We Call Them “Hanger Bumps,” Lady Gaga Calls Them “Horns.”

Lady Gaga and her Shoulder Horns

Unless you are Lady Gaga, most of us don’t like having little bumps on our shoulders. We call them “hanger bumps,” Lady Gaga calls them “Horns.” You know, the ones that appear on your shoulders when you slip on your sweater or items of more delicate fabrics, that have been hanging on your space saving skinny hangers.

Yes, those dreaded bumps, that in your rush to get dressed and out of the house, you try to push them down and make then disappear, only they stubbornly continue to pop up, as a small mini appendage on top of your shoulder. And while I think it is interesting on Lady Gaga in a very strange way, I assure you, it is not attractive on anyone that I have seen them appear on.

No Hanger Bumps allowed!

Well, last year my client Esther broached the question of how to get rid of those little hanger bumps. And although I gave her a good solution, it isn’t the only way. So today, I am going to share what I e-mailed to Esther plus a few other tips.

And gentleman, before you decide to delete this e-mail thinking this doesn’t apply to you, not so fast, because I have seen “hanger bumps” on the shoulders of men too. And while you may think it might make your shoulders look broader, believe me, it doesn’t. So stick around too and read on.

Say Bye-Bye To “Hanger Bumps!”

How to avoid “Hanger Bumps”

• Although I do suggest that you fold sweaters so that they don’t stretch out of shape, sometimes you might find it necessary to hang them for whatever reason.
  1. So if you do, here’s a little trick: Fold your sweater in half with the sleeves stacked too. Place the hook of the hanger in the underarm.
  2. Fold the body of the sweater over the hanger arms.
  3. Fold the sleeve over the hanger arms.
  4. The finished product lies flat distributing the weight of the sweater evenly over the hanger. Bye-Bye “hanger bumps!”
     • If you are already out of the house and you discover that you have “hanger bumps” on your shoulders try this:
       • Wet your fingers with cold water and then gently, but with a little bit of force, rub out the bump. You can do this with an ice cube too. The fabric will eventually relax and mold back into shape when dry, which may take from a few minutes to ten depending on the fabric. Note: You can only do this with sweaters. I do not recommend doing this technique with delicate fabrics.
     • Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car and in it include “Wrinkle Wiz” or “Wrinkle Releaser” by Downy. Both relax the fibers in fabrics  helping to eliminate “hanger bumps” and wrinkles. If you want something that is easy on the environment and your clothing, my pick would be, “Cosmo Natural Wrinkle Releaser.” It is twice the price but hey, I think my clothing and the environment are worth it!
     • Delicate fabrics as well as sweaters can also get “hanger bumps.” Try this favorite trick of mine:
       • Hang your garment that is prone to “hanger bumps” inside out so that if any “hanger bumps” are created, they will protrude to the “inside” of the garment, and flatten out as the item lies on your shoulder. Pretty cool huh? Just remember to turn your garment right side out before you get dressed, or you could have an embarrassing moment that might be worse than “hanger bumps.” 🙂
     • This takes a little extra work but for those of you who have a small closet, and lots of clothes packed in tight, a handheld steamer could be your best friend when it comes to getting out wrinkles fast.

Bonus Tips!

1. If you have plenty of closet space, you can try buying thicker padded “satin hangers” or “shaper hangers.” Although these take up much more space than our skinny hangers, this technique too will eliminate “hanger bumps.”
2. If you must hang your sweaters, you can borrow a tip from the dry cleaners, and hang your sweaters over the bar of a hanger to prevent not only “hanger bumps” but you won’t risk stretching the sweater either.
3. No wire hangers. They are the worse for creating “hanger bumps,” plus in general, they are not good for your clothes. If you have many, please don’t toss them into the trash – your dry cleaners will be happy take them back.

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below. Or if you have a favorite way to rid your clothes of those dreaded “hanger Bumps” blog me so that we all can learn something!

Love,

~Michelle