Laundry seems simple enough, right? Toss in your clothes, set the machine, and dry them.
But did you know that hang-drying isn’t the best option for every item in your closet? Certain fabrics and garments can actually get damaged or lose their shape if left to air-dry.
Laundry experts have identified 12 types of clothes that should never be hung out to dry. Let’s dive into the ones you should treat with extra care, so you can keep your wardrobe looking fresh and in great shape!
Delicate Sweaters
While sweaters are cozy and comforting, they should never be hung to dry. Wool and other delicate knit fabrics can stretch out of shape if they’re draped on a hanger.
Instead, lay them flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. This helps preserve their structure and keeps the fibers from becoming misshapen. Hanging them can cause them to lose their form, especially around the collar or sleeves.
Bras
Your favorite bras are designed to fit you perfectly, but hanging them to dry can weaken the elastic bands and stretch out the cups. Instead, lay them flat or use a specialized lingerie bag that allows them to dry in their natural shape.
Hanging them by the straps may cause them to lose elasticity and deteriorate faster, which means they’ll need replacing sooner than you’d like.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Jeans
Jeans, especially those made from 100% cotton, are notorious for losing their shape when air-dried. Hanging them causes the fabric to stretch, leading to an ill-fitting, saggy look. To keep your jeans in great condition, it’s better to lay them flat or even dry them by laying them across a towel.
This method helps maintain their structure while still giving them a chance to air out.
Silk Garments
Silk is luxurious but very delicate, so hanging it to dry can cause the fabric to lose its sheen and structure. The moisture can weigh down the fabric, which leads to unsightly wrinkles.
It’s best to gently blot any excess water from silk garments, then lay them flat to dry away from direct sunlight. This ensures that they keep their smooth texture and elegant finish.
Leather Items
Leather should never be hung to dry, especially after getting wet. The drying process can cause the material to stiffen, crack, or lose its natural softness.
Whether it’s a jacket, pair of pants, or shoes, always dry leather items flat or with the help of a leather-specific conditioner to maintain their softness and flexibility. A gentle, indirect heat source can also help speed up the drying without causing damage.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Tights and Pantyhose
Hang-drying tights or pantyhose is a big no-no. The fabric is often very stretchy and can lose its elasticity if pulled or stretched while drying.
Instead, roll them in a towel to remove excess water and then lay them flat on a clean surface. This way, they’ll dry evenly and keep their shape for longer, ensuring they’re still snug and comfortable when you wear them.
Padded Jackets
Padded or down jackets are often the worst offenders when hung to dry. Hanging them can result in the filling inside becoming uneven, leaving some areas overstuffed and others flat.
To preserve the puffiness and warmth of these items, it’s best to dry them flat or tumble dry them on a low heat setting, occasionally fluffing them to ensure the padding stays evenly distributed.
Stretchy Workout Clothes
The elastic fibers in workout clothes are sensitive to heat and stress. Hanging them up to dry can cause the fabric to lose its stretch and fit.
To extend the life of your leggings, tank tops, and other fitness wear, lay them flat or hang them with a clothespin on the waistband or hems instead of the shoulders. This minimizes stretching while still allowing airflow for a quicker drying process.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Fine Knit Tops
Fine-knit fabrics, such as cashmere or lightweight cotton, are prone to stretching when hung to dry. These fabrics can lose their shape around the seams, especially on the shoulders and sleeves.
To preserve the integrity of your knitwear, lay it flat on a towel to dry, making sure it’s evenly supported to prevent any sagging or warping.
Swimwear
Swimwear, whether made of spandex or polyester, should not be hung to dry. The fabric can stretch out of shape, and the elastic bands can weaken.
Instead of using a hanger, gently press out excess water from your swimsuit and lay it flat to dry. This helps maintain its shape and elasticity, keeping it in good condition for future beach days.
Button-Down Shirts
Hanging button-down shirts may lead to creases that are hard to get out. Moreover, certain fabrics, like cotton or linen, can stretch out if left hanging for too long.
It’s best to dry button-downs by laying them flat or placing them on a drying rack, which helps avoid stretching and maintains their crisp, clean look. Ironing out wrinkles is easier when the fabric is flat.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Vintage or Antique Fabrics
Vintage garments, often made of fragile fabrics like chiffon, lace, or silk, require special care when drying. Hanging them can cause the fibers to weaken and lose their structure.
For these treasures, it’s essential to dry them flat in a cool, shaded spot away from direct sunlight. If you need to speed up the drying process, consider using a low-heat setting on a tumble dryer.
More from The Style Trunk
- 25 Stylish Short Haircuts for Women Over 60 Who Want to Look Younger
- 16 Haircuts Men Find Incredibly Attractive on Women
- Seniors, Stop Making These 17 Fashion Mistakes for a More Flattering Look
- Want to Firm Up Your Skin? Try These 15 Superfoods
- 20 Eye Makeup Faux Pas That Can Add Years to Your Face
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
