I couldn’t resist this cover photo. It’s so gorgeous!
Timing is everything
It never ceases to amaze me that retailers will arrive in my showroom to choose garment hangers within 2 weeks of opening their new store. Yes, I can provide you with in-stock hanger programs, but here’s an opportunity to customize your hangers and reinforce your branding message. It takes about 12 weeks from time of order to get customized hangers…and it’s worth it!
Why ’48 to the Bar’
Here’s a ‘RULE OF THUMB’ for you. For every 1″ of hanging bar width, you will need 1 hanger. Therefore a 48″ bar will take 48 garments. Hence ’48 to the Bar’!
This is an easy way to figure out how many hangers you need to purchase. I.e. Every double hung section of uprights and cross-bars will take approximately 100 hangers. You will then need to determine how much is top hangers and how much bottom hangers.
For thicker garments like outerwear or Men’s suits you will have fewer than the 48 garments because the hanger will be larger to support the product, and everyone knows that 48 is just a guideline. Sometimes that 48 becomes closer to 70! OUCH! Remember it has to be easy for the customer to shop.
Choosing the right hanger
This is critical. I would say that everyone should start with a minimum of three types. Narrow hanger, Outerwear or Sweater Hanger (wider shoulder) and a Pant Hanger. Of course it all depends on what your inventory is but this is a guideline.
How to choose the right size hanger
Hanging your clothes on the right sized garment hanger helps to extend the life of your garments by reducing the stress on seams and stitching, and helps them look appealing to the customer. A garment resting evenly and well supported maintains its shape and original design.
Men’s top hangers can range from a 17″ width for Small sizes up to 18″ width for Medium to X-Large to 20″ hangers for 2XL – 5XL
Women’s top hangers can range from 15″ for Small sizes to 17″ for Medium to X-Large to 19″ for 2XL – 4XL
If for example you are selling Plus size garments you will want to have wider hangers for best presentation and support of the garments.
If you are only selling Petite Fashions – then you will want to use 15″ width hangers
In this photo we’re looking at the depth of the hanger – to support the shoulders of the jacket. If you mostly sell suits/jackets, you’re going to want a broader shouldered hanger.
In this photo we’re looking at the shoulder width of the garments.
Choosing the Correct size Bottom Hanger
Clip or Fold Over?
Generally fold over pant hangers are used for trousers, and Clip hangers for all bottoms from skirts to shorts to pants.
Rubberized clips hold delicate fabrics firmly with no slippage. Adjustable clips mean one hanger can hold multiple sized garments. 1 size fits all.
Often fold over pant hangers feature a velvet or ‘flocked’ bar to prevent slippage and creasing.
Back to the tops!
Here are some great Options for your Top hangers!
# 1 Rubber Shoulders
The rubber shoulder options hold straps and skirt loops securely in place. No need for the hideous foamys! You know what I’m talking about!
# 2 Notched Shoulders
The notches and rubber ridges hold straps and skirt loops securely in place Garments hang straight down. No more garments falling off hangers!
This is my favourite hanger collection. Sartoriale from Italy and manufactured by Mainetti.
The one shown is a wood tone, but comes in a myriad of colours including beautiful white and charcoal greys.
It’s made from recycled materials, and is virtually indestructible. Lasts about 12 years…unlike wooden hangers which scratch easily, and plastic hangers which ‘if it’s good quality’ can last about 7 years.
You get what you pay for!
No No’s
# 1 – The Salesmans Hanger
Here’s a real NO NO for Fashion. Often people think that this hanger is ‘really cool’. It’s metal and kind of ‘retro’. The problem is that it has a 5″ drop from the top of the hook to the top of the shoulder, and what that means is that you will diminish the vertical height available on your wall. Every inch counts when you’re trying to get two levels of hanging. This hanger is meant for wholesale fashion agents, who travel with garment bags. The little ring has a rod which goes through it to keep all the clothing stable within the bag.
Additionally, from what you’ve learned above… There is NO support from this hanger to showcase your goods. It’s a nightmare! And…when you look at garments on these hangers all you see is HANGER…and not the clothing.
No No # 2 – The Skinny Flocked (Velvet) hanger
You know the ones. Lots of different colours, originally sold at Walmart and Costco, and now everyone has them! Super cheap!
Again NO support from this hanger so your garments don’t look good, AND they’re too wide in the shoulder AND they’re not strong enough in the bar to hold anything well. Don’t purchase these!
So that’s the scoop on hangers. Next post I’ll show you some of my favourites
Bottom line is to PLAN AHEAD so you get the most bang for your buck! Like anything else Planning is Key.
I’m here to help you make your Retail space better and to make you more money.
Helping you where you LIVE WORK AND PLAY.
Contact me for on-site or virtual help
604 649 9050 or heddy@urbanspaces.ca
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