Clothespins are necessary for hanging clothes up to dry. They secure your garments to your clothesline or drying rack so they won’t blow away or fall to the ground. But when you buy any old product, you’re often left super disappointed.
After all, there are tons of flimsy recommendations on the market. That’s where we come in. We have spent hours researching clothespins, which are the best, the most durable, and the strongest.
To create our list of the seven best clothespins, we looked at dozens of product’s purpose, material, durability, and special features. We’ve even tried a few ourselves.
Are you ready to find clothespins that don’t disappoint? You’ve come to the right place.
- Great for heavy items
- Secure, even in wind
- Lightweight but durable
- They last 10x longer than wood or plastic
- Multi-purpose
- Wind and rustproof
- Extra-wide at 1.3 inches
- Durable stainless steel
- Multi-purpose for laundry and organization
- Conveniently hang many places
- Small and compact
- Great for small garments
- Affordable
- No-rusting springs
- Great for arts & crafts
- Waterproof design
- Holds 10 pounds of fabric per pin
- Super affordable
- Great for crafting & decor
- You can paint them easily
- Coated with eco wax
Product Reviews
After studying expert advice, real customer reviews, and our own clothespin habits, we have the seven best clothespins on the market to recommend to you today. We created this list based on the durability, material, and purpose of each product.
Are you ready to meet the best clothespins of the year? Here they are!
1. Juvale Large Wooden Clothespins
Best Heavy-Duty Clothespins
Juvale’s clothespins are the best choice for heavy-duty clothespins. They may look feeble, but customers rave about these pins’ strength.
These clothespins can hold up heavy items, including jeans and rugs. Secure them to your clothesline with Juvale’s clothespins.
But that’s not all. Even if there’s a huge storm incoming and it’s going to be a windy day, you can trust these clothespins.
Wind helps dry clothes faster, but many clothespins fall off during windy days. Not these, though. Hang your clothes out on a windy, stormy day and enjoy quick-drying clothes.
Pros
- Great for heavy items.
- They stay secure even on windy, stormy days.
- Lightweight but durable.
- Substantial and well-made.
- Great for crafting, too.
Cons
- The metal spring can be flimsy under pressure.
- The wood will rot and mold if left outside for too long.
Product Specs
| Size | 4 x 0.5 x 1 inches inch per clothespin |
| Purpose | Hanging heavy items, but they are all-purpose |
| Material | Wood |
| Durability | Extremely durable |
| Weatherproof | No |
2. Vida Picks Wire Clothespins
Best Metal Clothespins
The Vida Picks wire clothespins are our top choice for metal clothespins. They’re made of high-quality 304 stainless steel to provide rust-resistant clothespins that can handle any weather. We use these in our home and love them.
The 40 clothespins come in a lovely little bag, so you can keep them organized when not in use. These clothespins have amazing grip and will stay secure even on the windiest days.
They last up to 10x longer than plastic or wooden clothespins. This is the best choice if you want to buy one set of clothespins and use them for years.
The Vida Picks clothespins are also multi-purpose. Yes, they’re great for laundry. But we use them for sealing food bags, storing papers, keeping things organized, and decorating your home.
Pros
- They last 10x longer than wooden or plastic pins.
- Multi-purpose — use them for storing papers and closing bags of food.
- Wind and rustproof.
- They come with a bag for organization.
- 304 stainless steel is super durable.
Cons
- They might get tangled up in the bag.
- Might be too small for thick clothing.
- Slippery when used on a metal rack.
Product Specs
| Size | 2.36 x 0.4 x 1 inch per clothespin |
| Purpose | Multi-purpose |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Durability | 10x stronger than wood or plastic |
| Weatherproof | Yes |
3. Swpeet Multi-Purpose Metal Wire Clips
Best Extra-Wide Clothespins
If you are looking for extra-wide clothespins to give you more security, then the Swpeet wire clips are a good option! They are 1.3 inches wide compared to the other clothespins on our list, which average around half an inch wide.
