Ask the Butler: What is the Best Type of Hanger for T-Shirts?

Welcome to “Ask the Butler,” our monthly series where we answer your questions related to garment care and maintenance. Our experts are ready to help you make the best choices to extend the beauty and life of your clothes.

This Month’s Question:

“I have a lot of short-sleeve shirts. So many that my dresser is overflowing. I’d like to hang these items in my closet, but they always end up on the floor. Help! What is the best type of hanger for t-shirts?” - Jason

The Butler Recommends…

Hello, Jason. Keeping your t-shirts hung in your closet can help them retain their shape and minimize wrinkles. However, the right hanger is essential to ensure the tee hangs on the hanger just like it does for your body, ensuring a well-styled look every time you wear it.

As a result, understanding different types of hangers is key. Follow this guide to discover the best type of hanger for t-shirts.

1) Consider the Hanger Silhouette

Whether you typically use wooden hangers, plastic hangers, or wire hangers, you want the hanger to ensure your garment retains its natural shape. If it doesn’t, you can end up with a stretched neckline or awkward bumps in the shoulders, which can potentially do permanent damage to your favorite t-shirt.

So, the silhouette of a t-shirt hanger should mimic the silhouette of your body. As a result, you want a hanger with sloped shoulders that will allow the arms of the t-shirt to fall naturally when it’s hanging in your closet. Avoid wide hangers that can stretch out the shoulders and lead to those unwelcome bumps that are hard to eliminate, even after washing or ironing the shirt. Choosing a sloped shoulder hanger will preserve the natural shape of your t-shirt for the long term.

2) Choose the Right Hanger Type

Finding the best hanger for t-shirts depends on both the silhouette of the hanger and the type of hanger material. Some hangers, including wire and plastic styles, can stretch your t-shirt out and result in an awkward shape. Investing in high-quality wood hangers is a great option for hanging t-shirts.

Wooden shirt hangers feature a thin profile, t-shirt-flattering silhouette and sturdy design that makes them last for years to come. T-shirts can have the tendency to slip off of wire and plastic hangers, which makes them a bit more challenging to hang.

You may also consider using padded hangers for your t-shirts. These hangers, which feature a padded fill, is a cushioned spot to hang shirts made of delicate fabrics. It reduces wear on the shirt and minimizes the risk of stretching it out.

Finally, consider a velvet hanger with sloped shoulders for t-shirt storage. The velvet prevents knit fabrics from slipping off of the hanger. As a result, your tees will stay securely stored in your closet until you’re ready to wear them.