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On right: Juniors 14″ hanger w/ clips in natural c/o (also in 14.5″ velvet slim style or in 15.5″ petite)Over the past year, I’ve been trying to focus more time and funds on taking care of items in my wardrobe. Forking over $ for professional alterations and cleaning is not fun, but hopefully will pay off in the long run. During this time, two aspects that I was guilty of neglecting were proper garment hanging and storage. I had a closet full of standard adult hangers, and cringed a little each time I stretched the shoulders of my clothes onto them. I had tried kids hangers before, but they were too narrow and resulted in the opposite problem – sagging and bumps in areas between the shoulder lines.
Kelly‘s post on narrow-shouldered hangers was revolutionary for me, however I decided to put off a hanger overhaul until we moved out of our current place. Unfortunately, it took a recent mini-panic over a permanently stretched-out Theory blazer for me to take quicker action! The owner of Only Hangers sent over some items for my to review – this brand makes a pretty big range of hanger sizes, including children’s (12″ across and under), juniors (14”), petite (15.5” wooden, 15″ plastic shaper), regular (17″ – 18″), and oversized (19″ – 20″).
I measured the shoulder width of my blazers and blouses (mostly 13-14” across), and determined that the juniors size was best for me. Kelly featured the sleek ones with a top wooden bar only, and I went with the ones with a lower metal bar and clips. Since most hangers have to play double or triple duty in my small closet, I needed the second bar to hold skirts and/or pants.
I also received their multi-pant hanger with 6 rubberized bars to prevent slipping and creasing. I used to hang my pants over the lower bar of hangers also holding blazers, but they were sometimes concealed by the blazers and subsequently forgotten. Now I can see all of them at once without taking up much space. My blazers, coats, pants and blouses have been thrilled with the hanger upgrades, but for delicate sweaters and loose knits, I recommend storing rolled-up or folded in a dresser, as hanging of any sort over time could stretch knits out.
All in all these hangers were very good quality. Whatever your shoulder measurement is, I think the risk of damaging the structure of beloved garments justifies a one-time investment in the right-sized hangers!
Dealing with a smaller closet, I’ve also gotten into the habit of rotational storage of seasonal garments (ie. heavy sweaters and tweeds). With precious closet space cleared up, I can see most items in one glance, which maximizes the wear that each piece receives. I bought a raised bed frame years ago for the extra room underneath, but the bottom of raised couches can also serve as prime storage space.
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Richards underbed chests with cedar (old; similar)I used to use unsightly garbage bags for under-bed storage, but often had to wreak havoc on the contents trying to locate a specific item. These under-bed chests helped solve those issues. The side handles help them slide easily like actual chests, and I can fit two side-by-side along each length of my bed. The clear top is great for seeing exactly what’s inside (I roll items up so more garments are visible from the top), and there are cedar wood inserts to help ward off wool and silk-munching moths.
Cedar pieces should be sanded or filed down every few months for a fresh scent, and I’m thinking of adding a few more blocks to be safe. Make sure to clean your garments thoroughly before storing anywhere, since bugs are attracted to accumulated dirt.
I recently pulled out my old suits in preparation for interview season (applying in radiation oncology!) so this is an extremely timely post. Unfortunately, not sure why, but rafflecopter never works on my computer/browser (I use safari on an old macbook)
Hi Angelina! I'm still using mine from Stiletto Hardware. I haven't had a need to get new ones yet!
https://www.extrapetite.com/2011/06/giveaway-stiletto-hardware-shoe-inserts.html
Ella, your updated closet looks great!
Hi Mary – thank you for letting me know. That's a bummer to hear and I passed along your comment to Only Hangers.
Thank you! Regarding ASOS – I didn't and unfortunately did not hear back on who did…
I am a relatively new reader of your blog and am absolutely in love. At 5' and size 5 in shoes, your blog is relatable and helpful! I am so excited about this post because I recently posted my own blog about the same issue. I looked up the Only Hangers website before when looking for smaller sized hangers in a google search but I was unsure of the quality. Thank you so much for always posting such relevant information! On a side note, I have been reading through your archives and you mention using shoe inserts in some of your heels after they have stretched. I am wondering if you have done a post about these inserts or where I might find some?
so excellent! I don't often think about things like this. It's one of my priorities to spend more maintaining the pieces I have, so this is very timely. I'd love the walnut hangers in regular- no petite gals here 🙂
Love the Walnut and Chrome junior hangers! I'm sure they'd serve me much better than the cheapo wire onces I have 🙂
great post! thanks for the advice!
on an unrelated note — did you win the ASOS oscars challenge? If not, who won the $500 gift card?
