How to iron your shirt

A garment in good condition is always more interesting to wear, and this is even truer for a shirt. No one wants wrinkles in their garment, and that's why good ironing can be so interesting.

Part 1: Preparation

1. Read the different labels on the shirt

It's important to know the nature of the shirt's fabric before ironing it in any way, otherwise you could damage the garment!

2. Work on a freshly washed, dry garment

If you've dried your shirt in an electric dryer, shake it out and smooth it out by hand or by hanging it on a hanger. Finish this step by buttoning the top.

3. Fill the iron

Whenever possible, use distilled or mineral water to fill the iron's reservoir. The limescale in tap water is known to clog your iron after just a few uses. In fact, an iron whose reservoir quickly overflows is a sign that it is clogged.

4. Let the iron reach the ideal temperature

There are several circumstances to consider when deciding on the ideal temperature. If your shirt is only slightly wrinkled, choose a relatively low temperature. If it's made of cotton, choose the highest temperature, taking care not to burn the garment. To find out more, the shirt label is a good source of information on this aspect.

5. Find the place where you will hang the ironed clothes

If you plan to iron several garments in addition to your shirt, find a place where you can put them down or hang them up once you've finished. You'll save time and avoid creasing them again.

6. Spray on a little starch

With the shirt hanging on a hanger, spray it with ironing spray or starch, then unhook. Unbutton the top.

*This step is optional and will not have a major impact on the quality of the ironing.

Part 2: Ironing a shirt

1. Lay the collar flat on the ironing board and press down with the iron.

Start ironing from the points of the collar and work inwards towards the nape of the neck. Repeat on the inside and outside of the collar.

2. Iron the shoulders

Thread the upper sleeve of your shirt over the end of the ironing board, so that the shoulder is flat on the surface. If your ironing board is not tapered at the sleeve end, you can simply lay the sleeve flat on the ironing board. Turn the shirt inside out so that you can iron the back side, not forgetting the shoulder seams. Repeat with the other shoulder.

3. Iron a long-sleeved shirt

Start with the cuffs in the same way as for the collar. Don't forget to turn the shirt inside out to iron the outside.

4. Lay the first sleeve flat on the ironing board

Align the sleeve, using the bottom seam as a guide. Gently iron from the back to the front of the sleeve, ensuring that both layers of fabric remain in place. Repeat for the second sleeve. Turn the shirt over so that you can iron the other side of the sleeve. Be sure to iron in a single direction, pulling lightly on the fabric and the fold.

5. Lay out the garment

Place the body of the shirt at the end of the ironing board and start with the buttonhole on top. Place the iron on the shirt flap and slowly work your way up towards the collar. Do not allow the fabric to wrinkle at this stage. Turn the shirt over and iron the inside in the same way.

6. Move the shirt so that the back can be ironed.

Start again at the front and work your way up to the collar for an optimized result.

7. Move on to the last side

Now move the shirt so that you can iron the missing side, using the same steps as explained above.

8. Work on the second half

Move the shirt once more to access the second part (where the buttons are located). Proceed as before.

9. Put the shirt back on its hanger

Make a final check that the shirt is fully ironed. Finish by buttoning the top and the third button.

*Don't try to iron too quickly. Ironing a shirt takes about 5 minutes to achieve crease-free results.

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Part 1: Preparation