Material: Typically made of plastic, wood, metal (wire), or fabric.
Shape: U-shaped with a hook at the top.
Purpose: Used for hanging shirts, blouses, pants, and other items.
Coat Hangers:
Material: Often sturdier than standard hangers, frequently made of wood or reinforced plastic.
Shape: Wider than regular hangers to accommodate heavy outerwear.
Purpose: Designed to hold coats, jackets, and heavy clothing items.
Pant Hangers:
Material: Plastic, wood, or metal.
Design: Typically come with clips at the ends to hold pants or skirts in place.
Purpose: For hanging pants or skirts without causing creases.
Suit Hangers:
Material: Usually wood or premium plastic.
Design: Sometimes have a broader, rounded shape with padding.
Purpose: Used for suits, providing extra support to prevent the garment from losing its shape.
Specialty Hangers:
Shirt Hangers: Often contoured to avoid stretching out the shoulders of shirts.
Dress Hangers: Designed with a longer form to accommodate dresses, especially those with straps.
Children’s Hangers: Smaller in size to suit kids’ clothing.
Materials Used
Wood:
Pros: Sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, provides good support for heavier garments.
Cons: Can be expensive and heavy. Can also splinter or crack over time.
Plastic:
Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, widely available.
Cons: Less durable than wood, may bend or crack under heavy loads.
Metal (Wire):
Pros: Light, inexpensive, and strong. Space-efficient as they are thin.
Cons: May leave dents in fabrics and can rust if not coated properly.
Fabric:
Pros: Often covered with velvet or other soft fabrics, which prevent slippage and protect delicate clothing.
Cons: Not as durable as wood or metal, and may not hold heavy garments well.
Design Features
Non-slip Coating:
Some hangers are coated with rubber or velvet to prevent clothes from slipping off.
Adjustable Clips:
For pants or skirts, adjustable clips can hold the item securely without leaving marks.
Notched Hangers:
Some hangers have small notches at the edges to hold straps on dresses or shirts with straps.
Padded Hangers:
Often used for delicate fabrics like silk or wool, these hangers are covered in soft padding to prevent stretching or damage.
Coat Hangers for Heavy Garments
Wider Shape:
Designed to support the broader shoulders of coats and jackets.
Stronger Materials:
Materials like heavy-duty wood or steel are used to ensure the hanger can handle the weight of thick, heavy outerwear.
How to Choose a Hanger
Clothing Type: Consider the type of clothes you'll hang. For example, lightweight clothes (like t-shirts) work well with plastic or wire hangers, while heavier garments (like coats) need a wooden or metal hanger for support.
Space Consideration: If closet space is limited, opt for thinner, space-saving designs like wire hangers.
Durability: If you're looking for long-lasting options, wooden hangers are often the best choice.
Aesthetics: Wood and velvet-covered hangers can add a touch of elegance to your closet, while basic plastic or wire ones are practical and functional.
Proper Use and Maintenance
Don’t Overload: Avoid overloading hangers as it can lead to warping or damage to the garments.
Avoid Heavy Coats on Thin Hangers: Heavy garments should never be hung on thin wire hangers. Use a sturdier, broader hanger instead.
Keep Hangers Clean: Dust can accumulate on your hangers, so clean them periodically to maintain hygiene in your closet.
Storage: Store hangers in a neat row to avoid tangling. You can purchase specialized hanger organizers if needed.