Hangers are probably the most overlooked item in your wardrobe. Yet without them, your closets will be in a mess and your clothes all creased and wrinkled.

But to get the most out of these devices, you need to tell them apart.

Fashion designer Lai Chan, who owns Lai Chan womenswear boutique at Raffles Hotel, says: 'It is wrong to use only one type of hanger for your entire wardrobe. The correct hanger will retain the original shape of your clothes.'

The hangers in his store are imported from Italy. Some are specially layered with a furry fabric which he uses to hang spaghetti-strapped dresses as the fabric prevents the straps from slipping off.

Here, he offers some pointers on how to hang your clothes correctly.

Avoid thin and flimsy wire hangers. They do not support the frame of your clothes well and will leave 'fold marks' on your pants. Instead, use sturdier and thicker hangers that can carry the shape of your clothes and spread the weight out more evenly.

Choose hangers of the correct size for your T-shirts. An over-sized hanger will leave an unsightly bulge on the sleeves. There are longer ones for men's tees and shorter ones for women's. The edges of the hanger should end where the sleeves and the shoulders meet.

For clip hangers, clamp on clothing over a thin piece of sponge as a precaution. This lessens the risk of an imprint, especially on business slacks, and is cheaper than clamp hangers that come with padded clips.

When buying wooden hangers, check that the edges have been sanded off to prevent damage to your clothes.

Padded hangers are more commonly used for lingerie and serve a more decorative function than a practical one.

HANGING IN STYLE

Not all hangers are created equal. Here, we show you which hangers to use for pants, skirts, shirts and T-shirts

Wooden hanger
$2.95 for a set of three, from Carrefour, 01-199 Suntec City Mall

This is best used for pants and skirts. The soft rubber lining on the clips goes easy on fabric, ensuring that there are no unsightly marks.

Padded hangers
$28 for a set of two, from Crabtree & Evelyn, 01-K4 Tampines Mall

For hangers that are as pretty as your clothes, these are worth the splurge. Embedded within the padding are rosewater-scented beads. Make great gifts.

Childrens' coat hanger
$2, from Daiso, 04-01 Plaza Singapura

The cute design serves a practical purpose - the arch maintains the shape of clothes. It can be used to hang clothes with spaghetti straps as the fabric prevents slipping.

Plastic hanger
$2, from Daiso

This value-for-money hanger has a steady frame and slight arch that maintains the posture of business suits. It even has a small hoop to hang a tie. Great for business trips.

Slacks and skirt hanger
$1.50, from Carrefour

This hanger may not be much of a looker, but the soft rubber lining of the clamp makes it perfect for hanging slacks and skirts without leaving marks.

Plastic hanger
$4.90 for a set of three, from Muji, 02-326 Marina Square

This hanger may be pricey but its sturdy design helps to maintain the frame of your shirts. It also makes a stylish addition to your wardrobe.