To choose the right coat hangers, prioritize materials and shapes that match the garment's weight and structure to prevent damage and maintain its form.
Understanding Hanger Materials
The material of your hanger is crucial for proper garment care and longevity. Different materials offer unique benefits:
Wooden Hangers
Wooden hangers are renowned for their strength, durability, and ability to maintain the shape of heavier garments. They are ideal for:
- Coats and Jackets: Wire or thin plastic hangers will bend or break in no time with the weight of these clothing items. For superior strength and to prevent shoulder bumps, choose those made from wood or tough plastic. A contoured hanger, often found in wood, is perfect for structured items like coats, blazers, and suits, as it supports the natural curve of the shoulder.
- Suits: Broad-shouldered wooden hangers prevent creasing and help suits retain their tailored shape.
- Heavy Dresses: Provides sturdy support without stretching.
Plastic Hangers
Plastic hangers come in various grades and designs:
- Tough Plastic: Similar to wood, tough plastic hangers are an excellent choice for heavier garments like coats and jackets, offering significant strength and durability without the bulk of some wooden options.
- Standard Plastic: Best for lightweight shirts, blouses, and dresses. However, thinner plastic hangers are prone to bending or breaking under the weight of heavier items.
- Tubular Plastic: Often used for sweaters (when folded) or lighter tops, but can still create shoulder dimples if not chosen carefully.
Velvet/Flocked Hangers
These hangers are coated with a soft, velvety material that provides a non-slip surface.
- Delicate Fabrics: Ideal for silk, satin, and other slippery materials that easily slide off standard hangers.
- Blouses and Wide-Neck Tops: Prevents items from falling to the closet floor.
- Space-Saving: Their slim profile helps maximize closet space.
Metal Hangers
While wire hangers from dry cleaners are generally not recommended for long-term storage due to their tendency to distort garment shape and cause creases, heavy-duty metal hangers (not standard wire) can be useful for specific purposes:
- Skirts and Pants: Metal hangers with strong clips are effective for hanging bottoms without creasing.
- Specialty Hangers: Some durable metal hangers are designed for multiple garments or specific accessories.
Matching Hangers to Garment Types
Choosing the correct hanger for each garment type is essential for preserving your clothing.
| Garment Type | Recommended Hanger Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Coats & Jackets | Wood, Tough Plastic (Contoured/Broad Shouldered) | Supports weight, prevents shoulder bumps, maintains garment structure |
| Suits | Wood (Contoured Suit Hanger) | Preserves tailoring, prevents creasing, supports both jacket and trousers |
| Shirts & Blouses | Plastic, Velvet/Flocked, Slim Wood | Prevents slipping, avoids shoulder indents (especially for knit or delicate) |
| Skirts & Pants | Hangers with clips, specialized pant hangers (multiple bars) | Securely holds waistband, prevents wrinkles, saves space |
| Delicates & Silks | Velvet/Flocked, Padded, or Specialty Non-Slip | Prevents slipping, snags, and stretching |
| Sweaters | Fold (preferred) or use Padded/Specialty Hangers | Avoids shoulder bumps and stretching; folding is best for heavy knits |
| Accessories | Multi-tie, Belt, or Scarf Hangers | Organizes and displays accessories, saves drawer space |
Practical Considerations for Hanger Selection
Beyond material and garment type, consider these factors for an organized and functional closet:
- Space Optimization: If closet space is limited, opt for slim-profile hangers like velvet flocked or thin, durable plastic.
- Non-Slip Features: Look for hangers with textured surfaces, rubber grips, or flocking to prevent clothes from slipping off, especially for wide-neck garments or delicate fabrics.
- Contoured Design: For structured items like blazers, coats, and tailored shirts, hangers with a contoured or slightly curved shape will help maintain the garment's original silhouette and prevent unsightly shoulder dimples.
- Durability: Invest in high-quality hangers that can withstand the weight of your clothing without bending, breaking, or damaging fabrics over time.
- Specialty Hangers: Explore options like multi-bar pant hangers, skirt hangers with adjustable clips, or cascade hangers to further organize and maximize space for specific items.
Quick Tips for Optimal Closet Care
- Always match the hanger to the garment's weight and shape.
- Avoid using standard wire hangers for anything other than temporary use, as they can permanently damage clothes.
- For heavy coats, jackets, and suits, choose hangers made from wood or tough plastic for superior strength and shape retention.
- Fold heavy knit sweaters to prevent stretching and shoulder bumps.
- Standardize your hanger type for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing closet.
