Hangers vs. Folding: What’s Best for Different Types of Clothes?

Finding the right balance between hanging and folding your clothes is essential for maintaining their quality and ensuring your closet stays organized. While some garments need the support of hangers to retain their shape, others are better folded to prevent stretching or damage. In this blog post, we’ll explore which clothing items should be hung, which should be folded, and how to decide what works best for your wardrobe.

1. Clothes That Should Be Hung

Certain garments are prone to wrinkling, losing their shape, or becoming damaged when folded. Hanging these pieces is the best way to keep them looking fresh and ready to wear.

Dresses and Formal Wear: Long dresses, gowns, and formal garments should always be hung to prevent creasing and distortion. Use padded or velvet hangers for delicate fabrics like silk or satin.

Suits, Blazers, and Coats: These structured items can lose their form when folded. Wooden hangers with wide shoulders are ideal for providing support and preserving their shape.

Button-Down Shirts: Hanging shirts helps prevent wrinkles and makes it easier to grab them when needed. Opt for slim, non-slip hangers to save space and avoid shoulder bumps.

Skirts and Pants: Use hangers with clips or bars to hang skirts and trousers. This prevents creasing and wear that can occur when these items are folded.

2. Clothes That Should Be Folded

Some clothing types are better off folded to avoid stretching, hanger marks, or fabric damage. Here are the garments that belong on your shelves or in your drawers:

Sweaters and Knitwear: Hanging knits can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape. Fold sweaters neatly to preserve their form and store them in a cool, dry place.

T-Shirts: While you can hang t-shirts, folding them helps save closet space and prevents unnecessary stretching.

Denim and Heavy Pants: Jeans and other thick fabrics can be folded without wrinkling or damage. They are sturdy enough to stack neatly without creasing.

Athletic Wear: Leggings, yoga pants, and activewear are often made from stretchy materials. Folding prevents them from losing their elasticity or developing hanger marks.

3. The Hybrid Approach: When to Hang and Fold

Some items benefit from a combination of both hanging and folding, depending on the situation.

Casual Jackets: Lightweight jackets can be folded for seasonal storage but should be hung when in use.

Scarves and Accessories: While some scarves can be folded and stored in drawers, others may look neater when hung on specialty hangers or hooks.

Delicate Fabrics (e.g., chiffon, lace): You can hang delicate items for short-term storage but fold them with tissue paper for long-term care to avoid stretching.

4. How to Decide: Hangers vs. Folding

The choice between hanging and folding comes down to three main factors:

Fabric Type: Delicate, structured, or wrinkle-prone fabrics are better hung, while stretchy or sturdy fabrics should be folded.

Storage Space: If you’re low on hanging space, prioritize formal wear, blazers, and dresses for hangers and fold everyday items like t-shirts and jeans.

Garment Weight: Heavy items like sweaters and denim can be folded to prevent stress on hangers, while lightweight fabrics can be hung without concern.

5. Maximizing Closet Space

To get the best of both worlds, combine hanging and folding techniques strategically. Use space-saving velvet hangers for hanging clothes and organize folded items in bins, drawers, or shelves. Tools like shelf dividers and cascading hangers can help optimize your space even further.

Conclusion

Choosing whether to hang or fold your clothes can make a big difference in maintaining their longevity and your wardrobe’s overall organization. By understanding the needs of each type of garment, you can protect their shape, prevent wrinkles, and make your closet work for you. Whether it’s hanging a delicate dress or folding your favorite sweater, taking the right approach will keep your clothes looking their best for years to come.

Ready to optimize your wardrobe? Start by rethinking how you store your clothes—your future self (and closet) will thank you!