The item description says nothing about the rod being divided into 3 parts.  One of the 3 rod pieces has the male connections on both sides.  If this had been designed with 2 of the 3 rod pieces having a female connector on one side and the male connection on the other, it would be especially flexible.  Instead, it could only be used in a single size.  Rather silly that they didn't think of that.  Otherwise, it looks nice and is sturdy enough to hold clothes for a vacationing family.