These clothespins are durable, strong, and since they’re extra-wide, you don’t have to use as many per garment. They’re small, but they can handle heavy and large items such as towels, sheets, and jackets.
Like most clothespins, these are also multi-purpose. You can use them for bag sealing, paper clipping, bookmarking, hanging messages, document holding, displaying photos, and much more.
They’re made of weatherproof stainless steel. They come in a few colors, such as black, red, and blue.
Pros
- Extra-wide at 1.3 inches.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Multi-purpose for laundry and more organization.
- Colorful design.
- Quite affordable per piece.
Cons
- You can’t choose your colors.
- The spring is strong, so they fly from your hands if your grip is loose.
Product Specs
| Size | 2.1 x 1.3 x 0.6 inches per clothespin |
| Purpose | Multi-purpose |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Durability | Yes |
| Weatherproof | Yes |
4. T&B Travel Cloth Hanger Clothespin
Best Travel Clothespins
The T&B travel cloth hanger clothespins are a unique and practical solution for travelers. The cloth feature is adjustable, so you can hang it on a shower rod, coat hanger, clothespin, or garment rod. Simply secure your garments onto the clips and let them air dry.
You can fold these up very small, so they can easily slot into your suitcase or carry-on bag.
Keep in mind that these are best for small garments. Think socks, underwear, swimsuits, lingerie, and facecloths. They aren’t suitable for jackets, jeans or dresses.
Overall, these clothespins are a must-have if you do laundry while traveling. These products are perfect for hanging your swimsuit to dry in your hotel room or socks to dry after a rainy hike before returning to your B&B.
Pros
- They attach to many places for convenient hanging.
- Fold up small and compact.
- Great for small garments.
- Must-have for traveling.
- Great for drying swimwear at a hotel.
- Three color options available.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy or large garments.
- Best for thin bars.
- Each one only holds six garments.
Product Specs
| Size | 6.5 x 3.9 x 1.61 inches |
| Purpose | Hanging small garments |
| Material | Polyester and plastic |
| Durability | Durable when used for small garments |
| Weatherproof | Water-resistant |
5. Whitmor Wood Natural Clothespins
Best Wooden Clothespins
Whitmor wood natural clothespins are a great option for wooden clothespins. They’ll also fit into most budgets. You can get a pack of 100 clothespins at a reasonable price.
The clothespins are made of hardwood with a wax coating. So, they will last for years, giving you many fresh loads of air-dried laundry!
We recommend taking clothes back indoors if there is a lot of rain in the forecast. But if you ever forget, these pins have galvanized, non-rusting springs, so they are safe for outdoor use, even on rainy days.
These strong and durable clothespins can hold heavy garments against strong winds. Just make sure to use them properly, so you don’t snap off the spring.
Pros
- Affordable price point and pack of 100.
- Hardwood with a wax coating.
- No-rusting springs.
- Great for arts and crafts.
- No-slip grip for easy opening.
Cons
- Some pins in the collection are poorly aligned.
- They twist and break if not carefully opened.
Product Specs
| Size | 3.38 x 0.38 x 0.63 inches per clothespin |
| Purpose | Laundry, arts and crafts |
| Material | Hardwood and galvanized steel |
| Durability | Durable when used carefully |
| Weatherproof | Yes, until wax coating fades |
6. Honey-Can-Do Colored Plastic Clothespins
Best Plastic Clothespins
The best plastic clothespins are the Honey-Can-Do colored plastic clothespins. These colored pins will brighten your laundry while it’s on the line, adding some extra happiness to laundry day.
But it’s also helpful in organizing your clothes. You can use these to color-code things.
Use yellow for lighter garments to remind you to take them in sooner since they dry faster. Use blue for white clothes to remind yourself to leave them out longer so the sun can help to brighten them. You can also use these to color code other areas of organization in the house, such as paperwork or recipes.
Each of these strong clothespins can hold up to 10 pounds of fabric. This means you can easily hang heavy items like rugs, sheets, or jackets.
