The wrong hanger can ruin a $1000 suit.
That $10 you saved by buying a cheap wire hanger just cost you $990.
Gents, your suit jacket will sit on that hanger for 98% of its life.
The wrong hanger will literally deform your jacket's shoulders, and over time make it unwearable.
So yeah, your hanger matters.
Clothes hangers should be a one-time investment.
Picking the right hangers will make a difference to the durability and shape of your clothes.
Most of us don't give much thought to what we hang our clothes on.
The right hanger will allow air to circulate around the clothing, eliminating wrinkles and keeping you looking sharp.
What you need is a quick reference to what types of hangers to keep your suits, pants, and shirts looking their best.
Hangers for Suits and Sport Coats
When supporting the heft of a suit coat, the best choice is a contoured, or wishbone hanger. These hangers are usually thick and sturdy. The contours will correctly support the mold of the shoulders.
For a waistcoat or the odd vest – the supportive contoured hanger design is also a wise choice. Contoured hangers come in both sturdy plastic and many varieties of wood. Wire hangers are too weak to support heavier fabrics and will distort the shape of your clothes over time.
If you can afford it, spring for the wood. Plastics are made from petroleum products which produce gasses which may discolor the fabric over time. Remember, a $30 dollar contour wood hanger is a small price to pay for a lifetime of protection on an $800 bespoke sports jacket.
Using a hanger that is narrower than your shoulder will result in your suits and shirts losing the natural shoulder line. Choose a hanger in a size that is closest to the width of your shoulders.
Before hanging, remember to empty your pocket. A set of keys in a flap pocket can quickly create an unsightly bulge. It's also a good habit to brush off any debris and inspect the jacket for stains before storing.
Hangers for Pants and Trousers
Some contour hangers will have a thin metal rod with two clips (known as pincers). If you have the closet space, the best way to store your trousers is to attach the cuffs to these clips. Gravity, and the weight of the fabric will draw the pants taut and remove wrinkles.
Another smart choice is a type of hanger with a wood dowel or pants bar. From this type of hanger, a pair of pants can be folded in half and hung. Avoid hanging the trousers right at the knee. This part of the fabric is under a great deal of stress in normal wear, so adding to it during storage can cause it to wear out before its time.
When hanging trousers, first fold in half at the crease. This will reinforce the permanent crease and reduce the chance of wrinkles from forming.
Hangers for Button Down Shirts
For button down shirts, a tubular plastic hanger works well.
Wire hangers are not as sturdy, and the thin metal rod can create odd shapes in the shoulders.
In addition, the rough edges can snag the fabric and if uncoated the metal can rust destroying a nice shirt.
To secure the shirt after ironing, fasten the first and third button. This will keep the button down from slipping off.
Hangers for Knits and Delicates
Padded hangers work best for knit shirt and other delicate fabrics such as silk, or linen.
These types of hangers have fabric stuffed into the shoulders to create a wide, padded shoulder area.
This helps distribute the weight of the garment across a wider surface area reducing stretching and wear on the material.
Hanging Neckties
Neckties should be hung on a dedicated tie rack. Most tie racks are made of sturdy wires or wood.
Tie racks provide an efficient means of storage and display for all of your neckties.
If a tie rack is unavailable, a pants bar with a non-lint towel can work as well.
Make sure that the surface does not allow the tie to slip off and has no rough edges that can snag the tie. And don't forget to untie that four-in-hand knot before storing.
Hanging Belts
Belts are best hung from the buckle.
Ideally, you can use a mounted hook rack with individual hooks for each belt.
However, sliding the buckle over the hook of a plastic hanger can work as well.
A hanger is one of the most unassuming items in your wardrobe but it has significant benefits in prolonging the life of your clothes. Even inexpensive clothes start to look luxurious when left hanging on good quality hangers.
Purchasing quality hangers shouldn't be an afterthought. Select versatile hangers made of sturdy materials and you won't have to worry about your clothes losing shape anytime soon.
