Guide
Which duvet is the right model for you?
by Vanessa Kim
How to choose the perfect coat hanger
7.12.2020
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Have you ever wondered why the shoulders of your sweaters always get stretched out or why your blouses and dresses are always slipping off the hanger? Turns out choosing the right hanger is key.
When I look into strangers’ closets, I tend to be greeted by the same old tired coat hangers. And it’s no wonder; they’re basically thrown at you in multipacks at the supermarket. Ignoring the fact that they look absolutely hideous when mixed and matched, they can actually damage your clothing if they’ve been badly manufactured.
I learned that the hard way. A few of my pieces have fallen victim to the cheap clothes hanger. There was a time when I felt like Krystle Carrington from «Dynasty» every morning. Baggy sweaters were integral to my day. So were damaged silk and chiffon blouses. I was fed up. That’s when I decided to invest in some higher quality coat hangers. I haven’t looked back since. Seriously. If only someone had told me sooner that coat hangers are not something to skimp and save on, but that every model fulfils a specific purpose.
Plastic coat hangers
If your wardrobe consists of only easy-care clothing like cotton shirts and co., and you really don’t care about the aesthetics of your closet, plastic coat hangers can work well for you. Unlike wood, metal and velvet hangers, they’re also suitable for hanging up wet clothing. The budget-friendly, lightweight plastic hanger also comes in space-saving versions. However, its lightness becomes a drawback when you use it for heavy garments like jackets and thick, knit jumpers. Heavier textiles can bend the hanger out of shape.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the smoother the surface of the hanger, the easier it is for tops and dresses with a large neckline to slip off. That's why I recommend going for a model with ribbing or rubber coating. Alternatively, you can upgrade it with anti-slip stripes or invest directly in a non-slip model (see fabric coat hangers). Pay attention to the quality of manufacturing when making your choice. Faults in the plastic, for example poor welding or sharp protrusions, can easily damage delicate fabrics like silk or crepe.
Check out all plastic coat hangers here.
Wooden coat hangers
The classic coat hanger: it’s robust and suitable for heavy items such as jackets and coats. For this reason, I have only wooden hangers in my coat closet. To make sure the shoulder area of your heavier textiles doesn’t get deformed, I recommend going for a model with wider ends to provide the necessary support. A downside of wooden hangers is that, depending on the design, they tend to take up quite a bit of space. But they do look very elegant.
I’d advise against untreated wood, though, even if you love the aesthetic. You run the risk of getting a splinter sooner or later – in your finger or in your clothing. Tops made of delicate materials can get stuck on it and tear. Coated wood prevents this from happening.
Check out all wooden coat hangers here.
Metal coat hangers
There’s chic, chicer and then the metal hanger. Golden and copper-coloured hangers are currently in vogue and certainly make your wardrobe pop. And they’re not only pretty to look at, but also stable and space saving at the same time. So, you can fit even more into your closet.
But, in addition to their rather high price, metal hangers have another snag: clothes with a wide neckline, like blouses, tops, dresses or cardigans, and delicate materials, like silk and chiffon, tend to slip off. Here too, anti-slip strips are a possible solution. Alternatively, you can go for a model with [an indent](/en/s14/product/brabantia-clothes hangers-4-set-4x-clothes hangers-9802834?tagIds=99-448&supplier=3045767) at both ends. If in doubt, it’s better to spend a little more money for higher quality. It’s important for the metal to be smooth so delicate textiles don’t roughen or tear.
Check out all metal coat hangers here.
Fabric coat hangers
Coat hangers covered in textiles like velvet or silk may not be the most beautiful. But they do meet my most critical criterion: it has to be super gentle on my clothes so I don't have to worry about any holes appearing, especially in my more delicate fabrics. And because the latter tends to slip off the hanger, I also need an anti-slip model. Since silk certainly isn’t anti-slip, I finally decided to go for velvet coat hangers.
Alternatively, there are also padded hangers, which are great for garments with fine straps. The padding makes for a loose and gentle hold, perfect for rarely worn items such as a ball gown or wedding dress.
Check out all fabric coat hangers here.
Inflatable coat hangers
The clunkiest type of hanger also happens to be one of the most convenient ones – long as you don't actually hang it in your closet. It takes up a lot of space due to its shape and size. But the hanger’s voluptuous curves mimic how the pieces of clothing lies on your body when you wear it. So, your clothes won’t get worn out, and you won’t have to worry about any stretching or nicks in the fabric.
I use inflatable coat hangers to hang up my clean, wet laundry. Thanks to the hanger’s curves, wet clothing retains its shape when drying.
And when my clothing is dry, I simply let the air out of the hanger and stow it away until next time. This feature also makes inflatable hangers great for travel.
Check out all inflatable coat hangers here.
Some final tips and tricks
- Use a hanger with rounded ends to prevent stretching in the shoulder area. It works even better if the rounded ends are also slightly wider than the rest of the hanger. Just keep in mind that it’ll take up more closet space.
- The horizontal rod on hangers is perfect for hanging up skirts, scarves or trousers, wrinkle-free. Alternatively, you can get special hangers for this purpose.
- If you care about aesthetics, go for uniform hangers to make your closet look more elegant and organised.
- Get hangers with a 360-degree rotatable hook so you can rotate it to the left or right as needed.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
Interior
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Fashion
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
3 comments
later