They can be found in every household, and when it comes to ironing them, we would rather not see them at all. Ironing a shirt can be a challenge for many, especially if you want to achieve a perfectly smooth look without creases. However, with a few simple steps, you can avoid mistakes, save time, and turn ironing into a walk in the park. We’ll show you how to properly iron a shirt from the sleeves to the collar to achieve a professional result.
Tools That Come in Handy for Ironing
If you’re tackling shirt ironing with the idea of achieving a perfect result, some of these tools may come in handy:
- Steaming mat – helps with more effective steaming of clothes, including collars; you can also use it for vertical ironing,
- Sleeve board – designed for ironing collars, cuffs, and lapels,
- Protective net – prevents the formation of shiny spots, sticking, or burning,
- Water spray bottle – helps to dampen stubborn creases.
Preparation
Before you start ironing, lightly spray the shirt with water from a spray bottle. The moisture will help loosen the fabric fibers, making ironing easier.
Next, unbutton the shirt, and you're ready to begin ironing.
Step-by-Step Shirt Ironing Guide
Step 1: Set the Correct Temperature
The information about the suitable temperature for ironing is often provided by the manufacturer directly on the label. If the label is missing or you’ve cut it off, follow these guidelines: For delicate fabrics like cotton or linen, it’s best to use a medium to high heat setting. If you’re unsure, start with a lower temperature and gradually increase it.
Temperature Settings According to the Fabric
- Cotton: High temperature (180 – 200 °C),
- Linen: High temperature (200 – 230 °C),
- Polyester: Low to medium temperature (110 – 150 °C),
- Silk: Low temperature (up to 150 °C).
Step 2: Collar
Iron the collar flat, starting from the center and working your way towards the edges. Move slowly over the fabric to avoid creating unwanted creases. If the collar is heavily wrinkled, use the steam function on your iron.
Step 3: Cuffs and Sleeves
When ironing the sleeves, start with the cuffs. Iron them flat, beginning with the inner side and then moving to the outer side. If necessary, go over the cuffs multiple times to ensure they are completely smooth.
Sleeves can be trickier, but following a simple process will make it easier. Lay the sleeve flat on the board and gently smooth it out. Start at the shoulder and gradually work your way down to the cuffs. First, iron the top part of the sleeve, then flip it over to iron the underside. Pay special attention to the area around the seams, where creases often form.
If you want to achieve a sharp crease, gently press down on the outer side of the sleeve.
Step 4: Yoke
Next, it's time for the yoke, which is the area between the collar and shoulders. To iron the yoke, place the shirt on the narrower side of the ironing board and smooth out the fabric. Gently iron from the shoulders towards the center.
Step 5: Shirt Body
Finally, focus on the body of the shirt. Start from one shoulder, gradually iron the front, and then move on to the back.
Helpful Tips for Ironing a Shirt
- Don’t twist the iron; instead, move it regularly across the fabric.
- Avoid pressing down on the tip of the iron, as the pressure could create unsightly creases. Instead, press down on the back of the iron.
- Don’t iron over the buttons.
- Remember to use the steam function to remove any fine wrinkles.
How to Keep Your Shirt Ironed for Longer?
If you have several shirts to iron, start with the one that requires the lowest temperature, and gradually increase the temperature for the others. After ironing, hang the shirt on a hanger. To keep it smelling fresh for longer, you can also hang a scented tag along with the shirt.