Curious how to best store all your clothes? Whether you’re living overseas or residing in the local Apache Junction, AZ area, a custom closet will help you keep your wardrobe clean, organized, and long-lasting. And for those of you who own a lot of clothes, you’ve probably wondered what is the best way to store them and why.
To hang or to fold? That is the question. Believe it or not, folding or hanging your clothes is not a matter of personal preference. With the exception of stretchy fabrics, it’s best to hang as much of your wardrobe as possible.
When you make a point to hang your clothes, you will have:
- A Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe
- Long Lasting Formalwear
- More Space
Read on to learn how and why hanging your clothes can improve your home and style.
A Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe
Hanging your clothes prevents wrinkles and keeps them looking their best for years to come. When you hang your dress shirts, pants, and blouses (especially right out of the dryer), you are more likely to keep your clothes crisp and wrinkle-free. And don't forget about all that time you’ll save on ironing!
Long-Lasting Formalwear
A quality wardrobe is an investment, one you want to maintain with proper care and storage. According to marthastewart.com, jackets, dresses, and pants will last longer and remain in better condition when they are hung up. Always make sure your closets are clean, cool, and dry so that your formalwear stays in tip-top shape.
More Space
When you hang your clothes, you create more space in your closets and your home. If you have room in your closet, consider placing a mirror and dresser against the wall so that you clear up space in your bedroom. Even if you don’t have a walk-in closet, hanging your clothes will provide more storage space for clothing and non-clothing items.
Best Clothes to Hang in Your Closets
To get the most out of your custom closets, prioritize hanging your formal and semi-formal attire. While it may be easier to just toss or fold those suits, jackets, and dresses into a dresser or storage bin, hanging your formalwear will save you time and money in the long run.
As mentioned previously, hanging your clothes is a surefire way to prevent wrinkles. Linen, jackets, blouses, and other large pieces are notorious for becoming wrinkled very quickly. Folding these bulky, expensive, and wrinkle-prone items can either damage or lessen your clothing’s value. Remember that not all pieces will be hung the same way. While dresses and jackets are typically hung vertically, pants and slacks should be folded neatly over a hanger.
Best Hangers for Your Clothes
Now that you know which types of clothing to hang and why you’ll want to ensure you have the right hangers for the right pieces of clothing. Believe it or not, some hangers can harm or damage your clothing. This is because most clothes vary in weight, material, and length.
You’ll want to hang lingerie and delicate fabrics on padded silk or linen hangers, as they are lightweight. Invest in suit hangers for suit jackets and plastic tube hangers for more casual wear such as t-shirts made of cotton. HGTV notes that closet hooks are perfect for hanging "everyday outerwear."
Other Items to Hang in Your Custom Closets
Now that you know which pieces of clothing should be hung in your closet and why it’s time to explore what else you can hang in that beautiful organizational oasis! Why not accessorize? Scarves, hats, and shoes are great for hanging up as well.
Consider purchasing a scarf and shoe rack you could easily hang on your closet door or wall. For those looking to get a little more creative, try decorating your closet with lights, photographs, and/or posters. This will improve the look and ambiance of your bedroom.
What Not to Hang
Okay, so while in most cases it’s best to hang your clothes, there are some instances where you’ll want to neatly fold them. For the most part, you should avoid hanging chunky sweaters and sweater dresses. This heavy fabric is prone to stretching and hanger marks. The last thing you want is for those beautiful, thick winter knits to suddenly become unwearable. Shorts and activewear should be folded as well. Much like those winter sweaters, your gym clothes may stretch out if left on a hanger for too long.
Conclusion
Whether your closet is a walk-in, reach-in, or elegant armoire, you’ll want to fill it with your best clothes. While most clothes should be hung on a proper hanger, you’ll need to be cognizant of certain materials so your clothes won’t damage or stretch. Remember that hanging your clothes will automatically create extra space in your closets to store other items as well.