Many people hang their clothes without thinking twice, assuming that it keeps them neat and wrinkle-free. However, not all garments are meant to be stored this way. Certain fabrics and styles of clothing can stretch, lose their shape, or develop unsightly hanger marks when left hanging for long periods. To maintain the longevity and appearance of your wardrobe, it’s essential to know which items should be folded instead of hung.

Hanging Can Stretch Out Certain Fabrics

Some fabrics are particularly vulnerable to stretching when placed on a hanger. The weight of the garment, combined with the force of gravity, gradually pulls the fabric downward, causing it to lose its original fit. This is especially true for materials with elasticity, such as knitwear, wool, and jersey. Sweaters, for example, often become longer and looser when hung, and the shoulders may develop unwanted lumps from the pressure of the hanger.

Dresses made from soft and stretchy materials, like jersey or lightweight cotton, are also prone to stretching. Over time, they may start to sag, leading to an ill-fitting silhouette. Instead of hanging these items, folding them neatly and storing them in a drawer or on a shelf will help retain their original shape and structure.

Hanger Marks Can Ruin the Appearance of Clothes

One of the most frustrating issues with hanging certain clothes is the appearance of hanger marks. These indentations often form on the shoulders of delicate fabrics, making them look uneven and misshapen. The problem is most common with blouses, knit tops, and light sweaters, where the fabric is too soft to hold its form against the pressure of a hanger.

Hanger marks are difficult to remove, often requiring steaming or ironing to smooth them out. In contrast, folding these garments and stacking them properly in a drawer eliminates the risk of dents and creases. If you frequently find yourself struggling with shoulder bumps on your clothes, switching to folding can save you time and effort in maintaining their neat appearance.

Delicate Fabrics Require Special Storage

Silk, cashmere, and certain types of wool are sensitive to pressure and stretching, making them unsuitable for hanging. These fabrics can also become misshapen if left on a hanger for too long. Jamal from 5asec, a specialist in laundry, shared that, unlike any other fabric, silk blouses are prone to develop unwanted creases or stretch around the seams. Similarly, cashmere sweaters may lose their softness and form if hung instead of folded.

Folding these garments prevents unnecessary stress on the fabric and helps preserve their delicate fibers. For added protection, consider placing tissue paper between folded layers to reduce friction and prevent wrinkles. Proper storage ensures that delicate fabrics maintain their smooth texture and elegant drape over time.

Heavy Clothes Can Lose Their Shape

Thicker garments, such as sweatshirts, hoodies, and heavy knitwear, are better suited for folding rather than hanging. The weight of these items can cause them to droop and distort their original structure when suspended from a hanger. This is particularly noticeable in coats and jackets made from soft, pliable materials that lack a sturdy frame.

By folding heavier clothing, you prevent unnecessary stretching and keep them in better condition. Stacking them neatly in a drawer or on a shelf also maximizes closet space and reduces the risk of overcrowding, which can lead to wrinkling and compression.

Folding Helps Maintain the Integrity of Elastic Bands

Many casual clothing items, such as leggings, joggers, and certain types of skirts, contain elastic waistbands that can become misshapen if hung. When these garments are left on a hanger, the waistband bears the weight of the entire piece, gradually weakening its elasticity. Over time, this can lead to a loose, worn-out fit that doesn’t provide the same level of comfort and support.

Folding these items helps evenly distribute their weight, ensuring that the elastic remains firm and supportive. If you have a collection of leggings or sweatpants, storing them in a designated drawer rather than hanging them in your closet will keep them in optimal condition for much longer.

Folding Prevents Wrinkles in Soft and Loose Fabrics

Some fabrics, such as linen and lightweight cotton, are prone to developing deep creases when hung. Unlike structured garments that hold their shape well, these fabrics tend to drape unevenly on hangers, leading to wrinkles that are difficult to remove. If you frequently struggle with crumpled shirts or pants, the problem may be due to improper storage.

Folding these garments carefully and laying them flat can prevent unwanted wrinkles. If necessary, you can roll certain items to minimize creasing while making them easy to access in your drawer. This technique is especially useful for travel, as rolled clothing takes up less space and remains relatively wrinkle-free in a suitcase.

Maximizing Closet Space with Folding

Another major advantage of folding overhanging is that it saves space. Closet rods can quickly become overcrowded, leading to wrinkled and crushed clothing. By folding certain garments, you free up space for items that truly need to be hung, such as dress shirts, blazers, and structured dresses.

A well-organized wardrobe makes it easier to find and maintain your clothes, reducing clutter and improving the overall efficiency of your storage system. If your closet is currently overflowing, consider reevaluating which items can be folded instead of hung to create a more streamlined and accessible wardrobe.

When to Use Hangers Instead of Folding

While folding is beneficial for many types of clothing, some garments are best kept on hangers to maintain their shape. Structured jackets, dress shirts, and tailored trousers should always be hung to prevent wrinkles and creases. Additionally, dresses with fitted bodices or delicate draping should be hung on padded hangers to support their design.

For suits, coats, and formalwear, using high-quality wooden or padded hangers ensures that they retain their shape without stress on the fabric. The key is to recognize which items need support and which will fare better when folded.

Making small changes in your storage habits can go a long way in preserving the fit, structure, and overall appearance of your favorite garments. If you’ve been hanging everything by default, now is the time to rethink your approach and start folding the items that truly need it.