Pros
- Waterproof design for outdoor use.
- Four colors to help with brightness and organization.
- Holds 10 pounds of fabric per clip.
- Super affordable price.
- Great for crafting.
Cons
- Can’t withstand wind very well. They fall off the line.
- When used on plastic lines, they slip easily.
Product Specs
| Size | 3.23 x 0.8 x 0.6 inches per clothespin |
| Purpose | Laundry and organization |
| Material | Plastic |
| Durability | Yes, but not in wind |
| Weatherproof | Yes |
7. CCINEE Mini Wooden Clothespins
Best Clothespins for Craft and Decor
The CCINEE mini wooden clothespins are the best option for crafts and decor. Yes, they’re super small, but that’s what makes them so cute! We use these for holding up pictures, hanging notes, and packaging presents in our home.
You can even paint them whatever color you like. They’re made of natural wood with an eco-wax coating.
Once you’ve painted them your favorite colors, they look adorable for card decoration. And when December comes around, use them to hang things on your Christmas tree.
These are sturdy enough for craft and decor projects. But do not use these for hanging laundry! They’re very small, so they’ll struggle to hold up light garments, such as underwear or socks.
Keep In Mind
Pros
- Great for crafting and decor.
- You can paint them easily.
- Coated in an eco wax.
- 150 pins included.
- Super cute design.
- Paper card included for storage.
Cons
- Too small and light to hold up laundry.
- Break easily when not handled carefully.
Product Specs
| Size | 1.4 x 0.4 inches per clothespin |
| Purpose | Craft and decor |
| Material | Natural wood |
| Durability | No |
| Weatherproof | No |
| Product | Best | Size | Purpose | Material | Weatherproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juvale Clothespins | Heavy-Duty Clothespins | 4 x 0.5 x 1″ | Multi-purpose | Wood | No |
| Vida Picks Wire Clothespins | Metal Clothespins | 2.36 x 0.4 x 1″ | Multi-purpose | Stainless steel | Yes |
| Swpeet Multi-Purpose Wire Clips | Extra-Wide Clothespins | 2.1 x 1.3 x 0.6″ | Multi-purpose | Stainless steel | Yes |
| T&B Travel Cloth Hanger Clothespin | Travel Clothespins | 6.5 x 3.9 x 1.61″ | Hanging small garments | Polyester & plastic | Water-resistant |
| Whitmor Wood Natural Clothespins | Wooden Clothespins | 3.38 x 0.38 x 0.63″ | Laundry, arts & crafts | Hardwood & galvanized steel | Yes, until wax coating fades |
| Honey-Can-Do Colored Clothespins | Plastic Clothespins | 3.23 x 0.8 x 0.6″ | Laundry & organization | Plastic | Yes |
| CCINEE Mini Wooden Clothespins | Clothespins for Craft & Decor | 1.4 x 0.4″ | Craft & decor | Natural wood | No |
How Do You Use Clothespins?
Clothespins have a spring opening so you can squeeze the tip to open the claws. While it’s open, place it on top of the garment while it’s on the line. Let go to close the clamp, and it will hold your garment in place.
Is It Better To Dry Clothes Inside or Outside?
If it’s a dry, warm, sunny day — hang your clothes outside. They’ll dry much quicker. Even on a cold day, as long as the sun shines, you should still hang your clothes outside.
However, on a humid or rainy day, hang the clothes to dry inside. Use a drying rack or indoor clothesline to dry them. Turn the heating on to speed up the process so that the clothes don’t smell damp or musty!
Solar Bleaching Power
Other Uses of Clothespins
Clothespins aren’t just for hanging clothes. They also have other uses.
- Organize paperwork: If you choose the small clothespins, you can use them as tabs or bookmarks on paperwork.
- Keep clothes together: Secure pairs of gloves or socks together.
- Clip a towel: When you’re in the kitchen, use a clothespin to clip a dish towel to your clothes so it’s always nearby.
- Tidy cords: Use a clothespin to keep cables and cords neat and tidy in the cupboard.
