Closet Organizing: What Hangers Do the Pros Use?

A common question I get when helping clients organize their closets is, “What kind of hangers are the best?”

My answer? The best hangers are the ones that work for your closet and your clothes. There’s no one universal hanger. Instead, match the hanger to the job.

That said, there are some guidelines for selecting the right hanger.

MATCH THE HANGER TO THE GARMENT
Slimline velvet hangers are perfect for slippery or wide-necked women’s clothing, while also saving space.

Tubular plastic hangers allow woven garments such as men’s shirts to slide on and off without frustration.

Wooden hangers can withstand the weight of suits and coats, while the thicker hanger supports the heavier fabrics.

Clip hangers securely hold skirts and women’s pants.

​Open-ended hangers make it easy to hang folded pants or sweaters.

INNOVATIVE HANGERS
Sometimes you have a special situation and need a special hanger.

For short closets, Higher Hangers have a shorter neck which reduces the amount of space between the rod and the garment, so your clothes take up less vertical space.

If you like to hang knitted garments such as sweaters, sloped “no shoulder bump” hangers are a must. The other option — folding sweaters over a pants hanger — takes up too much space.

THE WRONG HANGERS
I’ve told you about the best hangers, so which hangers should you avoid?

Dry cleaner hangers can ruin your clothes. The wire is too thin, causing creasing and stretching. They can rust, the cardboard traps moisture, and the foam padding degrades and melts into the clothes. I’ve seen them ruin some beautiful garments!

When you get home from the cleaners, even before swapping out the hangers, remove the plastic bags. The bags trap moisture and don’t allow the clothes to breathe. If you need to protect special clothes from dust, try the beautiful, organic cotton clothes storage bags from Hayden Hill. For more information on proper clothing storage, check out this blog in which I interview a vintage clothing expert: Clothes Storage: Advice From a Vintage Clothing Expert

Another no-no are cheap plastic hangers. They stretch out of shape, causing clothes to fall off, and they break easily. Spend a little bit more and choose hangers that will last.

Tiered multi-hangers are another type to avoid. As an organizer, you might think I’d recommend them since they allow you to hang a bunch of garments in a small space. Instead, these hangers just encourage you to cram too much stuff into your closet. They’ll frustrate you because it’s difficult to hang pieces one behind another and other clothes fall off when you’re trying to get out one piece. You’re better off seeing if you can reduce the amount of clothes you hang, find additional closet space, or add a double-hung rod to your closet.

CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
Ultimately, the best hangers are the ones that work for your clothes, fit in your closet, and cause you the least amount of frustration. This will ensure that you follow through with putting clothes back where they belong, keeping your closet tidy and organized.