You can iron jeans if you want a crisp and slightly more formal look, but it is largely a matter of personal choice. Some modern denim garments have been known to relax and smooth themselves out when they come into contact with body heat. In cases like this, you may feel that ironing and creating sharp creases is unnecessary for regular daily wear.
Why can you iron jeans?
Jeans are suitable for ironing because of the way that the fibers behave when they are lightly damp and subsequently exposed to heat. The combination of moisture, heat, and downward pressure allows the fibers to slip past one another and remove wrinkles in the process. The precise amount of heat will vary based on things like the cotton content and the inclusion of elastic fibers in stretch blends, as well as the denim’s thickness. Always check the label to clarify which temperature to use.
The art of ironing your jeans safely
Ironing your jeans is a simple process once you know the correct technique:
- Turn the jeans inside out to protect the exterior colour from potential heat damageÂ
- Lightly mist the fabric if it is no longer lightly damp from the wash and use a steam iron where possibleÂ
- Protect the finish of darker denims by pressing through a clean cotton cloth to help dampen down the heat exposure
- First press the pockets flat before doing the same with the waistband on your denim jeansÂ
- Lay the legs flat with the seams aligned to avoid accidentally pressing in new unwanted creasesÂ
- Move smoothly from the waist down to the bottom of the legs, taking care to ensure the iron is always in motionÂ
Hanging your jeans after ironing
Now that you know how to get creases out of jeans, you need to make sure you don’t immediately start rewrinkling them. Hanging them so that they cool in the air while suspended from a hanger is the best approach. Once they are cool to the touch all over, either wear them or neatly fold them so they are ready when you need them.
Ironing jeans when you have limited space
Ironing your new pair of jeans when you are in a small space or a cramped hotel room may be something that you find stressful, but there are solutions. Having a compact ironing board that is used on a table-top or countertop is something you may wish to consider. As long as it is a safe and comfortable height that doesn’t force you to stretch or stoop, you should be able to smooth out those wrinkles and unwanted creases.
Even if you find that you are in a rush, the important thing is to slow down and follow the steps in the bullet points below. It can take only a few minutes to get the jeans how you want them. By taking your time, you will be able to ensure that you don’t select too high a temperature or accidentally run the soleplate over the buttons and damage them in the process.
Times when you might skip ironing denim jeans
Casual everyday jeans are items of wardrobe that you may not feel need to be pressed and creased, and that’s perfectly understandable if it’s how you feel most comfortable. Stretch denim that is used for skinny-fit jeans may be a fabric that you choose not to iron so that you can avoid potentially shrinking it with excess heat. While the ironing temperature will be clearly displayed on the label, you may decide that you’re happy with them as they are.
If all you want is to quickly freshen up a pair of denim jeans, you may find that you can do so by placing them on a hanger and gently pulling at the bottom of the legs. By using the natural weight of the fabric, plus some targeted stretching and hand smoothing while under tension, you may be able to achieve results that you’re happy with.
The most common mistake when ironing jeans
Excessive heat means discolouration of dark colours, shiny spots that reduce the overall aesthetic, and potential shrinkage in the case of stretch blends. To make sure you avoid this common mistake, double-check that your iron is set to the same temperature that is listed on the label of your clothing.
FAQs
Is it worth learning how to iron jeans?
Knowing how to iron jeans helps you create a crisp, fresh look when you want to avoid jeans that appear overly crumpled. It will also help you create a look that is sharp when it’s time to get dressed up.Â
Can you iron jeans inside out?
Yes, you can. In fact, turning them inside out is highly recommended because it can help to protect the exterior colour from intense heat. Jeans ironed in this way can also avoid shiny heat marks from forming.Â
How do you know what temperature to iron denim?
Always check the label to read the manufacturer’s guidelines. As a general rule, most stretch blends of denim are ironed on a medium or low heat with a traditional hand-held iron. Thick 100% cotton denim can be ironed on a higher heat, should you wish.
Can you iron a denim jacket?
Yes, just take care to select an appropriate heat based on the jacket’s label and to avoid touching any studs or buttons with the iron, as the heat may damage them.
Can you iron a denim dress?
Yes, you can iron a denim dress, and the first step is to check the label for the recommended ironing temperature. If the dress includes buttons or fasteners, take care to avoid any contact between them and the soleplate of the iron so that they are not damaged.
