How To Iron Dress Shirts
Ironing a dress shirt is an important part of our professional life. A dress shirt is the most important part of our office wardrobe as well as professional event suits. However, ironing it has always been difficult. A badly ironed dress shirt not only destroys your first impression but also triggers the OCD of a lot of people like me. Well, now I have learned how to iron a dress shirt properly and come up with a way to help you all.
The best way to iron your dress shirt is to start with hard fabric. Iron collar, sleeve cuffs and from button area first. Later iron the back and front with a steam iron. However, if your steam iron is not working well, dampen the fabric before ironing it.
That’s just a quick guide for beginners. However, if you want your dress shirt to look crisp like ironed by a professional, you will have to read about it in detail. So, let’s move on to the detailed guide to ironing your shirt like an expert.
Step By Step Guide To Iron A Dress Shirt In 5 Minutes
Ironing a dress shirt always seems like a hassle; a lot of people even hate it. Yet, it’s an essential skill to have in your repertoire. A well-ironed shirt can make a significant difference in your appearance. So, let’s understand the process of ironing a dress shirt with the help of simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Check the Shirt Label
Before you begin, take a moment to read the label on your shirt. This step is crucial because it helps you understand what type of fabric your shirt is made of. Knowing the fabric type is essential before you start ironing because different fabrics require different heat settings to avoid damaging the shirt.
Prepare the Iron
To start, ensure that your iron has water in it. Most modern irons have a steam function that helps make the ironing process more effective. Now, plug it in and set it to the lowest heat setting suitable for your shirt’s fabric type.
Check for Stains
Inspect your shirt carefully for any stains. Ironing over a stain can set it permanently, making it harder to remove later. Therefore, always give your shirts a good check before applying the iron.
Moisten the Shirt
Moisten your shirt with a spray bottle. This step enables you to use dry iron without worrying about your iron’s steam function. You can also pull the shirt out of the dryer before it’s completely dry to make the ironing process easier.
Iron the Collar
Begin by ironing the collar. If your shirt has collar stays, remove them first. Iron the inside of the collar first, then the outside. Be careful around the buttons to avoid pressing over them, as it can leave a mark.
Iron the Cuffs
Unbutton one cuff, including the gauntlet button if your shirt has one. Start by ironing the inside of the cuff, then move to the outside. Again, be cautious around the buttons. Repeat this process for the other cuff. For French cuffs, open them fully, but avoid pressing the edges.
Iron the Shirt Front
Start ironing the shirt front, beginning with the side that has the buttons. Be sure to work around the button area without ironing over them. Move from the shoulder down to the hem. Repeat this process on the other side. Besides, if your shirt has a placket, iron the material under it.
Iron the Yoke
The yoke is the fabric on the back of the shirt. It’s the area just beneath the collar, spanning the width of your shoulders. Iron it by pressing from one point of the yoke to the other.
Iron the Sleeves
Ironing sleeves can be tricky because you’re dealing with two layers of fabric. Lay the sleeve flat on the ironing board. Next, match any existing creases, and iron one side at a time. Avoid buttons and make sure to crease them properly.
Inspect and Hang
Inspect the shirt for any missed wrinkles or areas that need touch-up. Hang it on a hanger as soon as possible to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Additional Tips To Iron A Dress Shirt Like A Pro
Here are few of my expert tips for all dress shirt ironing haters. You can do it guys, make sure you do it right.
- Consider ironing multiple shirts in one batch to save time.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can iron just the collar, cuffs, and the front area below the collar, which is visible when wearing a jacket.
- If you have no time to iron, put your shirt in the dryer for a few minutes.
Final Words
In conclusion, ironing a dress shirt doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right steps and a little practice, you can keep your shirts looking sharp and wrinkle-free. So, no more excuses for looking like a schlub. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of shirt ironing.
