The top that droops at the shoulders
Short answer: If a top hangs off the shoulders, it is either too big from the start or stretched from hanging wet on a hanger. The two causes need different solutions, so it is worth finding out which one it is.
Too big from the start
If the shoulder seam sits further out than your shoulder, the top is too big. The fabric then hangs over the upper arm and the sleeves seem long. That does not correct itself over time. Measure a top you like and compare it with the size chart before ordering. See the size guide.
Stretched by water
Wet clothes on a thin hanger are pulled out at the shoulders, because the weight of the water gathers in two places. As the top dries, the shape sets. Lay wet tops flat to dry and ease them into shape while they are still damp.
Can it be fixed
A wash at 40 degrees and drying flat can give a little back, because the fibres relax in the water and can be reshaped. Ease the shoulders in while the top is damp. But do not expect to get it all back, especially if the top has hung wrongly for a long time.
Choice of hanger
Wide hangers with rounded ends spread the weight across the whole shoulder. Thin wire hangers do the opposite. Use wide hangers for dry clothes in the wardrobe and let wet tops lie flat. Read more in why the wrong hangers ruin the shoulders of your clothes.
The fabric
Soft fabrics with drape hang more than firm ones. Bamboo viscose has exactly that soft drape, and it is a feature, not a fault. A bamboo top will always sit more loosely over the shoulder than a stiff cotton top in the same size. Keep that in mind when choosing a size.
See the range
A t-shirt that fits at the shoulders is the starting point for a good fit. The shoulder seam should sit at the outer edge of the shoulder, not further out. See the basics in bamboo t-shirt for women, where the measurements are in the chart.
Washing
Wash at 40 degrees, use a moderate spin and avoid the tumble dryer. A moderate spin means the top is not dripping wet, but it is still heavy enough to stretch on a hanger. The remaining rules are in the washing guide.
Which items are affected
Sweats and hoodies hang first, because they weigh the most when wet. A thick fabric absorbs a lot of water and quickly becomes heavy. Always lay them flat to dry and fold them in the wardrobe. See sweatwear.
In the wardrobe
Even dry clothes can stretch at the shoulders if they hang for a long time on a thin hanger. Fold heavy tops and put them on a shelf. Light t-shirts can hang, as long as the hanger is wide enough for the shoulder.
In short
Find the cause first. If the top is too big, the solution is a smaller size next time. If it is stretched, wash it and dry it flat, and lay wet clothes down from now on. Wide hangers and space in the wardrobe take care of the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the top hang off the shoulders?
Because it is too big from the start, or because it has hung wet on a hanger. Look at the shoulder seam: if it sits outside the shoulder, it is the size, otherwise the fabric has stretched.
Can it be fixed?
Partly, with a wash at 40 degrees and drying flat while you ease the shoulders into place. If the top has hung wrongly for a long time, the shape rarely comes fully back.
How do I avoid it?
Lay wet clothes flat to dry and use wide hangers in the wardrobe. Fold heavy items like sweats and hoodies, and check the measurements before ordering so the size fits from the start.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
