About Hangers
- Could you tell us what led KADOYA to start using NAKATA HANGER?
- I believe it was initially introduced to enhance the display quality of our top-tier HEAD FACTORY (HF) products. Since HF was a completely new line for us and we wanted to present it as KADOYA's flagship premium collection, every detail mattered—including the hangers. We chose them based on their inherent quality, level of craftsmanship, and sophisticated design.
- What was your first impression when you first held a NAKATA HANGER?
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My first impression was how thick and substantial it felt—there's a unique sense of luxury to it.
It's
incredibly sturdy; you know it won't break even with our heaviest jackets.
When you look at the shoulder thickness in particular, you immediately think "now this is an exceptional hanger." Just considering how a jacket sits when hung—the presence it has—the way it brings out the character of a leather jacket is completely different. - Could you tell us about the aspects of the HF hanger's specifications and design that you were particular about?
- We focused heavily on the shoulder width and thickness to maintain the jacket's natural shoulder shape and really enhance the silhouette. Weight capacity was also crucial since we'd be hanging some seriously heavy leather jackets—we needed something that could handle that without any issues.
- When storing leather jackets, what should people be careful about?
- Once leather gets stretched out in certain areas, you really can't fix it. So hangers should match the jacket's shoulder width reasonably well, provide proper thickness, and let the shoulders settle naturally during storage—this actually extends the leather jacket's lifespan. Beyond hangers, you want to avoid areas where moisture builds up, or you'll end up with mold. Ideally, give them a light airing in the shade once per season, or especially after the rainy season ends.
- What would happen if you hung a leather jacket on a thin, narrow hanger like a wire hanger?
- You'd get the shape distortion I mentioned earlier, plus unsightly pressure marks from the thin wire. When the shoulder thickness and width don't match properly, the jacket's shoulder tips will stretch and bulge out unnaturally. And considering cowhide jackets can weigh 2-3 kg, that thin wire hook will bend, causing the jacket to fall, or the hanger might snap completely. A sturdy hanger construction is absolutely essential. Most genuine leather jackets cost a fortune—they're serious investments. If something damaging happens to a jacket you bought intending to wear for years, something you've grown attached to as it develops character over time, it would be heartbreaking. Simply put investing in proper hangers just makes sense.
- There are many commercial thick hangers available besides NAKATA HANGER. Among all these options, could you tell us why one should specifically choose NAKATA HANGER?
- NAKATA HANGER has particularly excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail that I really appreciate. They have a unique character that's different from plastic hangers, and the way the wood texture matches with natural materials is exceptionally good. The way jackets sit when hung and how good they look hanging—that's something only wooden hangers can provide. So for anyone wanting to keep their favorite piece in good condition for the longest time, I would strongly recommend NAKATA HANGER.
- Many people love leather jackets but haven't yet realized the importance of hangers. Could you share a message to people out there that could change their minds from "Any hanger will do" to "maybe I need to pay attention to hangers too"?
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As I mentioned earlier, leather material cannot be restored to its original shape once it stretches in
certain areas. And when strange wrinkles form, it's difficult to completely smooth them out. So it's
definitely better to use hangers with appropriate thickness and shoulder width that match your jacket.
Beyond that, wooden hangers have incomparably superior beauty compared to plastic hangers.
Since you're spending good money on leather jackets, using hangers that can maintain their beautiful condition and that make you smile when you see them hanging should significantly increase your satisfaction as an owner.
I also look at my leather jackets lined up on my hanger rack and think "which one should I wear today?" When my favorite jacket and a carefully chosen hanger come together, it really moves me. When I pick it up, I feel like "this is my best outfit!" If it were just for storage, I might think plastic hangers would be fine, but for keeping favorite pieces in the best condition while satisfying that sense of ownership you get from luxury goods, wooden hangers are exceptional.
Leather jackets become more endearing as you wear them—every wrinkle and scuff mark becomes precious. Wooden hangers also develop character as you use them, with the surface gradually wearing and gaining patina, creating a sense of unity. This is character that plastic hangers simply cannot develop.
[From NAKATA HANGER]
For the HF series, we use much thicker hooks than usual and position them deeper than normal to handle all the stress that comes from hanging and removing those heavy jackets. Because our hangers are carved from a single piece of wood—no joints or weak points—we can actually place the hook much deeper for extra stability. The hanger we created for HEAD FACTORY products is genuinely engineered specifically for heavy leather jackets.
For the HF series, we use much thicker hooks than usual and position them deeper than normal to handle all the stress that comes from hanging and removing those heavy jackets. Because our hangers are carved from a single piece of wood—no joints or weak points—we can actually place the hook much deeper for extra stability. The hanger we created for HEAD FACTORY products is genuinely engineered specifically for heavy leather jackets.
We had the opportunity to speak with "KADOYA," the legendary leather jacket manufacturer celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. KADOYA has been using NAKATA HANGER for store displays, customer giveaways and anniversary commemorative items. In this interview, they shared insights on not only why hangers matter so much for leather jacket storage, but also KADOYA's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality manufacturing.