When it comes to your closet (big or small), all types of organization strategies are key to making your storage the best it can be by maximizing space and keeping all your belongings neat and tidy. Believe it or not, that can actually start with your selected hangers in your closet. More specifically, we’re talking about coat hangers.
All clothing requires different types of hangers, and we’ll most definitely explain why. With coat hangers being particularly more tricky, we’ll go into detail to explain not only why you need them in your life but also the other types of hangers that are available to you as you dive into becoming more organized on a daily basis.
So, without any further delay, let’s start organizing!
What Is a Coat Hanger?
Unlike other hangers, a coat hanger is particularly special because it needs to be able to hold and evenly distribute the weight of the garment so that it won’t snap. For that reason, a coat hanger is typically wider in appearance and may or may not have grips on it to keep the coat from slipping due to its weight and material.
For example, if wooden, then a coat hanger will require grippers, whereas a hanger with a material such as velvet may not require the extra grips. This is due to the fact that the material grips clothing material naturally.
Now that you know more about how a coat hanger has distinct features to set itself apart, keep reading along to learn more about its history and gather more detail on the different materials available.
There’s an Extensive History
Believe it or not, the first successful clothing hanger didn’t come to fruition until 1869. However, it was widely believed for a while that it was Thomas Jefferson who invented the helpful item.
In 1903 though, inventor Albert J. Parkhouse took the coat hanger to the next level and made it to be more of what we know it as today. And it all started with some wire! He took a piece of wire and shaped it to have two long ovals on either side to be able to hold the weight of the clothing.
Afterward, more inventors played around with the idea of utilizing different materials and ultimately adding even more to the shape. For instance, the bar we know and love that can be found on the bottom portion of the hanger was added in 1965. This addition alone is great for adding pants to that area of the hanger and maximizing space in the closet.
Due to the many modifications of the clothing hanger, there are several types available in different materials, which we’ll go into deeper detail.
Different Hanger Types
Not all hangers are created equal or with the same clothing in mind. A coat hanger has a particular design to it, and it can come in different materials. Follow along, and we’ll go through the more common types that can either be ordered or purchased in stores.
And remember, some clothing items aren’t meant to be on a clothing hanger at all, such as the sweater. A dresser drawer will be their best friend. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the different materials.
- Wire: While wire hangers were notably one of the first, this doesn’t mean they should be used for all clothing types. In fact, when talking about coat hangers, specifically the structure of the wire hanger, it’s clear it’s too thin and can’t support the full weight without bending out of shape. Wire hangers are best suited for t-shirts or blouses because of their more delicate frame.
- Plastic: When it comes to plastic hangers, there is a wide variety of them available in all different shapes and sizes. Wider plastic hangers are perfect for heavier items like your coats, whereas thinner plastic hangers may be most useful for summer tops and dresses. With the design flexibility in plastic, their use can be more universal.
- Velvet: If you want non-slip hangers for your more slippery clothing pieces, then this is the hanger for you. However, due to the thinner nature of this material hanger, opt to use them for your lighter jackets rather than your winter parka coats.
- Wooden: Wooden hangers are by far the best option to utilize on your coats. Why? This is simply due to the fact that wood can handle the weight of some of your heaviest garments. Not only that but the hanger itself can be made thicker as needed. You won’t have to worry about your hangers breaking or snapping while holding your items in the closet.
Hangers are meant to extend the life of your clothing while also providing the maximum amount of storage space for you. By knowing each type (especially the best one for your winter coats), you are able to fully take care of your fashion investments while also staying organized.
Hang On for One Sec: Our Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve given you the complete package of information on coat hangers and other hangers in general, we hopefully have left you equipped with the right information to ensure you are making the right organizational changes.
Not only that, but we also hope you are keeping your clothing in the best shape possible. After all, when it comes to your fashion investments, they always deserve to be protected.
Let us know how you plan on keeping your clothing protected, what hangers you plan on utilizing for your coats, and your strategy for keeping everything tidy in your wardrobe. We are here to help cater to all your organizational needs. After all, there’s nothing more satisfying than a clean and organized closet.
Sources:
35 Best Closet Organization Ideas | House Beautiful
The 9 Best Clothes Hangers of 2021 | The Spruce
10 Secrets Only Professional Closet Organizers Know | Real Simple
