As I remember, the bumps got less the more the piece was used and laundered. I don't think they actually disappeared but certainly softened. I'm disappointed that they've added polyester to seersucker. I wanted a new summer housecoat several years ago and used that but it was hot. I had used seersucker to make receiving blankets for my babies years before and they were only cotton and so nice for summer infants. I wonder if perhaps the poly is what retains the bumps.