
If you often rely on flimsy wire hangers that stores or dry cleaners give out for free, it’s time for an upgrade. Poor hangers can damage your clothes, so it’s worth investing in something better. As Joanna Wirick, a life and home organization expert at Joanna Organize, advises, 'Upgrading your hangers is a quick and simple way to elevate your closet.' By organizing your hangers efficiently, you’ll not only improve your closet’s layout but also optimize your storage space and keep your clothing in prime condition.
To find the top hangers, we carefully evaluated numerous options based on their material, size, storage efficiency, and overall value. We also sought expert insights from four professional organizers: Wirick, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin from The Home Edit, and Holly Blakey, a professional organizer at Breathing Room Organization.
Top Hangers Overall
Zober Wooden Clothes Hangers
These elegant hangers can hold various types of clothing without slipping or leaving creases behind.
At 0.5 inches thick, these hangers may not be the best choice for those looking to maximize closet space.
If you want hangers that are versatile enough for any wardrobe item, built to last, and will enhance the look of your closet, go for Zober’s 20-pack of wooden suit hangers. Though labeled 'suit,' these premium hangers are just as perfect for sweaters, pants, dresses, and more.
These hangers come with a 360-degree chrome hook for convenient hanging, a contoured, notched shoulder line that ensures your clothes keep their shape, and a vinyl-coated rounded bar that prevents slipping and creases, ideal for pants and skirts. Plus, their smooth, sanded wood design is coated with a clear lacquer and available in five sophisticated colors, making them a stylish addition to any closet.
Material: Wood | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Quantity: 20
Top Budget Hangers
AmazonBasics Slim Velvet Hangers
These hangers are ultra-thin, making them a space-saving and cost-effective solution.
They may not be sturdy enough for heavy or bulky garments.
For a set of slim, affordable, and functional velvet hangers, Blakey recommends this 30-pack from AmazonBasics. Despite their lightweight design, these plastic hangers are durable enough to support up to 10 pounds each, and they feature notched shoulders to keep clothes from slipping off.
The 360-degree swiveling hooks allow easy access to clothes without removing the hanger, and the ultra-thin build maximizes closet space. These hangers are perfect for shirts, sweaters, and more, though they may not be as durable for bulkier items like winter coats.
Material: Velvet, plastic | Thickness: 0.2 inches | Quantity: 30, 50, 100
Top Luxury Hangers
Kirby Allison Skinny Shirt Hangers
These hangers are crafted from premium wood and offer several customization options.
They are sold in packs of five, which can make it difficult to purchase in larger quantities.
If you're ready to invest a little extra, this set of five shirt hangers from Kirby Allison is definitely worth the splurge. These hangers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also crafted from high-quality wood, available in three sophisticated finishes to match your personal style. The shoulders are felt-lined to gently secure your clothing, with notches to prevent slipping. Plus, the hangers are sleek and come in two sizes (petite and standard) to ensure your garments are supported perfectly without any stretching.
Material: Wood, felt | Thickness: 0.375 inches | Quantity: 5
Top Wooden Hangers
IKEA Bumerang Hanger
Durable, versatile, and affordable, these wooden hangers offer a solid alternative to our top pick.
At 0.56 inches thick, these hangers may not be the best for maximizing closet space.
Wooden hangers are an excellent option for those needing to hang heavier clothing or who have plenty of closet space. They typically take up more room compared to velvet or plastic hangers. This set of eight from IKEA is available in a classic light wood, as well as black or white, allowing you to select the color that best complements your closet's style.
No matter which color you opt for, these hangers are designed to be incredibly durable, supporting heavy garments like coats and sweaters. The shoulder shaper is specifically made to protect more delicate items like knitwear, dresses, and tops from losing their shape. Additionally, grooves on both sides of each hanger prevent straps from slipping off and causing clothing to fall.
Material: Wood | Thickness: 0.56 inches | Quantity: 8
Top Velvet Hangers
Mizgi Premium Velvet Hangers
They save space, support heavy garments, and reduce shoulder indentations.
Clothes can be difficult to slide on and off these hangers.
Slim velvet hangers are perfect for maximizing closet space while securely holding clothes, and this Mizgi pack offers an affordable option to stock up. Featuring non-slip velvet, these hangers don’t need notched shoulders to keep straps in place. Instead, they’re designed with a curve that keeps your clothes free from shoulder bumps—just like our top pick for delicates.
With 360-degree swiveling hooks and built-in bars for pants, these hangers offer versatility in your closet. Each one can hold between 11-18 pounds of clothing without bending, and they come in 14 different color options, including several with sleek black hooks.
Material: Velvet | Thickness: 0.2 inches | Quantity: 30, 50
Top Plastic Hangers
Neat Method Everyday Hangers
With their rubberized coating, these hangers offer a more secure grip and better support compared to other plastic versions.
They are more expensive than some wooden alternatives.
While many organizers avoid plastic hangers due to their weak structure, poor strap grip, and tendency to leave marks, Neat Method's hangers solve those issues. They're lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle heavy coats and sweaters, featuring a rubberized finish that ensures a firm hold on clothes.
