I have a significant collection of clothing, from jackets and jeans to t-shirts and trousers.

This abundance has driven me to refine my storage methods, revealing which garments benefit most from being hung up. To maintain their shape and minimize wrinkles, certain fabrics are best stored this way.

If you're aiming to organize your closet, it's time to grab some hangers and create space.

Clothing Items You Should Always Hang Up

1. Dresses

Closet organization ideas with closet and compartments

For long-term storage, hanging dresses preserves their appearance and shape. Heavily embellished dresses may require sturdier hangers, so consider investing in robust wooden hangers that prevent creasing and feature a swivel hook for easy access.

If closet space is tight, a simple clothes rail can be the ideal solution for dress storage, especially for longer styles that can get trapped in a closet.

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2. Linens and Silks

mud room with screened closet and storage buckets

Experts recommend hanging lightweight fabrics like linen and silk to avoid wrinkles. These materials can easily crease if folded. I've learned to quickly unwrinkle my linen trousers using steam from my shower or a handheld garment steamer, which is quite effective.

For steaming convenience, a handheld steamer with continuous steam is a great option and can also be used on bedding and curtains.

3. Outerwear

Dressing room with wooden doors on closet

When it comes to organizing outerwear, experts agree that hanging is essential. This method helps maintain the shape of thicker winter coats, blazers, and suit jackets. Use curved hangers designed for suits to maximize space and prevent flattening.

For formal wear, garment bags accommodate multiple suits or jackets, allowing easy access without hassle.

4. Jeans

A pair of grey Diesel jeans on a grey velvet hanger hanging on a floral cupboard doorknob

Recently, I discovered a clever hack for hanging jeans that has doubled my storage space. Velvet hangers work wonderfully, preventing my jeans from slipping and supporting their weight. This trick is perfect if you need to maximize small closet space.

For additional crease-free storage, consider using toilet paper tubes for smarter pant organization.

FAQs

Which Clothing Items Should Never Be Hung Up?

Items like sweaters and knitted jumpers should be folded instead of hung to maintain their shape. T-shirts can also stretch when hung, so if you do hang them, ensure to place the hanger from the bottom.

While some embellished dresses can be hung, be cautious of the weight, as it may cause stretching.

For more guidance, check out our tips on folding clothes efficiently or the file folding method for a tidy dresser.

If you're facing storage challenges, discover how to expand your closet space with six simple tricks.