Have you ever taken a nice blouse or sweater out of the closet only to find it misshapen or stretched out? Or tried hanging up dress pants only to have them end up with crease lines? This annoying issue often arises from using hangers that are too narrow for certain garments. But don’t worry – with some simple tips and tricks, you can find the optimal width for every hanger and keep your clothes looking their best.
We’ll also look at the problems that can occur when using hangers that are too narrow. Finally, we’ll provide recommendations on choosing hangers with widths tailored to each garment type. Let’s get started optimizing your closet!
What Are the Standard Hanger Widths?
Not all hangers are created equal. Hanger widths vary depending on the type of clothing they’re designed to hold. Here’s an overview of the typical size ranges:
Adult Hanger Widths
For most adult clothing items like shirts, jackets, dresses and coats, the ideal hanger width falls between 16 and 18 inches. This gives enough room for the shoulders of tops and the torso area of dresses and coats to hang smoothly without any pulling or creasing of the fabric. An adult hanger width also allows clothing items to hang freely in your closet without overlapping.
Hangers on the wider end of the range, around 18 inches, tend to work well for heavier fabrics like wool coats and thicker dress fabrics. Lightweight fabrics like blouses and dresses usually only need about 16 inches of hanger space.
Children’s Hanger Widths
Since children’s clothing is smaller than adult sizes, their hangers have narrower widths. Great options for kids’ clothes range from 11 to 14 inches wide. These compact widths prevent the shoulders from stretching out. They also allow multiple smaller garments to fit efficiently and neatly in a closet.
The reduced hanger width is perfect for everything from little t-shirts and dresses to tiny jackets and hoodies. Just be sure to increase the width as your child grows for continuing proper support.
Specialty Hanger Widths
Certain garments like pants, skirts and delicate fabrics require specially designed hangers to get the right fit. For pants and skirts, look for hangers around 2 inches wider than the waist measurement or hip measurement depending on the garment. This allows the entire waistband to lay smoothly along the hanger without any bunching or creasing.
Delicate fabrics like lingerie, camisoles and lace-trimmed dresses do best with narrower width hangers usually around 14 inches wide. This prevents the straps or fabric from stretching out. Opt for hangers with padded shoulders or velvet coating to further protect dainty fabrics.
Problems With Hangers That Are Too Narrow
Now that we’ve covered the ideal hanger widths, let’s look at what can happen when your hangers are too narrow for the garments you’re hanging up.
Stretching & Deforming Clothes
Have you ever had the dismaying experience of taking a favorite sweater off a hanger only to find it misshapen? Hangers that are too narrow for a garment’s shoulders can stretch the fabric over time. This distorts the shape and leads to an ill-fitting piece of clothing.
Delicate fabrics are especially prone to damage from hanger widths that are too small. The narrow shoulders cause straps to stretch out and can even rip holes. Choosing a hanger about 2 inches wider than the garment’s width is key for prevention.
Difficulty Organizing & Hanging Items
Trying to cram clothes onto undersized hangers leads to headaches when hanging and removing items. With inadequate space, garments overlap and cling together on the hanger rod. You end up with a disorganized mess.
With clothing bunched tightly together, it’s hard to smoothly move hangers side-to-side along the rod. Getting things on and off the hanger becomes a struggle too. Properly sized widths give clothing breathing room for efficiency.
Creasing Certain Garments
No one likes putting on clothes covered in hanger marks! But when pants and skirts drape over a hanger that’s too narrow, crease lines inevitably form. The excess fabric bunches up without enough space. The creases then set into the fabric.
Lingerie and delicate fabrics can develop imprints or folds from perching on narrow hanger straps as well. Finding widths that fully support the garment’s shape is key for preventing damage.
Finding the Optimal Width for Each Garment Type
To find a hanger that’s just right for each piece of clothing, use these handy tips for measuring garments and shopping for hangers:
Tips for Measuring Garments
- Lay the garment flat and measure across the shoulders or waistband depending on the item.
