Plastic Hangers VS Wooden Hangers: Picking the Perfect Fit for Your Wardrobe
- Stephen Patrick
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Most people don't think twice about the types of hangers they use. You just grab one, hang up your shirt, and move on. But here's the thing—what kind of hanger you use actually makes a difference. Plastic or wood might not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact how your clothes hold up, how neat your closet stays, and even the overall appearance of your space.
Plastic and wooden hangers each have their ups and downs. They're both designed to keep your clothes off the floor, but they approach the task in different ways. Some are sturdier. Some are better for certain fabrics. Some just look better. And some are easier on the planet. This blog will help you determine which hanger types best suit your needs.
Why Your Hanger Choice Matters
Hangers feel like an afterthought—until one stretches out your sweater or leaves a crease that won't come out. Most of us just grab whatever's around without thinking about it. However, the wrong hanger can damage your clothes more than you'd expect.
Flimsy ones can distort the shape of your shirts, pull sweaters out of line, or even leave stains if they're made from inferior materials. That adds up to more time ironing, more rewashing, and sometimes, tossing out pieces you liked.
Now, switch to well-made hangers, and things change. Your clothes stay in shape, your closet stays neater, and you don't have to keep buying replacements. Even if your clothes aren't fancy, they deserve better than a bent piece of plastic.
Bottom line: if you care about keeping your clothes in good condition, invest in solid hangers and innovative tools like Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers(RST). Look for hanger types with smooth edges, sturdy frames, and features that complement your wardrobe, such as clips for pants or notches for thin straps. It's a small change that makes everything easier.
Wooden Hangers: A Closer Look
Wooden hangers are often seen as the gold standard in closet organization, embodying a blend of traditional craftsmanship and practical functionality. They offer both style and substance, making them a preferred choice for many discerning individuals.
Strength & Durability
Wooden hangers aren't just nice to look at—they're tough. Made from solid woods like cedar, beech, or walnut, they can hold serious weight without bending or breaking. Think bulky coats, structured suits, or heavy denim—no problem. While cheaper hangers might droop or snap under pressure, wooden ones keep everything in place and in shape. If your closet includes heavier pieces, these hangers are designed to handle the job and last for the long haul.
Clothing Care & Shape Maintenance
One significant benefit of wooden hangers is how well they care for your clothes. Their smooth surface and wide, curved shoulders are designed to follow the natural contours of your body, helping to prevent wrinkles, creases, and those annoying shoulder bumps. Unlike thin plastic or wire hangers, which can dig into fabric, wooden hangers distribute the weight of your clothes more evenly. That means your favorite blazers, sweaters, and structured pieces keep their shape and look good for longer.
Aesthetic Appeal
Wooden hangers don't just do the job—they look good doing it. Their clean lines and natural finish bring a classic, polished feel to your closet. Whether they're made of light or dark wood, glossy or matte, they instantly make your space feel more put together. Instead of a mix of mismatched hangers and clutter, you get a neat, consistent look that feels more like a boutique than a bedroom. If you want your closet to feel calm and organized, wooden hangers help set that tone.
Eco-Friendliness
If you're trying to be more eco-conscious, the type of hanger you use actually matters. Wooden hangers are usually a greener choice than plastic ones. Wood comes from a renewable source, and many wooden hangers are made from responsibly harvested materials. Bamboo is a standout—it grows quickly, doesn't need replanting often, and even has natural antibacterial properties that can help keep your clothes fresh and mold-free. Cedarwood is another solid option. It smells great and naturally keeps moths away, which makes it especially good for storing seasonal clothes.
Longevity and Value
Wooden hangers last a lot longer than plastic ones. If you take care of them, they can stay in great shape for years—even decades. They do cost more upfront, but you won't have to keep replacing them like you would with cheaper plastic hangers. That makes them a smart buy in the long run. If you want something sturdy, good-looking, and built to last, wooden hangers are a solid choice.
Disadvantages
Wooden hangers are great, but they come with a couple of downsides. They're bulkier than slim plastic ones, so they eat up more closet space—which can be a pain if you're short on room. They're also pricier, mainly because of the materials and build quality. But here's the upside: if you shop smart and buy in bulk from reliable brands, you can get solid wooden hangers at a much better price.
Plastic Hangers: A Closer Look
Plastic hangers are undeniably the most common and accessible type of hanger found in homes and retail stores worldwide. They offer a different set of advantages, primarily centered around cost and convenience.
