How to Iron a Shirt: The Stress-Free 7-Step Guide

If you learn how to iron a shirt, you will always be able to dress smartly and make a good first impression. Starting with the smallest areas like the cuffs and collars, and finishing with the front and back, will prevent re-wrinkling the fabric. Lightly misting the fabric or using a steam iron will also make it a lot easier to iron out those stubborn wrinkles and strong creases.

Keep reading for a more detailed look at the proper way to iron shirts.

What you need to iron a shirt

Ironing a shirt correctly requires a flat and level ironing board, a clean steam iron, a spray to dampen the fabric, and a pressing cloth when ironing delicate fabrics like silk. 

• Ironing Board: Position the board to give a flat, stable surface. If you don’t have one, a table, sideboard, or other similar flat surface can be used.
• Clean Iron: The soleplate will build up residue with regular use. Cleaning it beforehand will protect the fabric.
• Spray Bottle: Lightly misting the fabric helps remove stubborn creases.
• Pressing Cloth: A cotton cloth between the iron and the shirt will protect delicate fabrics like silk and shirts with screen prints
• Clothes Hanger: Hanging the shirt will prevent wrinkles from reforming.

How to iron a shirt the right way

A perfectly ironed shirt requires you to work from the smallest areas, like the cuffs, move to the sleeves and shoulders, and then finish with the large front and back sections. Selecting the correct temperature by checking the label and then applying a light mist to the fabric will guarantee the best results.

Step 1: Preparing to iron a shirt

Always check the label to make sure that the correct heat setting is selected on the iron. Before applying heat to the shirt, make sure to lightly dampen the fabric with a mist spray or select the steam setting on the iron.

Step 2: Ironing a shirt collar

Unbutton the collar and lift it up before laying it flat on the board. Start ironing the outer tips of the collar before working across the middle and ironing the underside. Once complete, turn the shirt over, fold the collar down, and iron the top side from one end to the other.

Step 3: Ironing shirt cuffs

The cuffs need to be unbuttoned and laid flat on the board. Start by ironing the inside of the cuff before turning it over and ironing the outside, taking care to work your way around the buttonholes.

Step 4: Ironing shirt sleeves

The best way to iron shirts is to lay the sleeve flat on the board and gently press out the creases and wrinkles. Start from the shoulder seam end and work towards the cuffs in a smooth motion, taking care to make sure the iron is always moving. The sleeve should remain centered on the board with the seams aligned. A simple approach is to lay the sleeve flat on the board with the underarm seam aligned along one edge.

Step 5: Ironing the yoke of a shirt

The yoke is a panel of fabric that runs across the upper back of the shirt, just below the collar, connecting the shoulder seams. Ironing it requires you to use the edge of the board. Place the yoke over the curved end of the board and press from the centre outwards, taking care to work across the full width of the panel, including outwards to each of the shoulders.

Step 6: Ironing the back of a shirt

The back panel should be spread across the surface of the board. Work the iron down the shirt, starting near the yoke and finishing at the hem.

Step 7: Ironing the front and placket of a shirt

The front panel needs to be laid flat on the board. Take care to iron the gaps between buttonholes by using the tip of the iron and ensure the iron never comes in contact with the buttons. Move the iron smoothly from the shoulders down to the bottom of the front panel on each of the front sides.

Common mistakes when ironing a shirt

Ironing a shirt the wrong way will waste time and effort, and potentially damage the fabric. Ironing over a plastic button, pressing a completely dry fabric, and forgetting to check the shirt label are all common mistakes.

• Ironing Buttons: Iron the button placket from the back to avoid damaging the buttons.
• Ironing a Dry Shirt: Gently misting the fabric will soften the fibres and make the shirt far easier to press.
• Forgetting the Label: Set the iron to the recommended temperature to protect the fabric.
• Not Cleaning the Iron: Residue on the hot soleplate will get pressed onto the fabric. Always wipe down the soleplate prior to turning on the iron.
• Pressing a Stubborn Stain: Ironing stains can cause them to permanently set into the fabric. Only ever iron a clean shirt.
• Overheating Delicate Fabrics: Use a pressing cloth to prevent direct heat exposure for an easy way to iron shirts made from delicate fabrics.
• Leaving the Shirt on the Board: Hang the shirt right after ironing it to stop wrinkles from coming back.

Choosing the right temperature to iron a shirt

Fabric Type	Temperature	Expert Tip
Linen	200-230°C	Iron while the fabric is lightly damp.
Cotton	200°C	Use a steam iron or spray bottle.
Wool	140-150°C	Use a pressing cloth to reduce direct heat.
Polyester	110-150°C	Use a warm iron on a lightly damp shirt.
Nylon	110°C	Keep the iron moving to protect the fabric.
Silk	100-110°C	Iron inside out and keep the iron moving.

Reference: See ISO 7000:3110 for further details.

Use distilled water when ironing shirts

Filling your water spray bottle with Distilled water won’t deposit mineral buildups inside your iron and reduce its performance in the way that regular tap water will. By achieving a purer steam, distilled water will soften shirt fibres without leaving brown water marks and white streaks on the fabric. Distilled water will also increase the lifetime of the iron.

How to iron a shirt with stubborn wrinkles

Steam irons have a setting that will apply a short burst of steam to the problem area of the shirt. Keep the iron moving and avoid pushing down hard and leaving it in one place, as this will damage the fabric.

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