Did you hear that H&M; online store is now open to US customers?! http://zipstyleseattle.com
Not only am I petite, my new closet (just moved) is extra narrow, and regular hangers are too deep to fit. Would love some petite hangers so I could not stretch my clothes AND close my closet door!
I can't believe I've never considered petite hangers before! I guess the notion that clothes can stretch while laying in my closet never came across my mind. Thank you for introducing petite hangers; I'll have to rethink my own oversized ones.
Thanks for posting this! I've been using kids and baby hangers which works for some items only and often results in loose blouses falling off. I will definitely keep these hangers in mind!
Jean, thanks for your post. Undergoing closet revamp now due to a random silverfish sighting – and accompanying holes in a sweater. After doing some research, came to discover that these critters munch on clothing! And all this time was thinking it was moths…Heard lavender helps as do plastic bins. Apparently, they can eat through the thinner plastic storage bags! But sounds like you've found your solution. Anyway, wanted to share so that others can avoid what happened to me.
Wow, who knew? I'm in the midst of reorganizing my closet; could stand to use appropriately-sized hangers for my petite-sized clothing. I love the multi-pant hanger and the cedar underbed chest. Thank you!
Would love the 14" walnut and chrome with clips and also a pants hanger like you've shown!
great post, so useful!
Absolutely going to buy new hangers now! I've had this problem with my clothes for so long, but never known how to fix it. This is genius.
Thanks so much!!
this is genious must try those hangers and the underbed storage system as well! thank you for sharing the photos. I too am petite and taking care of clothes on a tight budget is very important! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com
I would love to try the juniors hangers that you feature here. Thanks for such an informative post!
This blew my mind.
Hi Jean,
Well-thought-out and helpful post, per usual!
Just want to share that I have had a mixed experience working with Only Hangers. I ordered several boxes of the petite 14 inch hangers after Kelly's post in June 2013 but they been on backorder for the past two months.
While I understand that items get delayed/backordered, my concerns are related to the customer service response of the company. First, my order was charged in full despite the long wait on ship time (going on 3 months now). And Second, which is actually more concerning, Only Hangers has not been proactive with communication regarding the delay (i.e. tentative ship dates and come and gone without any communication or notice from the company and I need to call them for a status update).
Overall, the employees have been friendly and the hangers are beautiful; but I thought you might be interested in sharing these potential issues with both your readers and the owner that you met with.
Best and looking forward to more blog posts! Mary
Long time reader, first time commenter! Hmm wow I didn't even realize my hangers were doing this. Sigh, after investing in my purple velvet hangers…Oh well. I would like to try the Petite Size Wooden Suit Hanger w/Bar. It's too bad they don't offer the junior's hanger with just the plain bar across. I'd love to see more clothing care posts Jean, I hate taking these suits to the dry cleaners…
I would love the walnut & chrome junior suit hangers with clips! I have an extensive collection of blazers, and I never thought about them being stretched out til I read your post. Thanks!
I'm also tempted by their folding rolling rack… In my tiny studio, I need extra closet space! The one I got from ikea is not sturdy at all, so I've been looking for a quality replacement. This might be it!
I never thought of needing petite hangers! Would love to try out the Walnut & Chrome 14" Juniors hangers.
I would love the Petites nonslip hangers!
This post is very informative. Thanks. – Karen J
I never knew petite hangers existed! I hate those annoying "shoulder bumps" and did not realize they weren't a problem for other people.
I had no idea petite hangers existed. I too have the shoulder dilema with the too small or too large hangers. I remedied this by leaving my button downs open and avoiding hanging any other type of shirt. This led to shirts constantly falling out.
We're moving and I will be losing my amazing walk in closet to share a small closet with my husband. I've been researching storage for clothing and had already started investing in nice, thin hangers. My overhaul was mostly complete and then I read this article.
Thank you for this! Even if I don't win, I will be investing in these hangers in the future.
This is brilliant. Thanks Jean for posting. It had never occurred to me to use size appropriate hangers or knew so many options were available. I could use some of the petite sized hangers.
