Why hundreds of Aussie shoppers can’t get enough of ‘genius’ $1.50 item from IKEA: ‘Secret weapon’

A $1.50 item with 170 five-star reviews from IKEA Australia has been flying off the shelves for solving a common wardrobe problem almost everyone encounters.

The BUMERANG Shoulder shaper for hangers has been a hugely popular item among shoppers, having sold 102,882 units between March 2024 and February 2025.

To prevent noticeable pointy hanger marks on the shoulder sleeves of your clothes, the ingenious product helps preserve the shape of finely knitted sweaters, suit blazers, coats, T-shirts and silk blouses.

‘The shoulder shaper is IKEA’s famous design simplicity in action – a really clever solution to instantly make your clothes storage work better at home,’ IKEA Australia’s country selling manager Aleksandr Moshkalev told FEMAIL.

Instead of tossing away your old clothes hangers, IKEA’s shapers ‘slips easily over’ your existing ones.

‘It provides a hard base to protect and preserve the shape of all kinds of items in your wardrobe to make them last,’ Mr Moshkalev said.

‘It’s a little affordable luxury to look after those investment pieces of clothing like blouses, dress shirts, and especially knitted sweaters and jackets which are in high use as we head into the cooler months and winter season. 

‘They are compatible with most hangers – even wire ones. It’s also great that they are made from plastic, so perfect for hanging damp clothes straight from the laundry to dry in the right shape.’

As part of the retailer’s commitment to reducing prices to ease the cost-of-living squeeze, the item has been discounted from $2.50 to $1.50.

‘The BUMERANG shoulder shaper has been lowered in price by $1 so it’s such an affordable way to take better care of your clothes,’ Mr Moshkalev said. 

‘We hope it can help Aussies feeling the cost-of-living pinch reduce the need to spend more money on new items when theirs may have worn too quickly or fallen out of shape.’

After the price dropped by 40 per cent, IKEA saw a 55 per cent increase in sales between December 2024 and January 2025.

‘This strong reaction from our customers shows just how much they are responding to the new lowered price,’ he said.

The ‘genius’ shapers have received 260 glowing reviews and boast an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. 

‘Love these, they work with any wooden clothes hangers, preventing those awful pointy spots on your clothes when hung on a coat hanger,’ one raved.

‘Terrific idea for oversized dresses, jumpers and coats – just brilliant,’ another said.

‘An absolute must in my wardrobe space. Fits easily onto coat hangers and stops any marks on your clothes. I wouldn’t be without these,’ one shared.

‘These are such a great idea, very practical and a bargain price. I have lots of soft jumpers and using these means I no longer have hanger marks on the shoulders. I bought 10 to try but will probably go back for more,’ another added.