Hanger Dimensions

Hangers are everyday items that the average person doesn’t think twice about. However, if you don’t know about hanger dimensions, you might end up purchasing a bundle of hangers that are too big or too small for your closet. So, what is the typical hanger size?

The average hanger is made of 44-inch-long (112 cm) wire that is bent to measure roughly 16.5 inches (42 cm) from side to side and 8 inches (20 cm) from top to bottom. Hangers can come in all sorts of materials and sizes, designed for different closet spaces.

This guide will cover the basics of hanger dimensions, hanger types, and how to choose the best hanger for your closet space.

Hangers are simple items that are used for incredibly important tasks—keeping our dress shirts and pants from creasing. So, if you’re looking to purchase a bundle of hangers, you should know what sizes they come in. This will keep you from ending up with hangers that don’t suit your closet space.

When it comes to hanger dimensions, there are 3 important measurements to take into account: width, height, and thickness.

Hanger width refers to the distance between shoulders—i.e., the measurements from the left bend to the right bend. The average wire hanger measures about 16.5 inches (42 cm) in this regard. Children’s hangers are smaller at around 14 inches (36 cm).
Hanger height is the distance from the very top of the hanger’s head to the bottommost portion. On average, this distance is somewhere around 8 inches (20 cm). This size is also common in children’s hangers.
Another measurement you may be interested in learning is the thickness of the hanger or what gauge wire it’s made of. A typical wire hanger is made with 14- to 15-gauge wire, which is 0.0785 and 0.0710 inches (1.994 and 1.803 mm), respectively. Non-wire hangers measure around 0.2 inches (51 mm) thick.
Wire hangers are made of a continuous wire that is bent and wrapped in such a way to create the final product. If you were to straighten a wire hanger, its length from end to end would be somewhere around 44 inches (112 cm).

Hanger Types

Hangers come in a wide assortment of types, which can be categorized by material makeup and design. Let’s take a look at different hanger types below.

Hanger Materials

The most common hanger materials are plastic, acrylic, wood, and metal.

Plastic hangers: These are the simplest hangers to get your hands on. You can find them in all sorts of shapes and colors. The downside is their lack of durability—they can snap pretty easily, and they may lose their color due to sun exposure when used for hanging laundry.
Acrylic hangers: This type of hanger is typically found in department stores. They’re lightweight yet rigid, so they can be used for hanging jackets and other heavier articles of clothing. They may be costlier than plastic hangers, but their durability makes it worth it.
Wood hangers: This is the crème de la crème in the hanger word. Wood hangers are typically made of oak, maple, and walnut, and they have a kind of elegance that other materials don’t provide. Their heads and bars are typically made of metal, which only adds to its overall durability. If you’d like to splurge on fancy hangers, wood is your best option.
Metal hangers: Metal or wire hangers aren’t as costly as wood but are durable enough to withstand punishment in the sun and closet. Some metal hangers come with vinyl or lacquered coatings, which protect the wire from rusting. Plus, they can be bent to nearly any shape you want.

Hanger Designs

You can find hangers with more than just a head, 2 shoulders, and a bar.

Multilayer Hangers: Do you want to hang several scarves, ascots, ties, or other thin objects on a single hanger? This type of hanger comes with more than 1 bar or layer, which allows you to hang multiple items and make use of vertical closet space.
Cascading Hangers: Like multilayer hangers, cascading hangers allow you to hang multiple articles of clothing on a single hanger. The difference is in its design—rather than having multiple bars, this hanger type has multiple shoulders.
Clipped Hangers: Clips are used for keeping dress pants and other heavier objects in place on or beneath the bar. Sometimes, the clips can pinch too hard and crease your clothing, so you’ll need to keep an iron ready.

Top Hanger Picks and Their Sizes

If you’re looking for hangers, you can find some of the top-selling hanger picks below.

1. Proman Products KSA9030 Kascade Wooden Hangers 50 Pack

The Proman Products KSA9030 Kascade Wooden Hangers, in a 50-pack set, offer a blend of functionality and durability. Measuring 17.5 inches wide, they’re ideal for various garments. The unique ring design allows cascading, saving significant closet space. The robust pants bar handles heavier items like jeans efficiently, ensuring they remain crease-free. Shoulder notches are a thoughtful addition for securing blouses.

2. Amazon Basics Slim Velvet, Non-Slip Suit Clothes Hangers, Pack of 30

The Amazon Basics Slim Velvet Non-Slip Suit Clothes Hangers come in a pack of 30, perfect for organizing a variety of garments. Their black and silver color scheme offers a sleek look. The slim design is closet-friendly, maximizing space efficiently. The velvet surface and notched shoulders effectively prevent clothes from slipping, adding to their practicality. Each hanger’s sturdy metal core supports up to 10 pounds, showcasing durability. With dimensions of 17.4 × 0.2 × 9.2 inches, they accommodate most garments well.

3. Casafield 50 Velvet Kid’s Hangers

The Casafield 50 Velvet Kid’s Hangers, in a charming pink color, are designed to optimize closet space with their slim profile, potentially adding up to 50% more space. These 14-inch hangers are lightweight yet sturdy, with a durable design that includes a 360° swivel chrome hook. They can hold up to 5 pounds, accommodating a range of children’s clothing from heavy coats to light dresses. The soft velvet flocking and shoulder notches prevent clothes from slipping, while the flocked pant bar avoids creasing.

4. TIMMY Plastic Hangers, 50 Pack Ultra Thin Non Slip Clothes Hanger

The TIMMY Plastic Hangers, coming in a 50-pack set, are an excellent choice for an organized and stylish closet. Their unique S-Shape design and non-slip rubber pieces ensure that clothes, including slippery fabrics like silk, stay securely in place. Despite their slim profile, they are surprisingly sturdy, capable of holding up to 11 pounds each, suitable for heavy garments like winter coats. The 360° rose gold swivel hook adds a touch of elegance, and the dimensions of 16.5 x 8.4x 0.2 inches make them versatile for various clothing types.

How to Choose the Best Hangers

Still unsure of what hangers to get? This brief buying guide can assist you.

1. Why Size Matters

Not all closet spaces are created equal. Some are wide enough for dress jackets, while others are much narrower. To measure your closet space, record the distance from the hanging bar to the front and back of the closet. Subtract 2-3 inches from that figure, and you’ll know the widest hangers it can accommodate.

2. Functional Features

Some hangers go beyond shoulders, bars, and clips. Some have swiveling necks to simplify reorientation, and some have notches to hold onto clothes with straps. Find what features work best for your wardrobe.

3. Specialty Hangers

These include hangers with satin or padded shoulders, which help maintain the position of wider clothing. They are also gentler on delicate fabrics that are prone to stretching or distortion.