10 Clothing Items You Should Never Hang

Hanging your clothes may seem like the easiest way to keep your wardrobe organized, but not every item belongs on a hanger. In fact, some garments can lose their shape, stretch out, or even become damaged when stored this way. Whether it’s delicate fabrics or heavy pieces, the wrong storage method can shorten the lifespan of your favorite clothes. Understanding which items are better off folded and why can make a huge difference in how long your wardrobe lasts. Here’s a guide to the 10 clothing items you should never hang, and smarter, no-fuss alternatives to keep them looking their best.

1. Sweaters

Never hang sweaters, especially those made of wool or cashmere. Hanging them causes the shoulders to stretch and droop due to the fabric’s weight. Over time, it can even create unsightly hanger bumps. Instead, fold your sweaters neatly and stack them on a shelf or place them in a drawer. For better visibility, try folding them vertically and organizing them side by side. This keeps the knits in their natural shape, prevents distortion, and extends their life, perfect for preserving cozy winter favorites without taking up hanging space.

2. Delicate Silks

Silk garments are incredibly soft and luxurious but also prone to warping when hung. The delicate fibers can stretch and lose their drape over time. They’re also slippery and may fall off hangers, causing creasing or snags. Instead, fold silk items gently and store them in a drawer, using tissue paper between layers if needed to reduce wrinkles. If you must hang them for short-term use, use padded hangers and clips with fabric protectors. Long-term, folding is the safest option to maintain their elegant texture and shape.

3. Beaded or Embellished Garments

Heavy beading or embellishments weigh down fabric and can cause it to stretch or tear if hung. Gravity pulls on the detailing, which not only deforms the shape but may also loosen threads or damage the decorative work. Instead, fold these garments carefully with tissue paper to cushion the delicate areas. Store flat in a drawer or on a shelf. If you need to keep them extra safe, place them in breathable garment bags laid flat. This preserves both the structure of the fabric and the intricate work, keeping your special pieces looking flawless.

4. Knit Dresses

Knit dresses tend to stretch out if left hanging, especially around the shoulders and necklines. The weight of the dress pulls the fabric down, leading to a misshaped fit. Instead of hanging, fold knit dresses and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. If folding space is limited, you can use a rolling technique to avoid creasing. For long-term storage, keep them in breathable fabric containers. This approach ensures your dresses retain their original silhouette and fit like new each time you wear them.

5. Heavy Winter Coats

While it may seem logical to hang coats, heavy winter ones can put strain on both the fabric and the hanger, potentially causing misshapen shoulders or stretched seams. Instead, if not in active use, store them flat in vacuum-sealed bags or large storage bins. For coats in use, hang them only on sturdy, broad-shouldered hangers that support the weight. Avoid wire or plastic hangers, as they’ll bend under pressure and warp the coat. Proper storage keeps your coat in shape and ready for next season.

6. Leather Pants or Jackets

Leather items can deform if hung for long periods. The material stretches under its own weight, particularly in the shoulders or waistband. Leather can also take on the shape of whatever it’s hanging on, including hanger edges, leading to creases or marks. Instead, store leather items flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For short-term use, use wide, padded hangers. Always stuff sleeves or legs with acid-free paper to help retain their structure. Proper care ensures your leather goods remain supple, smooth, and stylish.

7. Heavily Lined Skirts

Lined skirts, especially those with heavy or multi-layered linings, can easily stretch at the waistband if hung improperly. The extra weight pulls on the fabric, causing distortion over time. Instead, fold them and place them on a flat surface in your closet or drawer. You can also gently roll them to save space and prevent creasing. If hanging is unavoidable, use clip hangers with felt grips and hang them from the waistband, being careful not to create marks. Folding is ideal for preserving the skirt’s natural fall and comfort.

8. Strapless or Spaghetti Strap Tops

Thin straps are notorious for slipping off hangers or stretching when left to support an entire garment’s weight. This leads to misshaped necklines and stretched-out straps. Instead, fold strapless and strappy tops neatly and store them in drawers or containers. For delicate materials like chiffon or silk, add a layer of tissue paper to prevent wrinkling. If hanging is necessary, use hangers with built-in strap hooks or padded notches, but long-term storage should always be folded to prevent wear and stretching.

9. Workout Leggings

Leggings, especially those made from stretchy materials like spandex or lycra, can lose their elasticity when hung. The constant downward pull affects the waistband and leg shape over time. Instead, fold leggings in thirds and stack them vertically in a drawer or cubby for easy access. Rolling is another space-saving option that reduces fabric stress. Keeping them folded helps preserve their snug fit and flexibility, ensuring they perform as well during workouts as they did when new.

10. T-Shirts

Hanging T-shirts may seem harmless, but over time, the shoulder seams can stretch, especially if the fabric is lightweight. This results in lopsided sleeves and a worn-out appearance. Instead, fold your T-shirts and organize them in drawers by color or type. For better visibility, use vertical folding (à la Marie Kondo), so you can easily see and grab what you need without making a mess. Folding keeps the fabric in better shape, helps avoid wrinkles, and frees up valuable closet hanging space.