Make Your T-Shirts Hang Flat: Easy Tricks To Try

Hanging your T-shirts can help prevent wrinkles, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid damaging them. While some people prefer to fold their T-shirts to maintain their shape, hanging them can be a great option if you're short on dresser space. Here are some tips to ensure your T-shirts hang flat and stay in good shape.

Choose the right hanger

Choosing the right hanger for your t-shirts is essential to keeping them in good shape. The hanger should support the natural shape of the t-shirt to prevent any damage such as stretching the neckline or causing bumps in the shoulders.

There are a few things to consider when selecting a hanger:

Material

You can choose from wooden, plastic, or wire hangers. Wooden hangers are ideal for heavier t-shirts as they provide sturdy support without compromising the integrity of the garment. Plastic hangers are also a good option as they are sturdier than wire hangers, which can be too thin and cause issues around the shoulders of the t-shirt.

Shape

Opt for hangers with sloped shoulders that mimic the body's silhouette. This allows the arms of the t-shirt to hang naturally. Wide hangers may stretch out the shoulders and create bumps that are difficult to remove, even after washing or ironing.

Fabric

If you're hanging delicate fabrics such as silk or spaghetti-strap tops, velvet hangers provide a non-slip surface to keep your clothes in place. For extra-delicate items like chiffon or lace, padded hangers offer added protection against snagging and help maintain the fabric's shape.

Space

Ensure you leave enough space between hangers to prevent wrinkles and creases in your t-shirts. Allow for about 1 to 2 inches of free space between each hanger. This will give your t-shirts room to breathe and maintain their crispness.

By choosing the right hanger and considering these factors, you can effectively maintain the shape and appearance of your t-shirts, keeping them looking their best for longer.

Hanger silhouette

The silhouette of a t-shirt hanger is important to consider when hanging your t-shirts. The hanger's silhouette should mimic the silhouette of your body. This means opting for hangers with sloped shoulders that allow the t-shirt's arms to hang naturally.

Wide hangers, for example, can stretch out the shoulders of a t-shirt and create unsightly bumps that are difficult to remove, even after washing or ironing. These bumps and stretches can even permanently damage your favourite t-shirt.

Therefore, it's recommended to use hangers with a sloped shoulder design, which will help maintain the natural shape of your t-shirt over time. This type of hanger allows the fabric to drape evenly, preventing any unwanted creases or stretches.

When choosing a hanger, it's important to consider both the silhouette and the material. Wire and plastic hangers, for instance, may stretch out your t-shirts and result in an awkward shape. Instead, opt for high-quality wooden hangers or padded hangers, which are designed to preserve the shape of your garments.

Additionally, velvet hangers with sloped shoulders are a great choice for t-shirt storage. The velvet material prevents knit fabrics from slipping off the hanger, ensuring your t-shirts remain securely stored in your closet.

Prevent stretching

Preventing your t-shirts from stretching is key to keeping them looking neat and maintaining their shape. Here are some tips to prevent stretching:

Choose the Right Hanger:

Select a hanger that supports the natural shape of your t-shirt. Wooden, plastic, or wire hangers can be used, but ensure they are the correct width. If they are too wide, they can stretch the fabric at the sleeve, causing damage.

Opt for a Hanger with a Body Silhouette:

Hangers with sloped shoulders are ideal as they allow the t-shirt's arms to hang naturally. This helps maintain the garment's shape over time and prevents bumps in the shoulders that are difficult to remove, even after washing or ironing.

Hang T-shirts Over the Hanger's Long Part:

A simple trick to prevent stretching is to hang your t-shirt over the long part of the hanger, starting from the torso. If the shirt is too wide, fold it in half and then drape it over the bottom part of the hanger. This method is also useful for sweaters to avoid "shoulder nipples" from hangers.

Fold Instead of Hang:

Delicate items like sweaters, knits, and t-shirts can lose their shape over time if left on hangers. Unless your t-shirts have features designed for hanging, such as hanging loops, it is recommended to fold them instead. This helps preserve their shape and keeps them looking new for longer.

By following these tips, you can effectively prevent stretching and maintain the quality and shape of your t-shirts.

Hang immediately after ironing

To make a T-shirt hang flat, it's important to iron it correctly. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this, focusing on hanging the T-shirt immediately after ironing:

First, prepare your T-shirt for ironing. Place the ironing board inside the T-shirt, as if you were dressing the board with it. This method ensures that the fabric of the T-shirt lies flat without being stretched. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands before you start ironing.

When you're ready to iron, avoid moving the iron in circular or arc motions as you press. This can tug on the fabric and cause it to stretch or deform. Instead, press the hot iron onto the fabric and hold it in one place for a few seconds to remove wrinkles. Then, lift the iron and press it onto another spot. Repeat this process until you've covered the entire shirt.

Once you've ironed the T-shirt, it's time to hang it. But first, make sure the shirt is still flat and not stretched on the ironing board. If you've ironed the T-shirt correctly, it should already be in the ideal condition for hanging.

Now, choose a suitable hanger, preferably one that won't leave indentations on the shoulders of your freshly ironed T-shirt. Wooden hangers are a good option, as they are sturdy yet gentle on clothing. Hang the T-shirt on the hanger, making sure it is centred and not bunched up.

Finally, find a place to hang your T-shirt. Choose a spot in your closet or wardrobe where the shirt can hang freely without being cramped or squished. This will help maintain the flat, smooth appearance you've achieved through ironing.

By following these steps and hanging your T-shirt immediately after ironing, you can ensure that it hangs flat and looks neat.

Fasten buttons

Fastening buttons is a great way to make a T-shirt hang flat. Here are some tips and methods to achieve this:

Button Placement

When hanging a T-shirt, it is recommended to fasten the top button, also known as the collar button, to prevent the collar from splaying and causing unnatural vertical wrinkles. Some people also suggest fastening the third button from the top to minimise wrinkles and allow for better distribution of the force pulling the shirt open. This is especially useful if you are hanging your T-shirts in a crowded closet.

Using Additional Fasteners

If you are concerned about wrinkles or prefer a neater look, you can use additional fasteners along with buttons. Safety pins, for instance, can be used to secure the gaping area of a shirt. Simply insert your arm through the top of the shirt and use the hand inside to push the pin through the inside of both shirt panels. You can also try fashion tape, a special type of double-sided tape, to keep the gap closed.

Sewing on Buttons

Sewing on extra buttons can be a more permanent solution to make your T-shirt hang flat. Choose a button that is the same size or smaller than the existing buttons, and position it between the buttonholes at an equal distance. Use a thread that matches the colour of your shirt, and sew the button using a cross stitch or your preferred method. Remember to cut a small hole on the other side of the shirt for the new button and stitch around it to prevent fraying.

Frequently asked questions