Bumps from the hanger in the shoulders
Short answer: Thin hangers leave bumps in the shoulders, because the whole weight of the top rests on two small points. The damage becomes permanent if the garment dries in that shape, so wet clothes are the ones to watch.
Wet clothes are heaviest
The weight of the water pulls the shoulders out while the fabric is soft and easy to shape. As it dries, the shape sets and the bump stays. Never hang heavy wet clothes on a thin hanger. Even a light top weighs much more when it comes out of the machine.
Wide hangers
A wide hanger with rounded ends spreads the weight across the whole shoulder instead of two points. That applies in the wardrobe and on the drying rack. Thin wire hangers are the worst. Read more in why the wrong hangers ruin the shoulders of your clothes.
Lay heavy items flat
Knitwear and sweats are dried flat, because they absorb a lot of water and become heavy. Lay them on a rack or a towel and ease them into shape. Turn them once along the way so they dry evenly. See sweatwear for the thicker styles.
Can it be fixed
Steam can soften the fabric a little, so the bump is less visible. You can also dampen the shoulder and let it dry flat in the right shape. But do not expect it to disappear completely. Bumps that have been there a long time usually stay.
In the wardrobe
If the wardrobe is packed, the shoulders get pressed anyway, as the tops are squeezed against each other and the hanger. Give the clothes room to hang freely. Rather fold a few tops on a shelf than squeeze more onto the rail.
The range for men
Men's t-shirts often hang on hangers, and they are light enough for it as long as they are dry. Use a hanger that matches the shoulder width, so the fabric is not pulled over the edge. See the basics in bamboo t-shirts for men.
Washing
Shoulder bumps have nothing to do with the wash itself, but with what happens afterwards. Use a moderate spin so the clothes are not dripping wet when they dry. The remaining rules are in the washing guide.
Which items are affected
Sweats, hoodies and anything with some weight get bumps first. Thin t-shirts tolerate a hanger better, as long as they are not wet. If in doubt, fold the top and put it on a shelf. See bamboo t-shirt for women.
Hangers in the wardrobe
Even dry clothes can get bumps if they hang for a long time on a thin hanger in a packed wardrobe. Use wide hangers for the heavy items and fold clothes for home that do not need to hang. See bamboo loungewear for women.
The easy habit
The simplest rule is this: wet clothes lie flat, dry clothes may hang. Follow it and you avoid most bumps. Only hang dry clothes, and use wide hangers for anything with some weight. Then the shoulders keep their shape for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
Why do clothes get bumps in the shoulders?
Because a thin hanger concentrates the whole weight of the top on two small points. If the garment is wet, the fabric stretches and the shape sets as it dries on the hanger.
Can the bumps be removed?
Steam or a dampened shoulder dried flat can make them less visible. But bumps that have been there a long time rarely disappear completely, so it is best to avoid them from the start.
Which hangers are best?
Wide hangers with rounded ends that spread the weight across the whole shoulder. Thin wire hangers are the worst, especially for heavy items like sweats and hoodies. Heavy wet clothes should lie flat.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