Designed without shoulder notches, these hangers prevent slipping and avoid the unsightly hanger marks. They're not just perfect for tops, though—each one includes a built-in bar to hold pants, and you can even add matching clips for hanging skirts and shorts for a complete storage solution.
Material: Recycled ABS plastic | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Quantity: 25
Top Space-Saving Hangers
The Container Store Slim Woods Shirt Hangers
These hangers are praised by two professional organizers for their durability, stylish design, and ability to maximize closet space.
If you’re looking to hang pants or skirts, you’ll need an additional hanger set, as these are designed primarily for tops and dresses.
Professional organizers Blakey and Wirick are fans of these slim, space-saving hangers from The Container Store. At just 0.25 inches thick, they’re much thinner than traditional wooden hangers but still sturdy enough to support up to 9.5 pounds of clothing. Crafted from natural beech wood, the hangers have notched shoulders to prevent straps from slipping off, without leaving unsightly marks. They come in two stylish finishes that fit seamlessly into any closet, though they lack built-in pants bars, meaning you’ll need separate hangers for trousers, skirts, or shorts.
Material: Beech wood | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Quantity: 10, 40, 120
Best Hangers for Suits
Quality Hangers Luxury Wide Shoulder Hangers
Their wide shoulders help maintain the perfect shape for suits while hanging.
They're not ideal if you're looking to save space.
If you need hangers that can hold suits, coats, or other bulky garments, these sturdy hangers are a solid choice. With their wide shoulder design, they keep your suits looking sharp and well-shaped. Each hanger can support up to 20 pounds and features a wooden locking bar that keeps all pieces of your suit together on one hanger. The glossy wood gives them a sophisticated look, but be aware that they are not space-efficient, measuring 2.3 inches in thickness. These are best suited for a select few pieces rather than an entire wardrobe.
Material: Wood | Thickness: 2.3 inches | Quantity: 2, 6
Best Hangers for Pants
Zober Pants Hangers
The open-end design of these space-efficient hangers keeps pants wrinkle-free and prevents creases during storage.
If you're seeking a multipurpose hanger, these may not suit your needs, as they are specifically designed to hold pants only.
These stylish pants hangers are notable for their open-end structure, which makes it easy to access your clothes without needing to remove them from the closet. Their non-slip rubber coating ensures your pants remain smooth and crease-free, while the chrome-plated metal construction provides strength and durability.
The sturdy design of these hangers allows them to accommodate multiple items at once, helping you save space. Without the bulky clips found on other pants hangers, they take up minimal room, making them a perfect choice for those who need to maximize closet storage without compromising on organization.
Material: Metal, rubber | Thickness: Not listed | Quantity: 20, 30, 40
Best Hangers for Skirts
The Container Store Wooden Pant/Skirt Hanger
These hangers feature padded clamps that securely hold skirts, shorts, and pants, and they are available in six stylish color options.
They are sold individually, and are somewhat on the expensive side.
For those needing a solution to hang both pants and skirts, Blakey suggests these hangers from The Container Store. Crafted from lotus wood, these hangers offer a sleek and sturdy design with a metal bar and two padded clamps. Ideal for hanging various types of bottoms, you can either clip pants, skirts, or shorts, or fold them over the metal bar. At $5 each, the hangers are a bit costly, especially since they are sold individually. However, with six different color options available, you're sure to find one that suits your style.
Material: Lotus wood | Thickness: 1.125 inches | Quantity: 1
Best Hangers for Delicates
Mawa European Space-Saving Hangers
Their rounded design ensures that delicate tops are not stretched out of shape.
These hangers are not suitable for holding heavier or bulkier clothing items.
Mawa hangers are designed specifically for delicate clothing, offering six different silhouettes that cater to various garment types. The rounded non-slip design is perfect for preserving the shape of your delicate tops, preventing any stretching. Crafted from strong steel and lined with non-slip PVC, these hangers can hold up to eight pounds of clothing. With four sleek finishes to choose from, you can match different shapes and streamline your closet's look. Although they are on the pricier side and not designed for heavy items, they are ideal for lightweight, delicate fabrics.
Material: Steel, PVC | Thickness: 0.3 inches | Quantity: 10, 12, 130
Best Hanger for Belts
Ohuhu Belt Organizer
This organizer comes with 12 hooks, perfect for holding belts, ties, and other small accessories.
It takes up a bit more space than some other options, making it somewhat bulky.
Belts and ties can be tricky to store, but this organizer provides a clever solution. Equipped with 12 U-shaped hooks, it offers the ideal space for belts, ties, scarves, and various accessories. The hanger is relatively thin, though the hooks make it slightly bulkier. However, it still helps save space as it accommodates up to 12 items, and the hooks are spaced apart, offering better visibility for each belt.
Material: Wood, stainless steel | Thickness: 0.8 inches | Quantity: 1
Best Hanger Organizer
House Day Magic Hangers
This organizer is versatile, allowing it to be mounted either vertically or horizontally for convenience.
It may not be the best option for heavy or bulky items like suits, as it’s more suited for lighter garments.
