Plastic vs. Metal Coat Hangers: Which Is Better For Store Displays?

In the dynamic world of retail, every visual element contributes to the overall customer experience—and that includes something as seemingly simple as a coat hanger. While often overlooked, hangers play a critical role in how your products are presented and perceived by customers on the shop floor.

Retailers are frequently faced with the decision between plastic and metal coat hangers for their displays. At first glance, the choice may seem minor, but it can have significant implications for store aesthetics, product care, and functionality.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between plastic and metal coat hangers, explore the advantages and drawbacks of each style, and offer our advice on what to consider when choosing coat hangers that suit your brand.

Read on to discover the ultimate coat hanger comparison between plastic and metal hangers for retail store displays to enhance your brand and grab attention.

Things to consider when choosing plastic vs. metal coat hangers

Both plastic and metal hangers offer unique advantages, but understanding the key factors will help you make the best choice for your store. Some important factors to consider include:

Cost
Functionality
Durability
Space
Style
Sustainability

There is no right or wrong answer for which hanger is best suited to your store’s unique needs. Whether you want to prioritise aesthetics or prefer more budget-friendly hanger options, both plastic and metal coat hangers can be used to create eye-catching retail displays to make your store stand out.

Plastic coat hangers

Plastic coat hangers are a popular choice for many retail stores due to their affordability and versatility. However, they come with advantages and drawbacks that should be considered depending on your retail store’s unique needs and merchandising goals. Here is a breakdown of the main benefits of using plastic coat hangers for store displays:

Durability: lightweight and flexible, plastic hangers are less likely to bend under pressure, making them a good option for long-term use
Style: plastic coat hangers are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including classic black and white, to name a few, as well as flocked, gloss, and wood-effect plastic finishes
Cost: plastic hangers are typically more affordable and are the perfect choice for budget-conscious brands looking for a more cost-effective option
Functionality: plastic is a lightweight and easy-to-handle material, and plastic coat hangers typically feature notches and hooks for hanging straps and accessories effectively

On the other hand, although some plastic hangers are recyclable, most have a significant environmental impact. For brands looking to reap the benefits of plastic coat hangers while still focusing on sustainability, our recycled coat hangers are the perfect choice. Recycled hangers offer stylish sustainability and are made using either ocean plastic, vegetable and biowaste or even carbon-negative materials like bamboo as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic. Our new vegetable and biowaste hangers also utilise green materials in a ‘closed CO2 cycle’ where they only release as much CO2 as they absorb during their growth phase, so they’re a win for the environment as well as for your store displays!

Metal coat hangers

Metal coat hangers are a staple in retail displays, offering both durability and a polished aesthetic. However, like plastic coat hangers, they also come with various factors to consider when you’re choosing the best hangers for your store display. Here are the main advantages of choosing metal over plastic coat hangers:

Strength: metal coat hangers are ideal for heavier garments like coats, suits, and denim, offering more strength and stability than plastic
Sustainability: metal hangers are often more sustainable as they can be reused for years or recycled when no longer needed, perfect for eco-conscious brands
Sleek design: metal coat hangers offer elegant, minimalist designs that can add a touch of contemporary luxury to your store
Space-saving: metal is a much slimmer material for hangers compared to plastic, allowing you to fit more hangers on your display racks and optimising the space you have in your store

However, metal hangers generally have higher upfront costs and are not the best option for brands that want to create cost-effective store displays. Metal also gives a more industrial feel to displays, which might not align with your brand’s style, although this could fit perfectly with your store if this fits your look!

Why choosing the right hangers matters for your store

The details of a retail display can make all the difference, and one of the most overlooked yet crucial elements is the hanger selection.

Hangers impact the overall look of your clothing displays and play a part in your store’s aesthetic, as well as aiding organisation and functionality

Hangers should help clothes to maintain their shape too, preventing unnecessary creases or distortions that might deter potential buyers. For delicate fabrics or structured pieces like suits and coats, a supportive hanger can preserve the garment's integrity, preventing unwanted stretching or damage.

Investing in high-quality, well-suited hangers ensures that your clothing is showcased in the best possible light, attracting customers and reinforcing the professionalism of your retail space. By prioritising both style and functionality, retailers can create an inviting shopping environment that leaves a lasting impression.

Coat hangers with Morplan

At Morplan, we offer a wide range of coat hangers as well as provide specialist advice on how to curate the perfect retail store display to amplify your brand and attract customers.

If you’re looking to upgrade the hangers in your store display, explore our collection of metal and plastic coat hangers and elevate your store today!