To hang a formal dress properly and preserve its shape, use padded or structured hangers and pay special attention to how the dress's weight is supported, especially for gowns with straps.
Properly hanging a formal dress is essential for maintaining its shape, preventing stretching, and keeping it wrinkle-free between wears. Unlike everyday clothing, formal dresses, especially heavy gowns, require specific hanging techniques to avoid damage.
Key Principles for Hanging Formal Dresses:
- Use the Right Hanger: Avoid thin wire or plastic hangers that can snag fabric or cause shoulder bumps. Opt for sturdy, padded, or flocked hangers.
- Support the Weight: The goal is to distribute the weight of the dress evenly and prevent strain on delicate areas like straps or necklines.
- Consider the Fabric and Construction: Heavy fabrics like satin or velvet and intricate details like beading or embroidery add significant weight. Lighter fabrics still need care to prevent wrinkles.
Specific Hanging Methods:
Here's a breakdown of how to hang different types of formal dresses:
- Dresses with Straps: For formal dresses featuring shoulder straps, always utilize the inner hanging loops or straps provided inside the garment. Dresses with straps are hung from the inner strap to prevent the main shoulder straps from stretching out. Gowns are much heavier than they seem (and the straps carry all the weight). Always hang them from the inner straps! These inner straps are specifically designed to bear the weight of the dress.
- Strapless Dresses: Strapless gowns often come with hanging loops sewn into the waistline or bust area. Hang the dress using these loops draped over the hanger bar. This supports the dress from its natural waist or structure point, preventing it from sliding down or stretching the top edge.
- Dresses with Sleeves: If the dress has sleeves, place the shoulders of the dress over the padded hanger. Ensure the sleeves fall naturally. Avoid hanging by the sleeves alone, as this will cause stretching.
- Heavy or Embellished Gowns: For exceptionally heavy dresses, consider alternative methods like folding the skirt over the hanger bar while securing the bodice using waist loops or inner straps. This reduces the strain on the shoulders or straps. Some very heavy or delicate gowns might be better stored folded in acid-free tissue paper in a garment box, but for most formal dresses, proper hanging is suitable.
Summary Table:
| Dress Type | Hanging Method | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| With Straps | Use inner hanging loops/straps. | Prevents main strap stretching. |
| Strapless | Use internal waist/bust loops over hanger bar. | Supports weight from structured point. |
| With Sleeves | Place shoulder over padded hanger; ensure sleeves hang naturally. | Avoids sleeve stretching/distortion. |
| Heavy/Embellished | Use inner loops/waist loops; consider folding skirt over hanger bar if needed. | Reduces strain on delicate areas. |
Best Practices:
- Use padded or velvet flocked hangers to prevent slippage and snags.
- Always zip or button the dress to help it maintain its shape.
- Store formal dresses in a garment bag, especially if hanging in a closet with other clothes or in an area prone to dust or temperature changes. Use a breathable fabric garment bag rather than plastic for long-term storage.
- Ensure the hanging space has enough room so the dress isn't crushed against other items.
By following these guidelines, especially by utilizing the inner hanging loops for dresses with straps as intended, you can ensure your formal wear remains in pristine condition.
