Do you have a special dress in your closet that takes your breath away, but it’s gathering dust because you’re not sure how to properly hang and store it? You know the drill – take out the ironing board and spend hours steaming wrinkles out of fabric.
However, there’s an easier solution! With just a few simple steps you can learn how to properly hang dresses and keep them looking their best without sacrificing time or energy. Keep reading for our guide on how to hang dresses, from sundresses to evening gowns.
Needed Materials
Given the varying sizes and weights of dresses, you’ll want to be prepared with a few options for hanging. Here are some suggested materials:
Hangers:
It’s always best to use padded hangers for delicate fabrics like silk or lace.
Clothespins:
Great for hanging lightweight or strappy dresses that may slide off traditional hangers.
Plastic Garment Bags:
These are great for protecting dresses from dust and other elements.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Hang Dresses
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Make sure you have hangers, clothespins, and garment bags on hand. It’s also helpful to have a steamer or iron nearby in case any wrinkles need to be touched up. But don’t worry, with the right hanging technique, wrinkles should be minimal. It’s also important to clean and dry your dress beforehand. This will ensure it’s ready to be hung and stored. You don’t want to hang a dirty or damp dress, as this can lead to discoloration and damage.
Step 2: Assess the Fabric
Different fabrics require different hanging techniques. For example, silk or satin dresses should not be hung from the straps as they can stretch or become misshapen. Instead, opt for hangers with padded shoulders to maintain the shape of the dress.
It’s also important to avoid hanging dresses made of delicate fabrics next to dresses with zippers or buttons, as they can cause snags or snarls. You may consider using garment bags for dresses made of more delicate fabrics.
Step 3: Hang Dresses by the Straps
For heavier dresses, hang them by the straps to distribute their weight evenly. This will help prevent any stretching or misshapen areas. If you don’t have padded hangers, try using clothespins to clip onto the straps and then hang them on a regular hanger. But be sure not to clip too tightly as it can leave marks on the fabric. It’s also important to make sure the straps are not twisted before hanging.
Step 4: Use Hangers with Clips
Hangers with clips are great for hanging dresses that may slide off traditional hangers. Simply clip the dress at the waist or shoulders and hang it as normal. This will help keep your dress securely in place without stretching or leaving marks on the fabric.
You can also use these hangers for skirts and pants. It’s important to make sure the clips are not too tight, as they can also leave marks on the fabric. It’s also important to make sure the dress is not twisted before hanging.
Step 5: Avoid Hanging Dresses by the Sleeves
Hanging dresses by the sleeves can cause them to stretch or become misshape. If you have no other option but to hang a dress by its sleeves, be sure to use padded hangers to help support the weight and avoid any damage.
You can also use tissue paper or cloth between the dress and the hanger to prevent any marks or creases. It’s also important to make sure the sleeves are not twisted before hanging. However, the best option is to avoid hanging dresses by their sleeves if possible.
Step 6: Remove Belts and Accessories
Belts, scarves, or other accessories should be removed from the dress before hanging. This will help prevent any unnecessary weight on the fabric and keep it looking its best.
These items can also be stored separately in a drawer or hung on special accessory hangers. You can also use tissue paper or cloth between the dress and the accessories to prevent any snags or marks. It’s important to make sure the accessories are not intertwined with the dress.
Step 7: Use a Steamer or Iron
Before hanging your dress, give it a quick once-over with either a steamer or iron. This will help smooth out any wrinkles and ensure your dress looks its best when hung. If you’re using an iron, be sure to use the proper setting for the fabric to avoid any damage.
It’s also helpful to use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. You can also use a wrinkle-release spray for a quick and easy option. It’s important to test the spray on a small area of the fabric before using it on the entire dress.
Step 8: Keep Dresses Separated
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to avoid hanging dresses made of delicate fabrics next to dresses with zippers or buttons. In addition, you should also keep dresses made of similar fabrics separated to prevent snagging or damage.
