How to Iron a Shirt the Best Way
There are few things that give as polished and professional an impression as a perfectly smooth, neatly ironed shirt. With the right technique, a few smart tricks, and the right equipment—such as a good shirt ironing board—it can be easier than you think! Here are our best shirt-ironing tips and a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect result.
Moisten the Garment
If the garment isn’t already slightly damp after drying, use a spray bottle to moisten it and let the fabric absorb the moisture for a minute before you start ironing the shirt.
Start with the Sleeves and Cuffs
Once you’ve set the correct temperature on the iron, begin by ironing the sleeves and cuffs. This way, they can hang off the edge of the ironing board without wrinkling. Open the cuff buttons and lay them flat, then iron with smooth, even strokes. Make sure the sleeves are lying completely flat to avoid creases on the other side before you continue ironing.
Then Iron the Yoke
The yoke is the part at the top of the back that runs from shoulder to shoulder. It’s good to iron this early to prevent the rest of the fabric from wrinkling. Make sure the shirt is unbuttoned.
Move on to the Collar
Now it’s time to iron the collar turned up. Start with the inside, and feel free to use extra water or steam to get it completely smooth. Then fasten the top button to help the collar keep its shape during the rest of the ironing.
Iron the First Half of the Front Panel
Here, it’s an advantage to use a shirt ironing board or an ironing board designed for this purpose, such as our Facile ironing board. Lay the front panel flat on the board and let the rest hang down. Start with the area around the buttons and then move on to the rest of the fabric. Put pressure on the back of the iron to avoid the tip causing creases.
Move on to the Back
Continue with the part of the back that you haven’t already ironed. Gently stretch the fabric to keep it smooth while ironing.
Finally, the Second Half of the Front Panel
Finish with the last front panel, using the same method as with the first half to achieve an evenly and neatly ironed shirt.
Hang It Up!
When you’re done, hang the shirt on a hanger and let it cool before wearing it. This way you prevent new creases from forming.
We hope these tips help make ironing both easier and more enjoyable in the future!