These space-saving hangers from House Day come in two color options and are perfect for those looking to maximize closet organization. Each rotating hook spins 360 degrees and holds up to five hangers, allowing for flexible organization based on type, color, style, or however you prefer. This design efficiently stores multiple items in minimal space, while the deep grooves prevent clothes from slipping and wrinkling. Plus, the hooks collapse vertically when taken out of the closet, making them even more compact than standard hangers.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 4 x 9.4 inches (horizontal), 16.3 x 2.7 inches (vertical) | Quantity: 8, 10, 16, 20
Best Travel Hangers
Trubetter Travel Hangers
These compact hangers fold neatly, allowing them to hold a lot of clothing without occupying much space in your luggage.
They are not as durable as some other options and may not support heavy garments.
What makes these Trubetter hangers so innovative is their foldable design, which makes them a traveler's best friend. Rather than packing bulky hangers or depending on the inadequate options often found in hotel rooms, you can simply fold these up and store them in your luggage. When you reach your destination, just unfold them and hang your clothes without sacrificing valuable space in your bag.
The hangers are equipped with anti-slip grooves that securely hold clothes in place once they're hung. Despite being slim, they are strong enough to support a wide range of garments, including dresses, pants, and even jackets.
Material: Plastic | Thickness: Not listed | Quantity: 12
Final Verdict
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Zober 20-Pack Wooden Suit Hangers for their elegant design, durable build, and impressive versatility. These hangers come in a variety of colors, allowing you to match them with your style, and are sold in sets of 20 or 30.
How to Shop for Hangers Like a Pro
Material
Hangers are available in various materials, and while most are effective, experts suggest avoiding flimsy plastic and wire options. According to Shearer and Teplin, '[Wire hangers] break easily, get tangled on the rod, and make it hard to access your clothes.' After that, the choice depends on your needs: slim velvet hangers save space and are cost-effective, wooden hangers add a touch of elegance while supporting heavier garments, and steel or satin hangers are designed for delicate clothing.
Organization Needs
Blakey advises that when selecting hangers, the key factors are consistency and space. Your hangers should match and should be chosen to optimize closet space. For larger closets, wooden hangers offer a sleek and durable option. For tighter spaces, slim velvet hangers are a more practical choice. Blakey explains, 'Thick wooden hangers look great, but they aren't ideal when there's too much clothing or not enough closet room.' In these cases, slim velvet hangers are the best option to maximize space.
Type of Clothing
Before purchasing hangers, assess your closet. 'Take a clothing count so you know the type and number of hangers you’ll need,' advises Wirick. Next, choose a mix of hangers that suit your items. Look for shirt hangers that prevent shoulder marks, pants hangers that avoid creases, and skirt hangers that don't leave clamp imprints. You can also opt for hangers that are gentle on delicates and those sturdy enough to support your heaviest garments.
Features
Some hangers come with extra features, such as rotating hooks, shoulder notches, built-in grip bars, and detachable clamps. But don't get sidetracked. 'Keep it simple,' Blakey suggests. 'Most fancy features end up forgotten at the back of your closet.' Make sure your hangers have shoulders that securely hold your tops and grip bars that hold your pants. That’s all you need. 'Remember, if you’re short on hanging space, items like belts, scarves, and hats can be folded or placed in baskets,' Blakey adds.
Questions You Might Ask
How do you store sweaters on hangers?
It depends on the fabric type, according to Shearer and Teplin. To prevent damage, 'delicate fabrics like cashmere should never be left hanging on any hanger unless it's carefully folded over the crossbar,' they explain. 'Knits are more durable but can lose their shape or wrinkle if not handled with care. Velvet hangers with a crossbar are a safe choice because they offer good support for the weight.'
How do you hang pants on hangers?
First and foremost, Shearer and Teplin advise that 'pant hangers should have a solid bar to prevent slipping.' As for folding, there are several techniques, but they suggest folding them in half lengthwise: 'Place one pant leg over the hanger bar, fold it at the knee, then take the other pant leg and drape it over the bar as well.'
Are expensive hangers worth it?
Expensive hangers can be worth the investment if your closet is important to you. 'They're certainly worth the extra cost if your closet is a priority and you find it frustrating,' says Wirick. If not, you can still find high-quality hangers at a reasonable price. However, Shearer and Teplin advise against keeping the flimsy wire hangers that come from the dry cleaners. 'The worst thing you can do is leave clothes on a hanger from the dry cleaner,' they warn.
Are thicker hangers better?
It really depends on what you're looking for. 'Thick hangers add a touch of elegance and give your closet a more upscale, designer vibe,' explains Blakey. Wirick prefers them as well, since they make it easier to see every item in your closet. However, if you're short on space, slim hangers are the better option. 'Slim hangers allow you to fit more clothes, and they tend to be more affordable,' says Blakey.
Take Our Word For It
This article was authored by Rachel Simon and updated by Lindsey Lanquist, two Mytour contributing writers with extensive experience in lifestyle and home-related topics. To find the top hangers, the writers reviewed numerous products based on material, size, storage capacity, and overall value. They also consulted with experts such as Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, founders of The Home Edit; Joanna Wirick, a professional organizer at Joanna Organize; and Holly Blakey, a professional organizer at Breathing Room Organization, for expert insights and recommendations.