A sweater on a hanger looks tidy for a week or two. Then the shoulders start to pucker, the neckline stretches, and the whole thing grows a little longer than it used to be. Knits are made of loops, and loops give way under their own weight.

Fold instead

Lay the sweater face down. Fold each sleeve across the back, then fold the body in half or in thirds, depending on the shelf. Heavier knits like wool and cashmere sit at the bottom of a stack. Lighter ones go on top.

Give them room to breathe

Short stacks of three or four keep sweaters from flattening. Shelves, drawers, or open bins all work. For out-of-season storage, use breathable cotton bags rather than plastic, and make sure everything is clean first. Moths are drawn to body oils and food traces.

If you really need to hang one

Fold the sweater in half lengthwise, lay the armpit over the hook of a padded hanger, and drape the body and sleeves over the bar. The weight is spread out and the shoulders stay smooth. It’s a good short-term fix for travel or a busy week.