Clothes hangers are the handiest of tools in ensuring that your closet is neat and organized. They are also instrumental in keeping your clothes in top form, visible, and easily accessible. There are many types and sizes to choose from, so make sure that the ones you have in your closet are best suited for your clothes.
This article will talk about the various sizes and types of clothes hangers and why using the right kind for each of your clothes is a must. I will also touch on some tips on choosing the best hangers for your garments. Let’s start!
Measurements of a Standard Clothes Hanger
The right hanger size will make a difference in how neat your closet looks and how good your clothes look when you’re wearing them. You can maximize the space inside your closet if everything is organized and arranged in an orderly fashion. Your clothes, if stored properly, will last longer and look better when worn.
Below is a table showing the typical dimensions of standard clothes hangers:
| Standard Clothes Hanger | Dimensions (width x height) |
| Infant | 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20 cm) |
| Kid | 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm) |
| Adult | 17 x 9 inches (43 x 23 cm) |
Why the Right Hanger Size Matters
Choosing the right hanger size is crucial if you want your closet and clothes to look spick and span. It is not simply about storing your clothes. It’s about keeping your clothes organized, accessible, and in great shape.
If you choose a hanger that is too small, your clothes may end up wrinkled or creased. Your clothes may even slip out from the hanger and end up in unsightly piles on your closet floor. On the other hand, if your hangers are too large, your clothes will be stretched and may potentially be damaged. The shoulder lines and sleeves, in particular, are vulnerable to being disfigured.
How to Choose the Right Hanger Size for Your Clothes
Choosing the right hanger size for your clothes can be tricky. Most people usually purchase a bunch of a particular type and size of hanger and use these for all their clothes. However, properly storing your clothes is not a one size fits all kind of deal. It would be best to tailor-fit your hangers to your clothes so that your clothes are always tidy and ready to be worn.
Here are some tips on choosing the right hanger size and type for your clothes:
Hangers for Tops
- The shoulder width (measured across the back where the shoulders meet the sleeves) should match the length of the hanger. This helps retain the shape of your tops, especially for jackets and shirts.
- Opt for thinner clothes hangers for lightweight garments, such as t-shirts and cardigans. This helps retain their shape without having to take up too much closet space.
Hangers for Pants
- Go for hangers with crossbars. Wooden hangers are best since they can carry the weight of jeans or corduroys.
- Stay away from crossbar hangers with clips. These may seem convenient, but you will eventually realize that these clips can damage your pants. They can leave behind those nasty indentations that make your pants look rumpled.
Hangers for Dresses and Suits
- Non-slip tubular plastic hangers are great for lightweight garments, such as sundresses and slip dresses. They will keep these lightweight items from sliding off.
- Satin hangers are excellent alternatives to ordinary non-slip hangers. They’re easier on the eye, prevent lightweight garments from slipping off, and don’t cause snags or tears on delicate clothing.
- Make sure you have some padded clothes hangers in your stash. These provide extra protection for delicate garments such as suits, evening dresses, and knitted tops.
Hangers for Jackets and Sweaters
- Go for thicker clothes hangers for heavier garments, such as sweaters and jackets. Not only will these help keep them in proper shape, but they will also provide ample support for their weight.
- Invest in velvet hangers since they are durable, versatile, and fine-looking. They can effortlessly carry the weight of jackets and vests. These are also ideal for those buttery-soft tops that seem to snag on practically anything.
Other Factors to Consider: Type of Clothes Hanger
Generally, there are 3 main types of clothes hangers to choose from:
- Wire
- Plastic
- Wooden
Purchasing clothes hangers may seem like such a trivial task until you later find yourself discarding them left and right because they’re either useless or damaging to your clothes. Then you’re left with only a handful and wishing you made smart choices right from the start.
Worry no more because here are some valuable tips to consider when buying your stash of clothes hangers:
Wire Clothes Hangers
These are items I highly suggest you stay away from. Wire clothes hangers are notorious for bending under the weight of clothes, rendering them practically useless. They are also known to cause tears and damage to fabrics since clothes easily snag on their tips and edges. They also have a tendency to develop rust.
If you decide to purchase wire hangers, opt for vinyl-wrapped wire hangers. They are sturdier than their bare counterparts. The vinyl wrap also helps keep garments, especially ones made of light, delicate material, from slipping off.
Plastic Clothes Hangers
These may be cheap and versatile, but they are usually flimsy. Do not expect them to last long, and don’t be surprised when they occasionally cause tears and run on your clothes. If you decide to purchase plastic clothes hangers, make it a point to commit to a single color. Having differently-colored clothes hangers can make your closet look cluttered.
Wooden Clothes Hangers
These are your best bets in keeping your closet neat and organized, as well as in keeping your clothes in great shape. Wooden hangers may be pricier, but you can count on them to keep your clothes looking great. They can also give your closet a polished, more organized vibe.
Here are some of the main reasons why wooden clothes hangers are great investments:
- Longevity: They can last a lifetime if handled with care.
- Durable: They can take the weight of heavy articles of clothing, like jackets and evening dresses.
- Garment-friendly: The smooth finish keeps fabrics from snagging and effectively avoids runs and tears on clothes.
- Functional: If clothes hangers had only one purpose, it is to provide a tool in which we can properly hang our clothes. Wooden hangers take it a step further by making garments ready to wear. There would be no need to iron clothes before wearing them because wooden hangers don’t cause creases or bumps to form on the fabric.
- Appealing: Wooden clothes hangers can make your closet look well put together, classy, and neat.
Additional Tips on Choosing the Best Hangers
It takes a lot of planning and consistency to achieve that neat, spacious, and functional closet you’ve always wanted. Start by ensuring you have clothes hangers that are best suited for each article of clothing. Remember that each garment has unique demands for proper storage, so always set some time aside for determining the best size and type of hanger to use.
Here are some tips:
- Check your closet space. Most standard-sized hangers fit inside standard-sized closets, typically about 24 inches (61 cm) deep. If your closets are custom-made, make sure that all your hangers fit comfortably inside with room to spare for proper air circulation.
- Avoid crudely-designed plastic hangers. The ends of these hangers may snag on your clothes and cause tears and runs on the fabric.
- Shy away from wire hangers. These often cannot hold the weight of most garments and end up bending or becoming distorted. They are also usually the culprits for those disagreeable shoulder bumps.
- Good quality ordinary plastic hangers are excellent choices for regular clothes, such as shirts and blouses. They’re inexpensive and versatile.
- Invest in bamboo or wooden hangers. They may be pricier than regular hangers, but you can count on them to last. They can also provide better support for your clothes to help keep them in top shape.
Key Takeaways
Clothes hangers may seem like inconsequential household items, but if you think about it, they can significantly impact how our clothes are stored. The right clothes hanger can help make your clothes last longer and look better. On the other hand, the wrong kind of clothes hanger can ruin an otherwise impeccable piece of clothing.
The key is to invest in good-quality clothes hangers that are both durable and aesthetically appealing. Wood hangers are great options. Purchase them in various sizes to meet the demands of multiple articles of clothing. They can make your closet look organized to boot.
