The 2026 Guide to Buying Clothespins: How to Make the Right Choice

A new set of clothespins seems like a simple purchase—until they break after a few weeks, leave rust stains on your clean laundry, or can't keep your towels on the line in a light breeze. It's easy to make the wrong choice. The right clothespin depends on its material, construction, and intended use. This guide will help you choose clothespins that fit your needs, whether you're drying laundry outside, using an indoor drying rack, or have a creative project in mind.

What to Look for When Buying Clothespins

Before making a decision, it's helpful to consider a few basic features. The functionality of a clothespin is determined by a few simple yet crucial factors.

Material: Wooden vs. Plastic Clothespins

The choice between wooden clothespins and plastic clothespins is the most common one. Both have specific properties:

• Wooden Clothespins: Often made from birchwood, they are known for their sturdy grip and classic appearance. They are strong and can hold heavier laundry items securely. A disadvantage is that prolonged exposure to moisture can cause them to weather or develop mould spots. It is advisable to store them in a dry place after use.
• Plastic Clothespins: These are typically more weather-resistant and available in various colours. They don't leave behind wood fibres or stains. However, quality can vary significantly. Cheaper plastic pins can become brittle and break over time due to UV radiation. Models made from high-quality polypropylene are often more durable.

The Spring: The Heart of a Strong Clothespin

The clamping force of a clothespin is determined by its metal spring. A strong clothespin has a robust, well-mounted spring, usually made of steel. This ensures the pin stays firmly on the clothesline, even in windy conditions. Check that the spring is securely attached and offers sufficient resistance when you squeeze the pin.

Application: Laundry, Photos, or Craft Projects?

Consider what you will primarily use the clothespins for:

• For heavy laundry: Opt for strong, large pins with a powerful spring.
• For delicate fabrics: Smaller, lighter pins or models with a soft grip can prevent impressions.
• For creative use: For hanging cards or as photo clips, coloured clothespins or smaller wooden craft clips are a great option. They add a decorative element.

Quantity and Packaging

Clothespins are often sold in sets. A 50-pack of clothespins is a standard quantity for an average household. Some sets come with a convenient storage basket or caddy, which helps keep the pins together and dry.

Our Clothespin Recommendations for 2026

Based on product specifications and potential applications, we have curated a selection of different types of clothespins.

1. 5five Peg Bucket Storage Box - 50 Pieces

Why this product This set from 5five combines functionality with convenience. You receive 50 clothespins in a handy storage caddy with a handle. This makes it easy to store the pins and carry them to the clothesline.

Advantages

• Material: The pins are made of polypropylene with a steel spring, designed for indoor use.
• Quantity: The set includes 50 pieces, a practical amount for most households.
• Easy Storage: The included caddy ensures the pins can be stored neatly and dry.
• Dimensions: The pins have a standard length of 7.5 cm.

Who is this for? For households looking for a complete and organised solution for drying laundry, especially on an indoor drying rack.

2. SNSP Drying Rack with 26 Clips

Why this product This is not a traditional clothespin but a multifunctional drying rack with integrated clips. It is specifically designed for efficiently drying small items like socks, underwear, or washcloths.

Advantages

• Material: The frame is made of an aluminum alloy, making it lightweight and durable.
• Capacity: Equipped with 26 clips, allowing you to hang many small items at once.
• Wind-resistant Design: The clips are designed to hold garments securely, which is useful if you hang the rack outside.
• Space-saving: The compact design takes up minimal space on the clothesline or a drying rack.

Who is this for? For anyone seeking an efficient and organised way to dry a lot of small laundry items at once, without needing to use individual pins.

3. JORDAN&JUDY Coloured Wooden Clothespins - 50 Pieces

Why this product This set from JORDAN&JUDY offers a combination of functionality and aesthetics. The coloured clothespins are made from natural birchwood and are suitable for both laundry and decorative purposes.

Advantages

• Material: Made from natural birchwood with a strong metal spring for a reliable grip.
• Multifunctional: Suitable as clothespins, but also as photo clips or craft clips thanks to their cheerful rainbow colours.
• Wind-resistant: The strong spring provides a firm grip, making them suitable for outdoor use according to the manufacturer.
• Decorative: The vibrant colours add a cheerful touch to the clothesline or craft projects.

Who is this for? For users looking for versatile pins that are both practical for laundry and fun for creative projects. Also ideal for those who appreciate an aesthetically pleasing product.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Explore more options

This selection showcases the diversity in clothespins, from practical plastic sets to multifunctional wooden pins. Your ideal choice depends on your specific needs. Many more varieties are available, such as stainless steel pins or extra-large models for heavy bedding.

For a complete overview of all available models, you can browse our main category for Clothespins.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clothespins

1. How do I prevent wooden clothespins from getting mouldy? To extend the life of wooden clothespins, it's important not to expose them to moisture for unnecessarily long periods. Remove them from the line after taking down the laundry and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place, such as in a basket or bag indoors.

2. What are the strongest clothespins for heavy laundry or windy conditions? For heavy laundry like jeans or duvet covers, or for use on a windy day, it's best to choose pins with a powerful steel spring and a sturdy construction. Both robust wooden pins and high-quality, thicker plastic pins can be suitable for this purpose.

3. Can I use clothespins for other things? Absolutely. Besides hanging laundry, clothespins are very versatile. Smaller, often coloured wooden pins are widely used as photo clips to hang photos and cards on a string. They are also popular as craft clips for various creative projects or to seal open bags of crisps or coffee.

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Our recommendations are based on product parameters and specifications, designed to help you make an informed choice.