Affordability & Accessibility
Plastic hangers are popular for a reason—they're cheap, easy to find, and come in just about every color and size you can think of. You can grab a pack at any big-box store, dollar shop, or online without spending much. If you're trying to fill a closet on a budget or need a bunch of hangers fast, plastic is the go-to. They're also easy to match with your room or add a pop of color if that's your thing.
Lightweight & Space-Saving
Plastic hangers are lightweight and slim, making them a great option if you're short on closet space. Their thin design means you can fit more clothes on the rack without everything feeling crammed. They're also easy to move around and carry, which comes in handy when you're organizing or packing.
Rust-Resistant & Low Maintenance
Plastic hangers don't rust, making them a smart choice for humid closets or for hanging clothes that are still slightly damp. Unlike some metal hangers, you don't have to worry about rust stains. And unlike cheap wooden ones, plastic won't warp, swell, or grow mold in moisture. They're also super low maintenance—no special care, no extra cleaning. Just use them and forget about them.
Disadvantages
Plastic hangers are hit or miss—and mostly miss. While a few are made well, most are cheap, flimsy, and don't hold up. They bend, crack, or snap if you hang anything heavier than a T-shirt. Additionally, they can make your closet look messy, and clothes tend to slip right off their smooth, brittle surface.
There's also the environmental side. Plastic hangers don't break down easily and often end up in landfills, where they can persist for hundreds of years. If you're trying to make more eco-friendly choices, that's a big red flag.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Closet with Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers(RST)
Even with good hangers, or different types of clothes hangers, your clothes can still bunch up and slide around, turning your closet into a cluttered mess. That's where Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST) comes in. It's a simple tool that makes a big difference—by keeping even space between your hangers, it stops your clothes from getting squished, wrinkled, or hidden.
With RST, everything hangs neatly and stays put. Dresses don't get crushed, shirts aren't packed together, and your whole closet looks cleaner and more organized. You can flip through your clothes easily without knocking everything out of place.
It also adds a little fun to the mix. RST comes in different colors, so you can match it to your style, use different types of hanger colors, or make organizing more fun for kids. It's quick to use, easy to love, and once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
How to Choose the Right Hanger for You
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing different types of hangers. The best choice depends on what you need and what matters most to you. Here's what to think about:
What You're Hanging: Heavy coats and suits need sturdy hangers that won't sag or snap. Lightweight shirts and dresses can get by with slimmer options.
Closet Space: Got plenty of room? Go for thicker wooden hangers. Tight on space? Slim plastic ones might be a better fit.
Your Budget: If you're keeping costs low, plastic hangers are the cheapest up front. But wooden hangers last longer and often look better, which can save you money over time.
Looks: Want a clean, matching look? Wooden hangers typically convey a polished vibe. If you don't mind a mix of colors or styles, plastic is more flexible.
Sustainability: If eco-friendliness matters to you, look into bamboo or sustainably sourced wooden hangers. Plastics's not great for the planet, especially the cheap, disposable kind.
Extra Features: Need clips for pants or skirts? Notches for straps? A non-slip grip? Both plastic and wooden hangers offer these—just check the details before buying.
Final Thoughts: Wood vs. Plastic Hangers
There's no clear winner between wooden and plastic hangers—it all comes down to what you need and what matters most to you.
If you're looking for something sturdy, long-lasting, and ideal for keeping clothes in perfect shape, wooden hangers are a solid choice. They look clean and uniform, and when made from sustainable wood or bamboo, they're also easier on the environment.
Plastic hangers are lighter, cheaper, and take up less space, making them ideal for individuals with a large wardrobe or limited storage space. Just make sure to go for quality—cheap plastic can bend, break, or damage your clothes over time.
Ultimately, your closet setup should align with your lifestyle. Select hangers that suit your wardrobe and space. And if you want to level up your closet even more, try something like Roomedys® Spacing Tape (RST) to keep everything neat and easy to find.
The right tools help your clothes last longer and make getting dressed feel a whole lot easier.
More From Roomedys:
Why Non-Slip Wooden Hangers Are Essential for an Organized Closet
Hanger for Sweater vs. Folding: What's Better for Your Wardrobe?
Must-Have Household Products That Will Make Your Life Easier
Why Non-Slip Wooden Hangers Are Essential for an Organized Closet
Hanging vs. Folding Clothes: Are You Making a Big Mistake?
Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.
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