Hanging Sweaters Can Stretch Them Out—Here’s What to Do Instead

Published on September 16, 2025

Sure, there are certain benefits to hanging your sweaters—conserving drawer and shelf space, easy access, and the ability to better assess your inventory, to name a few. But is it really the best choice for your coziest garments?

Chances are you should probably be folding most of your sweaters instead of hanging them, but that depends on your storage abilities as well as the weight of your cable knits, crews, and turtlenecks. Here, we dive into all the details on whether you should hang your sweaters and how to do it the right way (if you must).

Why You Should Avoid Hanging Your Sweaters

Those chunky sweaters we love so much have just the right amount of heft to keep us warm and comfortable, but along with their cozy benefits come some care concerns that you’ll likely want to pay mind. While thin sweaters might fair okay when hung on a hanger due to less gravitational pull, the same can’t be said of the majority of sweaters. The fact is, most sweaters simply weigh too much to be safely hung without fear of stretched shoulders, necklines, and other damage. This means folding your sweaters for storage is typically the right choice.

How to Properly Hang Sweaters

However, there are certain situations in which it’s just not possible to dedicate space in your closet, dresser, or end-of-bed chest for your sweater collection. In these circumstances, you might find yourself in need of a hanging solution. You can still do right by your sweaters by taking certain care when hanging.

Lighter sweaters might be safe to hang from the shoulders if you’re using a padded hanger, but anything beyond the thinnest materials should be hung only using the method below.

1. Fold the sweater in half vertically, so the two arms line up.
2. Place the sweater on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Position a velvet or similar non-slip hanger on top of the sweater, with the hook positioned toward the sleeve cuff and lying between the arms and the body of the garment. The lower bar of the hanger should be closest to the neckline.
4. Flip the arms over the top of the hanger, tucking them under the lower bar. This secures the sleeve in place.
5. Repeat with the body of the sweater, weaving it over the lower bar on the side of the hook opposite the sleeve.

Alternatives for Hanging Sweaters

If you have the space, folding your sweaters and placing them in a drawer or chest or on a shelf is your safest option. That said, space can be an issue. Space-saving solutions like under-bed clothes storage bags, foldable clothes organizers that allow for taller (yet still tidy) stacks, and even a storage bench can all provide ample options for storing your favorite knits.

Consider how often you wear your sweaters to help determine the right storage alternative. During the off-season, you might be able to utilize a taller shelf or a free spot under the guest room bed. Get creative to ensure a solution that works for you without sacrificing the safety of your knits.

Additional Tips for Storing Sweaters

Consider these sweater storage tips to ensure your knits stay nice for many seasons to come.

• Ditch the Dry Cleaner Hangers: When you get sweaters home from the cleaners, always remove them from the wire hangers and store them properly either by folding or using the hanging technique described above.
• Be Mindful of Friction: Although it might seem like your sweaters are perfectly safe nestled in a neat stack on your shelf, you’ll still want to be aware of the delicate fabrics and weaves that can be prone to snagging and pilling. Never place your sweaters on a rough surface (like natural wood) or hang or store them near materials like zippers, sequins, or other sharp objects that could cause damage.
• Follow Proper Garment Care: A garment drying rack is a worthy investment, particularly when it comes to your knits. Follow your sweater’s care tag for proper laundering as the fibers will be most susceptible to damage when wet.