You can either hang them on different hangers or use tissue paper or cloth between the dresses to keep them separated. But be sure to avoid using plastic bags, as they can create moisture and damage the fabric.
Step 9: Store Dresses in a Cool, Dry Place
To prevent any damage from humidity or moisture, it’s important to store your dresses in a cool and dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight as this can cause fading and discoloration. You can also use a dehumidifier or silica gel packets in your closet to help control humidity levels. It’s also helpful to rotate the dresses you hang in your closet seasonally.
Step 10: Use Garment Bags
For extra protection, consider using plastic garment bags for your more delicate dresses. These will help keep out dust and moisture while still allowing the dress to breathe. Be sure to use a bag that fits loosely around the dress to prevent any wrinkling or creasing.
You can also use cloth garment bags for a more eco-friendly option. This is also a great way to store dresses that you may not wear as frequently. It’s important to avoid storing dresses in plastic bags for extended periods of time as this can cause discoloration and damage.
Step 11: Hang Dresses at Eye Level
Lastly, when hanging your dresses in the closet, it’s important to hang them at eye level. This will not only make it easier to access and choose your desired dress but also prevent any unnecessary stretching or wrinkles from hanging too high or too low on the hanger.
It’s also helpful to leave some space between each dress for better air circulation. Always remember to handle your dresses with care when hanging and storing them. With the right technique, you can keep your dresses looking their best for years to come.
With these steps on how to hang dresses, your dresses will be hung and stored with care and will be ready to wear whenever you need them. Remember, proper hanging techniques not only protect your dresses but also keep them looking their best for longer. Happy hanging!
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Different Fabrics Require Different Hanging Techniques
- Avoid Hanging Dresses by the Sleeves or With Heavy Accessories Attached
- Use Hangers With Clips for Added Support and to Prevent Slipping
- Store Dresses in a Cool, Dry Place Away From Direct Sunlight
- Consider Using Garment Bags for Extra Protection
- Hang Dresses at Eye Level With Some Space Between Each One for Better Circulation. Remember, proper hanging techniques not only protect your dresses but also keep them looking their best for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I Hang All Types of Dresses the Same Way?
A1: No, different fabrics and styles may require different hanging techniques. It’s important to assess the fabric and weight of the dress before deciding on how to hang it. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and use padded hangers or garment bags for delicate fabrics.
Q2: How Often Should I Rotate My Dresses in the Closet?
A2: It’s recommended to rotate your dresses seasonally, so every 3-6 months. This will help prevent any wrinkles or creases from forming on dresses that may not be worn as frequently.
Q3: Can I Hang Dresses with Embellishments or Beading?
A3: Yes, you can hang these dresses using the same techniques as mentioned above. Just be sure to handle them with care and avoid snagging or damaging any delicate details. Overall, proper hanging techniques will help keep your dresses looking their best for longer and make getting dressed a breeze.
Q4: Can I Use Wire Hangers for Hanging Dresses?
A4: It’s not recommended to use wire hangers as they may distort the shape of your dress and leave marks on the fabric. It’s best to use plastic or padded hangers for hanging dresses. It’s also important to not overcrowd your closet and give each dress enough space to prevent any wrinkles or damage. So, say goodbye to wire hangers for good!
Conclusion
Together, we’ve discussed the best ways to hang dresses and the key elements for tackling this task. It may seem like a long and complicated process at first, but once you get started you’ll find the entire procedure goes much more quickly and smoothly than anticipated.
When in doubt about how best to hang your dress, refer to this guide for additional tips and tricks – it is sure to help! Always remember to take proper measurements before purchasing any hanging hardware or supplies to ensure that the job turns out beautifully.
Whether you’re heading off to a special event or just wish to keep your favorite frock looking fabulous, make sure it’s properly hung with the right tools and techniques. Now roll up your sleeves, grab a few pieces of handy equipment and get ready for an easy-as-pie task: showing those lovely dresses off in style! Thanks for reading this article on how to hang dresses.