- Hold down pages: When reading or using a cookbook, use a clothespin to keep the pages open and secure.
- Prop up pictures: Clip a picture — or even a recipe card — and balance the clothespin upside down on a surface.
- Closing bags of food: To prevent chips or nuts from going stale, secure the packaging with clothespins.
- Close curtains: This is especially good when traveling. Keep your hotel or RV curtains securely closed with clothespins.
- Make a vase: Looking for a DIY project? Get an old tuna can and surround it with clothespins. Paint them and then plant some basil. Looks very cute!
- Hang notes or pictures: Twine and clothespins are all you need for this easy craft. Then hang up little notes or pictures.
- Hold down a tablecloth: Outside on a windy day? Secure your tablecloth or picnic blanket with a clothespin.
- Toothpaste: Secure a clothespin to the bottom of a toothpaste tube to squeeze out every drop.
- Plant marking: If you’ve just planted a bunch of seeds, write the name of each plant on a clothespin and stick it in the soil. That way, you’ll know what everything is when it sprouts.
- Fasten your Christmas lights: This is a super simple way to keep your Christmas lights secure during the holidays.
The moral of the story is to keep clothespins nearby. You can use them in every corner of the home!
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
When buying new clothespins, consider these important details.
Size
The size of the clothespin will determine how heavy or big a garment can be held up. Clothespins are generally quite small, but they do come in mini or extra-wide sizes.
If you’re going to be using them for crafts, we recommend getting small ones. But if you’re going to be hanging up jackets or sheets, opt for a bigger size.
Purpose
Whether you’re using clothespins for laundry, crafts, or organization, you’ll want to look at certain clothespins. For example, wooden ones are the best for crafts since you can paint them. They are also flat on either side, whereas many plastic pins have a more curved design.
Material
Wooden clothespins are the most common type of clothespin. But over time, they can rot or deteriorate, especially when subject to dramatic weather elements.
Plastic clothespins are more durable but not as aesthetically pleasing. You can also get metal ones that are rust-resistant and durable — these are our personal favorites!
Durability
Durability depends on the materials you choose. Metal or plastic is the most durable material for clothespins since wooden ones are subject to rot and mold when in contact with wet clothes or rain.
Ultimately, though, clothespins won’t last forever. The more you use them, the more likely the spring is to snap. So, always be careful when using clothespins. Gently open and close them to increase their lifespan.
Aesthetics
Finally, consider the aesthetics. Of course, this comes down to personal preference and the style you have in your home.
If you like lots of bright colors, choose plastic clothespins. Go for wooden ones if you’re into shabby chic and rustic decor. If you have a modern style, metal ones will be your pick!
FAQs
What Kind of Wood Are Clothespins Made From?
Clothespins are made from ash wood, which is a hardwood with weathering and durability qualities. It has a distinct grain and color and rarely bleeds tannins.
How Do You Make Wooden Pegs Last Longer?
Bring them in between washes, and don’t leave them on the line in any weather. Keeping the pegs in a warm and dry environment significantly increases their lifespan.
What Can I Use Instead of Clothespins?
You can use hangers, paperclips, and even string instead of clothespins. You can secure the hangers by tying them to the line, so they stay attached on windy days.
Should You Leave Pegs on the Line?
You shouldn’t leave pegs on the line because continued exposure to the elements weakens them and causes them to become brittle. However, if you have weatherproof pins, they might hold up better.
If we’re honest, we leave our metal pins on the umbrella line outside all year round, and they hold up fine!
How Do You Clean Dirty Clothes Pins?
The best way to clean dirty clothes pins is to soak them in a bucket of water and bleach them for up to six hours. Then drain the bucket and leave the pegs to air dry before use. For stubborn dirt, leave the clothespins to soak overnight.
Do Clothespins Leave Marks?
Clothespins only leave stains when they are dirty. It’s important to keep your pegs free from mold, mildew, and dirt by regularly soaking them in bleach and water.
