. With RST, navigating between your clothes is a breeze. Move them left to right and all around without anything shifting out of place.
More from Stephen Patrick:
Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.