Hanger Size Guide: Baby, Kids, Junior and Adult Hangers
The right hanger size keeps clothes looking the way they should on the rack. A hanger that is too wide pokes out the shoulders and stretches knits. One that is too narrow lets the garment slump and slide off. This guide shows which width to use for each age and garment, and how to check it in a few seconds.
The quick size chart
| Who it's for | Hanger width | Our examples |
|---|---|---|
| Baby (newborn to about 2 years) | 10" | WB41, WB42 with clips |
| Kids (about 2 to 6 years) | 11" to 12" | WK40, WSK71-WT, M022, PVC41 |
| Older kids (about 7 to 12 years) | 12.5" to 13.7" | AC61, P350, P415, PL031–PL036 |
| Junior and teen | 14" to 14.5" | WJ40, WJ41, WK12 / WK14 |
| Women's tops and dresses | about 16" to 17" | WS70, P411, P5510 |
| Men's shirts, suits and coats | about 17" to 17.7" | W010–W070, 8010, PL010–PL025 |
| Heavy coats and tailored suits | 17.3" to 17.5", wide shoulder | W5701 / W5901, W5801 |
Ages are a rough guide. Children's sizes vary by brand, so check the garment itself when in doubt (see below).
How to check the size in 10 seconds
- Lay the garment flat, face down.
- Measure straight across the back, from one shoulder seam to the other.
- Pick a hanger about the same width, or up to an inch narrower.
The ends of the hanger should sit at, or just inside, the shoulder seams. If the hanger tips push out past the seams, go one size down. If the shoulders hang loose over the ends, go one size up.
Tip for stores: you don't need a hanger for every size. Most clothing stores do well with one adult width plus one junior width. Children's stores usually need two or three: baby, kids and older kids.
Skirt and pant hangers: a different rule
Clip and clamp hangers hold garments by the waistband, so the width matters less than for tops. Use this as a guide:
| Garment | Clip hanger width | Our examples |
|---|---|---|
| Baby and toddler bottoms | 10" to 11" | WB42, WK43 |
| Kids' skirts, shorts and pants | 12" to 13.7" | WK42, M057, PL061–PL066, P355 |
| Adult skirts and shorts | about 14" | W013–W073, WS72, M063 / M073 |
| Adult pants, folded or full length | 16" to 17.5" | PL051–PL056, P021 / 5502, W012–W072 |
Adjustable clips that slide along the bar, like on the M052 and M055, fit almost any waistband.
Common mistakes
- Adult hangers on kids' clothes. The ends poke out the shoulders and the clothes look stretched on the rack. Use kids' sizes for children's departments.
- One size for everything. Petite tops and junior sizes look sloppy on a 17.5" men's suit hanger. A 14" junior hanger fixes that.
- Thin hangers for heavy coats. A winter coat needs a wide, curved shoulder. Otherwise the shoulders sag and pucker over time.
- Mixing sizes in one display. Matching widths make a rail look neat and even, even when the garment sizes differ.
Find the right size in our store
- Kids and baby hangers: every size from 10" baby to 14.5" junior.
- Shirt and top hangers, suit and coat hangers and skirt and pant hangers: adult sizes.
- Not sure? Read our guide on how to choose hangers for a clothing store, or call 347-486-4432.
Every hanger is sold by the full case, with no minimum order. Shipping is free within the U.S., and orders placed by 1:30 PM ET ship the same day.