14 of the Best Closet Hangers for Next-Level Organization

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We're going to let you in on a little well-known secret: A closet is only as organized as the hangers found within it. While they may seem basic enough—generally, there's a hook for your closet rod and a base from which to hang your clothes—closet hangers vary drastically when it comes to their material and features. With everything from tubular designs, for which to slip your slacks in, to simple, hanging rods that are lined with textured rubber so that your delicates stay in place, it can be more difficult than you think to choose the right option for your space. If you’re not sure where to start, fret not: We’ve scoured the internet for the best closet hangers with durable materials, ample room for clothes storage and unique hanging properties that will make laundry day something you actually—gasp!—look forward to.

What Are the Best Hangers for Your Closet?

You’ll encounter numerous hanger materials in your quest for organization, and each one has its own unique properties.

  • Plastic: Plastic is a common choice when it comes to closet hangers, because it’s relatively cheap to produce and buy, yet adequately supports the weight of most garments.In addition, they rarely leaves creases and are also rust-proof. However, plastic hangers are likely to become disfigured over time under the weight of heavier items, such as coats and suits.

  • Wood: Wood does a better job of holding up heavier garments. It's also a great way to keep your home tidy if you’re going for a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic. It's a more sustainable approach to closet organization, and will hold its shape better than more malleable materials, like metal wire. The downside? These hangers can be on the pricier side.

  • Velvet: Velvet won't just look glamorous lining the perimeter of your closet, it can also help preserve your clothing, since it’s soft and non-abrasive. Opt for velvet when hanging delicate items like gowns, lingerie and scarves. Keep in mind that velvet hangers are likely to attract dust, though, so they should be cleaned regularly.

  • Satin: Perfect for lightweight delicates such as silk, satin hangers look chic and prevent damage and creasing. They aren't ideal for heavier garments, however—like your outerwear.

  • Metal: As anyone who's ever seen Mommie Dearest knows, wire hangers, while widely available, are less than ideal, as they can lose their shape when paired with heavier garments, rust (which in turn, can stain clothing) and also stretch out beloved tops and sweaters.

Closet Hanger Features to Look For

When shopping for closet hangers, it's best to look for features that will make your life easier. As you’ve likely noticed, hangers vary from short and narrow styles to long and tall ones. You’ll want to have narrower ones on hand for small items, like children’s clothing and scarves, and wider hangers for more oversized clothing. Sizing also depends on the amount of closet space you’ll be working with.

In addition, you'll want to consider the hanger's functionality.

  • Bottom bars: Hangers boasting tubular designs at the bottom are among the most popular on the market, since you can hang blouses and jackets from the top and slip pants through the bottom rung.
  • Clips: Just like a clip you’d use to seal a chip bag in your pantry, hanger clips can keep hard-to-hang items, like skirts, shorts and sleeveless tops, in place without letting them sliding around.

  • Notches: Certain hangers feature small notches at the top that can be used to keep dainty pieces, like tank tops, from slipping and sliding off.

The Best Closet Hangers at a Glance


Marissa Headshot

Freelance Writer

Marissa Miller is a freelancer with more than 10 years of experience editing and reporting on all things health, beauty, fitness, style and home for publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, CNN Style, Women's Health, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, USA TODAY and many more. Her first novel, PRETTY WEIRD: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Other Oddly Empowering Lessons, was published by Skyhorse Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster in May 2021. She's on Twitter at @Marissa__Miller and on Instagram at @marissamiller__ talking about journalism, Lululemon leggings and her two cats Freddie and Hendrix.