Fit, care and budget
How to iron a shirt in 5 minutes
By sneakersInn team · Updated
To iron a shirt in about five minutes, start with it slightly damp and go in this order: collar, cuffs, sleeves, yoke (the shoulders), back, then the two front panels. Use the cotton setting for cotton and the hottest setting for linen, with steam, and hang the shirt straight away on a proper hanger with the top button done up.
Step by step
- Dampen. Iron straight after washing while still slightly damp, or spray with water.
- Collar. Lay it flat, iron the underside from the points inwards, then the top.
- Cuffs. Open them, iron inside then outside.
- Sleeves. Lay each sleeve flat along the seam and iron from the shoulder to the cuff. For no crease, use a sleeve board or a rolled towel inside.
- Yoke. Drape the shoulders over the narrow end of the board and iron across.
- Back. Iron from the top down.
- Fronts. Iron each panel, working around the buttons, not over them.
- Hang. Straight onto a hanger, top button done, and let it cool before wearing.
Which heat setting?
| Fabric | Setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Medium to high, with steam | Iron while damp |
| Linen | Highest, with steam | Iron damp; some creases are normal |
| Cotton blends | Medium | Check the label |
| Polyester | Low | Too much heat melts or shines it |
The dots on care labels show the maximum heat. See how to read clothing care labels.
How do I stop shine?
Iron dark shirts inside out, or use a pressing cloth (a thin cotton cloth) between the iron and the fabric.
Is steaming better than ironing?
A steamer is quicker for removing creases and gentler on fabric, but doesn't give a crisp collar and cuffs. Many men steam on weekdays and iron for special occasions.
How do I keep shirts crisp in the heat?
Wear an undershirt, hang shirts with space around them, and don't leave them folded in a bag. See do you need an undershirt in the heat?.
Questions
How often should I iron?
Every wear for dress shirts. Linen and oxford shirts can be worn slightly rumpled.
What about trousers?
Iron along the crease line with a pressing cloth. See clothing care 101.