No More Wire Hangers

It's true: wire hangers are not the best choice. These freebies are everywhere, but, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Wire hangers were designed for short-term use and using them for your clothes is like using grocery bags for your luggage.

Sweaters, Coats, and Suits, Oh My

Sweaters should be folded and kept in a drawer because hanging them usually stretches them out. For coats and suits, wooden hangers are an excellent choice because they are sturdy and give support to help the shoulders keep their shape. Cedar hangers naturally repel moisture and insects, two big enemies in seasonal storage. Suit hangers are often curved to give the garment a little breathing room.

Delicate Flowers Satin hangers, padded hangers, and the newer velvet hangers are excellent for silks and slippery fabrics that tend to slide off the hanger. They keep spaghetti straps from tangling and open necklines from falling to the closet floor.

Tops and Bottoms

Many styles of hanger work well for shirts so pick something that goes with your style. Heavy-gauge plastic hangers come in fun colors and metal hangers can give your closet a sophisticated edge. Pants and skirts can be folded over bar hangers or hung full-length from clip or clamp hangers.

Size Matters

After you select the style of hanger and decide on the different types you need for the clothes you wear, be sure to consider size before you buy. There are extra-large hangers for winter coats and special hangers for belts, ties, and scarves. And children's clothing shouldn't be stretched out with grown-up hangers. Those adorable little cardigans and dress-up button-down shirts need children's hangers.

Your clothes work hard to make you look good. They spend a lot of time hanging around, hoping you'll choose them for the fashion show that is your life. Show them some love and buy hangers that match their needs so they don't have to hang on for dear life.