Whilst folding pants onto hangers may seem like an easy task, the reality is somewhat different.
From pants that keep falling off, to pants that end up covered in creases, there are a whole host of problems that can arise when you are trying to fold your pants onto hangers.
Fortunately, if you are being driven to distraction by this tedious task and want to give in and simply fold and store in a drawer, then the below guide is just what you need.
Read on to discover how to fold pants on hangers like a dry cleaners. Plus, find out whether it’s better to hang or fold your pants.
What is the best way to hang pants?
There are several ways to fold pants onto hangers, depending on the type of pants you need to hang. These are as follows:
A standard clothes hanger that is shaped like a triangle – with two diagonal bars and a horizontal bar at the bottom, hanger hook at the top – can be used to hang most styles of pants.
To hang pants on a standard clothes hanger, fold them in half vertically with the hand pockets facing inwards. Then, hook the hanger onto something stable such as a clothes rod. Drape the pants over the horizontal bar so that the waistband is touching the cuffs. Finally, adjust the pants so that they are well balanced on the bar.
However, the most notable drawback to this method is that pants are prone to slipping off and ending up on the floor.
A hanger that has clips attached to it is another option if you want to hang pants in your closet. Again, these are suitable for most types of pants, but they do leave imprints in the fabric which is not ideal. This is especially likely if you are hanging leather or pleather pants.
If your pants are too long for this type of hanger, it can be a good idea to fold them vertically in half before attaching to the clips by the knee part of the pants.
This type of hanger is typically made out of wood and consists of two horizontal bars that pull together. A clamping pants hanger is best for suit pants.
To use this type of hanger, fold your pants in half so that the hand pockets are on the inside and the seat of the pants is on the outside. Then grip the hanger so that the two horizontal bars open up. Place the cuffs of the pants, not the waistband, between the two bars and secure.
To use this method of folding pants, take a standard clothes hanger that is in the shape of a triangle. Hold your pants upside down by the cuffs and then place the hanger between the pant legs. This is easier to do when the hanger is already on the rod.
Next, drape one leg across the horizontal bar, pull it through and fold it across. Then, tug the leg down so that the cuff touches the crotch part of the pants. Drape the other leg over the first one and tug down until the pants hang evenly.
Is it better to hang or fold pants?
Some types of pants are better suited to be neatly folded and placed in a drawer, whereas others benefit from being hung up in a closet.
Lightweight pants that are prone to wrinkles and are made of fabrics such as silk, nylon or linen should always be hung in a closet space or folded over a hanger. That being said, as many of these types of materials tend to slip off hangers, it can be a good idea to invest in velvet, non-slip hangers to prevent this from happening.
For delicate items, always use padded hangers, as this will help to protect your clothing and stop them from becoming damaged, stretched or imprinted.
When it comes to styles of pants, most can be hung or folded on a hanger. The exception to the rule is jeans which can be folded away in a drawer. Other heavier fabrics may also benefit from being folded rather than hung as this will help to prevent stretching.
How do you hang dress pants on a hanger without creasing?
If your dress pants always end up looking creased and crumpled, then it could be because you are not hanging them in the right way, or it could be because you are using the wrong type of hanger.
Sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen and hemp are particularly prone to wrinkles and need extra care when hanging in your closet.
In terms of what type of hanger to use, you should avoid wires hangers at all costs as these do not have the strength to support the weight of pants and can result in both sagging hangers and wrinkled pants.
Classic varieties which are available in materials such as plastic, metal and wooden hangers are a better choice, but this will depend on the exact weight of the pants.
Ideally, you should opt for clip and clamp hangers as these offer the best protection against wrinkles and can help you to save space in your closet. Use a padding material at the clamp to avoid impressions forming on the trouser material.
How to hang pants properly
If you are still struggling to hang or fold your pants onto hangers, then the below top tips should help: