A Foolproof Guide to Hanging and Storing Clothes Correctly
Any good wardrobe will have a combination of rail and shelf space, the reason being that not all clothes are suitable for hanging. Delicate items like loose-knit clothing can become holey or stretched if stored improperly.
Read on to discover how to organise your wardrobe effectively and find out which items should be hung or folded to keep them in excellent condition while ensuring easy access to your clothes.
Choosing the Right Hangers
Hangers may seem trivial, but they have a big impact on how clothes hang. First and foremost, ditch metal wire hangers—they easily snag, become misshapen, and fail to support clothes properly. Instead, choose sturdy wooden hangers made from cedar, cherry, rosewood, or beechwood. These hangers effectively maintain the shape of garments and prevent stretching.
Although on the flimsier side, thin velvet-covered hangers work well for lightweight items like vests, offering a good grip and taking up minimal space on a clothing rail.
Fold Your Jumpers and Knitwear
When it comes to storing jumpers and knitwear, folding is essential for shape retention. Hanging these items can cause them to stretch out, especially around the shoulders, due to the weight of the fabric pulling downward. This can lead to misshapen garments that no longer fit properly. Folding your knitwear and stacking them on shelves or in drawers prevents stretching and reduces the risk of snags or pulls.
File Your T-Shirts
Filing your t-shirts vertically in drawers, rather than stacking them in piles, is an effective way to keep them in good condition and easily accessible. This method involves folding each t-shirt into a small brick shape and placing it upright so all t-shirts are visible at a glance.
Filing prevents the creasing and wrinkling that often happens when shirts are piled, needing to rummage through to find the one you are looking for. Careful stacking saves a significant amount of space in your draw, keeping it neat and tidy and reducing the wear and tear your t-shirts go through.
Which Items Should Be Hung?
Hanging certain clothing items helps maintain their structure and keeps them wrinkle-free. Suits, blazers, dresses and trousers, as well as delicate fabrics like silk or satin, benefit from hanging because it allows the fabric to drape naturally. Hanging also promotes airflow, which is particularly important for delicate or heavy fabrics, preventing moisture build-up and helping your clothes stay fresh and well-maintained over time.
Time For a New Fitted Wardrobe?
At J A Horne Starlight, we specialise in bespoke furniture tailored to your needs. Investing in made-to-measure wardrobes is a great way to optimise your storage space. Fitted wardrobes are designed to maximise every inch of space, offering custom compartments for clothing, accessories, and more. With a bespoke design, your wardrobe will seamlessly fit your room while enhancing organisation and style.
Visit one of our showrooms to explore our bespoke furniture collection in person, including fitted wardrobes and made-to-measure wardrobes!