Wood vs. Plastic vs. Metal Hangers: Pros and Cons for Retailers

Choosing the right hangers for your retail store is more important than many realise. The material of the hanger not only impacts the presentation of your garments but also affects the overall customer experience and brand perception. Retailers typically have three main choices: wood, plastic, and metal hangers. Each material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll compare wood, plastic, and metal hangers to help you make an informed decision that best suits your store’s needs.

Wood Hangers

Pros:

1. Durability and Strength:
   • Support for Heavy Garments: Wooden hangers are exceptionally sturdy, making them ideal for heavy garments like coats, jackets, and suits. Their robust construction ensures that even the heaviest items remain well-supported and in shape.
   • Longevity: Wood hangers tend to last longer than their plastic and metal counterparts, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus saving costs over time.
2. Aesthetic Appeal:
   • Premium Look: Wooden hangers have a natural, timeless elegance that enhances the perceived value of the garments they display. This makes them particularly suitable for high-end retail environments where presentation is key.
   • Variety of Finishes: Available in various finishes such as natural wood, dark stains, or painted colours, wooden hangers can be matched to the store’s decor and brand identity.
3. Gentle on Garments:
   • Preventing Creases and Slips: The thickness and smoothness of wooden hangers help prevent creases and hanger marks on garments. Many wooden hangers also feature notches or grips to keep straps and slippery fabrics in place.

Cons:

1. Cost:
   • Higher Initial Investment: Wooden hangers are generally more expensive than plastic or metal options, which can be a drawback for retailers with tight budgets.
2. Weight and Bulk:
   • Space Considerations: Wooden hangers are bulkier and heavier than plastic or metal hangers, which can be an issue in stores with limited space. They also add more weight to clothing racks, which may require sturdier fixtures.
3. Maintenance:
   • Potential for Wear: Over time, wooden hangers may develop scratches or lose their finish, especially in high-traffic retail environments. They may also absorb moisture, which can lead to warping if not properly maintained.

 

Plastic Hangers

Pros:

1. Affordability:
   • Cost-Effective: Plastic hangers are the most budget-friendly option, making them ideal for retailers looking to minimise costs, especially in high-volume stores.
2. Lightweight and Space-Efficient:
   • Easy to Handle: Plastic hangers are lightweight, making them easy for staff to handle and move around the store. Their slim design also allows for more garments to be displayed in a limited space.
3. Variety and Versatility:
   • Wide Range of Colors and Styles: Plastic hangers are available in a broad array of colours, styles, and sizes, offering flexibility to match different types of garments and store aesthetics.
   • Customisable: Some plastic hangers can be customised with logos or branding, adding a personal touch to the retail display.
4. Low Maintenance:
   • Durable and Easy to Clean: Plastic hangers are resistant to moisture and stains, making them easy to clean and maintain. They don’t rust or warp, which adds to their durability.

Cons:

1. Perception of Quality:
   • Low-End Appearance: While practical, plastic hangers can give off a less premium appearance compared to wood or metal hangers. This can be a disadvantage in luxury retail settings where brand image is paramount.
2. Environmental Impact:
   • Sustainability Concerns: Traditional plastic hangers are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental waste. However, eco-friendly options made from recycled or biodegradable plastics are available, though they may come at a higher cost.
3. Durability Issues:
   • Prone to Breakage: While some plastic hangers are quite sturdy, cheaper options can be brittle and prone to breaking, especially under the weight of heavier garments. This may lead to more frequent replacements.

Metal Hangers

Pros:

1. Strength and Durability:
   • Support for Heavy Garments: Metal hangers are incredibly strong and can support even the heaviest garments without bending or breaking. They are an excellent choice for outerwear and suits.
   • Long Lifespan: Metal hangers are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them a long-lasting option for busy retail environments.
2. Space Efficiency:
   • Slim Design: The slim profile of metal hangers allows retailers to maximise rack space, making it possible to display more garments in a confined area. This is particularly beneficial in stores with limited floor space.
3. Modern and Minimalist Aesthetic:
   • Sleek Appearance: Metal hangers, particularly those made from stainless steel or aluminium, offer a sleek, modern look that complements contemporary store designs. They can add a touch of sophistication to the display.
4. Versatility:
   • Various Finishes and Coatings: Metal hangers are available in a range of finishes, including chrome, matte, or powder-coated options. This allows retailers to choose hangers that best suit their brand image and store decor.

Cons:

1. Risk of Damage to Garments:
   • Potential for Snagging and Creasing: Metal hangers, especially those without padding or coating, can sometimes cause snags or creases in delicate fabrics. This is particularly a concern with thin wire hangers.
2. Cold and Uninviting Feel:
   • Perception: Metal hangers can feel cold or industrial, which might not align with the warm, inviting atmosphere some retailers aim to create. This can impact the customer’s emotional connection to the brand.
3. Rust and Corrosion:
   • Maintenance Needs: If not properly coated or maintained, metal hangers can rust over time, especially in humid environments. Rusted hangers can stain garments, which is a significant drawback.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hanger material is a critical decision for retailers, as it affects not only the presentation of the garments but also the overall shopping experience. Each material—wood, plastic, and metal—offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different types of retail environments.

• Wooden hangers are ideal for luxury retail settings where the emphasis is on quality, durability, and a premium shopping experience.
• Plastic hangers are a cost-effective and versatile option, particularly suited to fast fashion or high-volume stores, though they may lack the perceived value of other materials.
• Metal hangers provide strength and a sleek, modern appearance, making them perfect for contemporary stores that require durable yet space-efficient display solutions.

Ultimately, the best choice of hanger material will depend on your store’s brand identity, the types of garments you sell, and your budget considerations. By weighing the pros and cons of each material, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your retail space.

If you’re looking for the perfect hangers to suit your retail needs, Apex Display offers a wide range of wood, plastic, and metal hangers. Contact us today to explore how we can help you find the best options for your store.