Cloth Rack

So, you scored a new fluffy sweatshirt along with your comfy cashmere sweater. And, a gorgeous off-the-shoulder knit, too. Except you have a big problem: your tiny closet is bursting at the seams. So, what do you do with your latest shopping haul? Of course, you pull out a clothing rack!

Allow us to explain. Clothing racks are often standalone, design-forward pieces that offer extra storage and a place to display jackets, shoes, and bags you want to show off or that you reach for every day. They can work as an accessory to your closet, or on their own to elevate your bedroom, closet, or even your entryway.

To find the best out there, we purchased 11 clothing racks and tested them for 10 hours at The Lab, evaluating their setup, organizational ability, design, durability, and overall value. We hung 10-pound bags (which would equal quite a bit of clothes!) to see if the materials became strained or bent, and we tried storing a variety of items on the rods and shelves, to see how they fared. We also chatted with Katie Berry, author of 30 Days to a Clean and Organized House and The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member, who noted that racks with shelves—in addition to giving you more flexible storage options—also tend to be sturdier. Berry also stresses that if your household has young children, it’s key to look for a rack “that can be fastened to the wall to prevent tipping.”