Are Wooden Hangers Really Better?

I recently received this question via email and I thought that it was a topic that could benefit all of you. Here is the question: “Hello! Can you please explain to me why it is better to hang your clothes on wooden hangers versus plastic?” What a fantastic question!

First, let me say that I only use wooden hangers now. I switched a few years ago from the tubular, plastic ones and I only wish that I had done it sooner. So what makes the wood version so special? Here’s my view:

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Hang your clothes in style with the timeless quality of wooden hangers.
Hang your clothes in style with the timeless quality of wooden hangers.

Wooden Hangers Take Better Care Of Your Clothes

Plastic hangers get the job done but they also leave creases and dents in your clothes. Dents and dings in your clothes are just like the ones on your car, they shorten the life of the item in question. Wood hangers eliminate creases, therefore providing better care for your clothing.

Your garments will remain in perfect condition for longer when hung on wooden hangers.
Your garments will remain in perfect condition for longer when hung on wooden hangers.

More Durable Than Plastic

Wooden hangers are far superior to other options on the market due to their durability and ability to hold your heavy clothing. Hangers made of wood have retained their enchantment and remain one of the most popular options for the general public when it comes to selecting the best hanger for long use.

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Wooden hangers are more long lasting than plastic ones.
Wooden hangers are more long-lasting than plastic ones.

A wooden Hangers Looks Better

Remember when you went away to college and made that big shopping trip to Walmart, K-mart, or Target (depending on if you went to college in the 90s or more recently) and you bought a bunch of crap for your shiny new home otherwise known as your dorm room? You probably grabbed a big stack of white or blue plastic hangers to hold your clothes in your small dorm closet. Ah, such good times. And that’s what I think of when I see a closet full of plastic hangers.

Now if you’re out of school (and have been for any amount of time evenly divisible by 5) you may want to consider the wood hanger as a more grownup option.

Clothes stored on wooden hangers maintain their shape and durability for a longer period of time
Clothes stored on wooden hangers maintain their shape and durability for a longer period of time

Well Spent Money

Wooden hangers are the best option because they are both practical and economical. Although these hangers are more expensive initially, they end up saving money in the long run. Hangers made of wood or another material are preferable to those made of plastic since the former offer more value for the money. You get what you pay for with wooden hangers.

Choose wooden hangers because they are both useful and affordable.
Choose wooden hangers because they are both useful and affordable.

The Good for Nature

Oceans and lakes all across the world are being contaminated by plastic trash, and this is just the beginning of a global plastic crisis. Hanging your clothes up using wooden hangers instead of plastic ones is a statement about your commitment to fighting global warming.

When comparing the pros and cons of wooden and plastic hangers, wooden hangers win hands down for their environmental friendliness and for the convenience they provide in disposing of the plastic debris that plastic hangers create once they break and are no longer useful. It’s undeniable that low-quality plastic hangers are likely to contain a variety of chemicals that could be harmful to your clothes and even your skin.

The Drawbacks Of Using Wire Hangers

The worst transgression in the world of hangers is the infamous ‘wire hanger’. I know people who take all of their clothing to the dry cleaners. Everything. And that means their clothes are returned to them on wire hangers. If this sounds like you, consider transferring your freshly laundered items to a more suitable hanger. At the very least, remove your clothes from the plastic bag. Can you breathe with a clear bag on your head? Well, neither can your clothes.

The drawbacks of wire hangers are the same as those of plastic hangers.  Wire hangers’ malleability causes them to bend readily, which reduces the length of time they are functional. Hangers with rusty hooks are not only not the ideal long-term option for keeping garment shapes, but they also make it harder to prevent items from slipping off and can damage the fabric.

Like plastic hangers wire hangers have downsides. Wire hangers bend easily reducing their effectiveness
Like plastic hangers wire hangers have downsides. Wire hangers bend easily reducing their effectiveness

Applications of Wooden Hangers

Wooden hangers have several applications. You can use them to hang just about anything, and they’ll still be useful long after your clothes have lost their appeal.

You can utilize them for a variety of purposes, including:

  • For all of your formal wear (Shirts, blouses, blazers, skirts, trousers)
  • For all of your everyday casual wear (T-shirts, skirts, jeans, dresses, sweatshirts, hoodies)
  • For all your bulky garments (Coats and blazers)
  • You can use this for nightwear & clothing for your children
  • For your linens, including your bathrobes and towels

Woolens, knits, and wovens that can be stretched, as well as extremely delicate textiles, may not be suitable for hanging on a wooden hanger.

Simple wooden hangers can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Simple wooden hangers can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Wooden hangers are useful. You can hang just about anything on them even when your clothes are old.
Wooden hangers are useful. You can hang just about anything on them even when your clothes are old.

Final Thoughts

There is a wide variety of hangers available for purchase. Hangers can be purchased in a variety of materials, from cheap metal ones to expensive wooden ones. The recycling of metal hangers is both cost-effective and sustainable. However, you can accomplish the same things by investing in wood hangers. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever need to replace them because of how long they last. Wooden hangers are the better option if you’re debating between plastic and wood.

Wooden hangers are durable and attractive while protecting your clothing from damage. They are strong enough to support heavy outerwear like coats and suits and come in a wide range of sizes and styles to accommodate any wardrobe. Although more expensive than plastic or metal alternatives, wooden hangers are a worthwhile investment for those concerned with environmental effects.