Kleiderbügels

Kleiderbügels, the German term for clothes hangers, are devices used to suspend garments in closets. They help maintain garment shape and reduce wrinkles. Hangers vary in size, weight, and design, with common forms including standard shoulder hangers for shirts and jackets, clip hangers for skirts and trousers, and padded or specialty hangers for delicate fabrics.

Materials range from wood and metal to plastic. Wooden hangers, often beech or cedar, provide sturdy support and can help maintain garment shape. Metal hangers, including coated steel or wire designs, are lightweight and durable. Plastic hangers are inexpensive and widely used; some models combine slim profiles with anti-slip coatings.

Design features vary: contoured shoulders to support the garment shape, non-slip surfaces, a hook to hang on a rail, and sometimes a crossbar or clips for pants. Space-saving or cascading hangers are available to maximize closet capacity. Padded hangers are used for delicate fabrics to prevent shoulder impressions.

Historically, hangers evolved from simple wire supports to wood and plastic variants as mass production and organized wardrobes became common. Today, choice of Kleiderbügels reflects garment weight, fabric, and storage needs, balancing durability, care of the fabric, and closet space.