I have a very small closet space. The vertical space is maximized by the ability to hang dresses, blouses, sweaters, and knit tops vertically. The hangers do keep slippery items from falling off. I was able to double or triple hand tops on the LOWER rack of my closet without the hems touching the floor. I hesitate to put more than three items vertically, just because of the weight. Perhaps gauze items or very light weight items could go to four. My closet is now organized. I do think the narrower hangers might actually reduce the horizontal space as well. The closet looks very neat and organized now. I don't know how durable the product is, but so far so breakage even with the heavier coats. I would advise to maximize horizontal space that all sleeves be brought to the outside so as not to become entangled between items. I found by pulling out the sleeves and making sure all the sleeves were out that I got more hangers on the rack. I just took a section of hangers out , shook them, made sure all the sleeves were out and put them back. Such a simple act as keeping the sleeves on the outside allowed for several additional vertical hangers to be placed in the same space.