I ordered the clear plastic 14" hangers from them a few months ago (based on AlterationsNeeded's review) and I was pretty disappointed since about 4 of them broke on me already! They are super flimsy but the size is perfect. I wish I had ordered the wooden ones instead!! :-/
Wow I feel like it's so obvious but don't know why I didn't notice it before. I need those petite wooden hangers!
brilliant idea! Need those hangers and the underbed storage box!
Hi Jean! Thank you SO much for this amazingly helpful post! I have always wondered by my shirts, blazers, and sweaters lose its shape sooo quickly on the shoulders! Thank you so much!
These are my favorite kind of posts from bloggers. I love to see how everyone organizes and uses closet space efficiently. These hangers look like they are very high quality and will last a long time. I had never heard of juniors hangers before, but makes perfect sense. I have had many a blouse ruined due to the linebacker effect. When it happens, I have to dampen that area of the shoulders to try and eliminate the bumps from hangers. Not always successful. Great post.
I love how thorough your reviews are no matter what you are reviewing, whether it is clothes, accessories, and now hangers. I'm going to check out Only Hangers in a few and maybe pick up a few of those 14" wide hangers for the delicate pieces in the closet. Will also give it a go at the giveaway.
Great post!!!
Just don't care about my hangers and that's right, it doesn't keep my clothes' original shapes!
Thanks for the tip, I'm going to buy junior hangers from now on!!!
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
I have major shoulder issues with regular hangers – sigh – thanks for hosting this!
I always wonder where to buy mid-size hangers from. I'm using combination of regular and kids hanger for my clothes! thanks for the post!
I bought a new blazer today and was just thinking about how my hangers are creating those awful bumps on the shoulders. Perfect timing, thank you so much!!
Great posts! I don't have problems with size of my hangers but recently switched to the slim velvety ones and it's made such a difference in my closet.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
OMG! This is so perfect! I was just thinking that I needed to get smaller hangers! For my blazers especially. THANK YOU, JEAN! This website is perfect! I love the walnut ones.
Okay – now I know the answer to my problem – I need junior hangers! I recently redid my closet (closet organisation link below)
http://ellaprettyblog.blogspot.ca/2013/07/a-peek-inside-my-walk-in-closet.html
And I replaced most of my hangers with the slimline ones – and I noticed unsightly bumps on my stretchier shirts and sweaters. I have bought slim children's hangers for my kids but I think I need to search for junior sized hangers for my knits (I know we're meant to fold them, but if I don't see it hanging, I don't wear it.
I did find some other great hangers for my closet – circle loops for my belts & microfibre lined ones for my jeans & trousers. I bought mine from TJ Maxx – they were a bargain.
What an informative post! Hangers do make a big difference in the preservation of clothes, especially nicer (and more expensive) coats, suits, blazers, etc. And it is hard to find the right sized hangers for petite frames. Thanks for sharing this great info!
Wow I would love love love the petite wooden hangers! I'm always annoyed with the rough edges on my plastic hangers, fingers crossed!
this is really helpful, thanks!
What a unique post! Good hangers are needed for the proper clothes form. I'm so excited to order these hangers and make more space in my closet.
Good job bringing attention on us needing to pamper our clothes, instead of just pampering ourselves with clothes as usual :). I'm putting that multi-pant hanger on my to-get list.
I got my family hooked with those plastic bags that you stuff clothes or blankets in and vacuum up the air. I've found Ziploc's line of Space Bags to be good quality so far (I found bad reviews for the original brand, strangely enough). I haven't needed to use them clothes yet. All I know is that since it's vacuum-packed you shouldn't have to worry about moths,though I have no experience in this area. Things do come out really wrinkly, so that is something to consider for clothes.
I won Kelly's giveaway! I finally got to use my new hangers after we moved and it has made such a difference in my closet. I choose the regular sized ones, but it's great having the thicker hangers because you can really see everything that is in your closet instead of things going missing. They take up more room of course, but that means you just have to be more careful about what you let into your closet which is always a plus!
Such a coincidence that you posted this tonight. I was just ranting about my hangers!!
I'd love to win the 100 pack. I live in Canada, but I know my friend in NJ would be so excited to have these sent to her.
xoxo Jackie
somethingaboutthatthing.blogspot.com