- For tops, measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
- For pants and skirts, lay flat and measure across the waistband.
- For dresses, measure from shoulder to hem across the widest part of the bodice.
- Add at least 2 extra inches beyond the garment measurement to allow sufficient space.
Guidelines Based on Garment Type
Use these quick width guidelines to find well-fitting hangers for each garment:
- Blouses and shirts: Add 2 inches to shoulder measurement
- Sweaters and jackets: Add 2-3 inches to shoulder measurement
- Dresses: Add 3 inches to bodice measurement
- Pants and skirts: Equal to waistband measurement
- Suits and coats: Add 3-4 inches to shoulder measurement
- Delicate fabrics: 1-2 inches wider than garment straps
Also consider the weight and density of the fabric. Heavier fabrics require more hanger space than lightweight fabrics.
Shopping for Properly Sized Hangers
Look for hangers with size dimensions listed when shopping. This takes the guesswork out. Wooden hangers often specify the width. Plastic and metal hangers tend to list size options like standard, slim, broad-shouldered, or caped.
Big box stores, container stores, and retailers like Amazon carry a wide range of hanger sizes. For extra narrow and broad options, check specialty stores and garment supply shops. Customizing hangers with shoulder pads or extensions creates a perfect fit too.
Get the Most From Your Closet With the Right Widths
Now that you know how to select hangers with optimal widths, let’s look at the benefits this provides for your closet and clothes:
Prevent Closet Clutter
Cramming clothes onto undersized hangers creates disarray in your closet space. The right width for each garment keeps everything neat and organized. Well-fitting hangers prevent items from bunching together or overlapping.
You’ll gain a smoothly functioning closet that makes getting ready a breeze. A place for everything and everything in its place – that’s the magic of proper hanger widths.
Keep Garments Looking Their Best
Most importantly, hangers with tailored widths keep your clothes in tip-top condition. They prevent stretching of fabrics and shoulder seams. They eliminate creasing, imprints, and hanger marks on clothing.
Choosing widths aligned to each garment’s size maintains the shape and structure. Your clothes always look pristine and ready to wear, never misshapen.
Create a Functional Closet System
The right width for each hanger also makes your closet workflow more seamless. Well-fitted hangers allow garments to hang individually without clinging together. You can smoothly slide items along the rod and pull them on and off effortlessly.
With ample space for each piece of clothing, it’s simple to see what you have and create coordinated looks. Finding that perfect shirt to pair with your pants is a cinch.
We hope these tips help you discover the ideal hanger widths for fabrics of all types. Remember to measure garments flat for the best sizing. Shop for hangers listed with dimensions or size options. The right amount of space prevents stretching, creasing, and closet disorganization.
Clothing investments deserve proper care and storage. With hangers sized to fit each piece, your garments maintain their shape and structure season after season. Get ready to fall in love with your closet all over again!
The impact of hanger width on fabric quality: Choosing the right hanger width can also impact the fabric quality of your clothes. Hangers that are too narrow can cause wrinkles and creases, while hangers that are too wide can stretch the fabric. It’s essential to choose hangers that are appropriately sized for the fabric type to maintain its quality over time.
The difference in hanger width for different fabrics: Certain fabrics, such as silk or lace, require extra care when hanging to prevent damage. In these cases, wider hangers with padded shoulders or fabric-covered clips can provide additional support and prevent stretching or distortion.
The impact of hanger width on closet organization for petite or plus-size individuals: Petite or plus-size individuals may require different hanger widths than the standard 16-18 inches. Petite individuals may need narrower hangers to accommodate shorter garments, while plus-size individuals may need wider hangers to provide adequate support for larger-sized garments.
The impact of hanger width on closet organization for activewear: Activewear, such as yoga pants or workout tops, often require specialty hangers a bit wider than standard to smoothly drape over the hanger without creasing or bunching the fabric.
