A device for the automatic loading of hangers in an apparatus for ironing shirts or similar items includes a storage configured to support a plurality of hangers and an arm comprising a gripping and releasing. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the gripping and releasing end is close to the storage to pick up or receive a hanger from the storage, and in the second position, the gripping and releasing end is placed above the manikin placed upstream of a loading station of the apparatus, to release the hanger, previously picked up, into the seat of the manikin.