Learning to Iron Pants, Skirts and Suit Jackets

Are you tired of your clothes always looking wrinkled and unprofessional? Ironing can be one of the best ways to make your outfit appear polished and put together. However, pressing certain items of clothing can often be tricky to figure out and may seem like a daunting task. The following tips will help you learn how to iron suits, jackets, pants, skirts and more so that you’ll no longer have to worry about looking sloppy or unprofessional.

Set Up

First, you’ll want to get your board and iron set up. Fill the iron with clean water before turning it on. You’ll also want to make sure you check the care tag on your garment for special instructions on how to iron it, such as what temperature setting to use. If you’ve never ironed before, you may want to practice on items that you don’t care about as much, such as an old t-shirt or an extra pair of sheets. That way you can become comfortable with the process without worrying about ruining your favorite outfit.

Pants

Although your pants may not be as prominent as your shirt, they can become wrinkled just as easily. A clean, pressed shirt paired with some freshly ironed pants give people the impression that you pay attention to detail. While it may seem tricky at first, these tips will help you get your pants looking better than they ever have before:

• Start by ironing the pocket linings. This is especially important if you have slim cut pants.
• Then, press the waistband, including any fabric folds or pleats.
• Make sure your pant legs are properly lined up and then press the creases followed by the rest of the leg.
• If you are concerned about leaving shiny marks, place a clean white cloth over your pants to give them extra protection.

Skirts

Many women choose to wear skirts to work instead of pants. While it’s a simple way to take an outfit from casual to professional, skirts can also get wrinkled easily. However, by applying a little bit of heat and following these steps, your skirt will be looking brand new in no time:

• Iron the waistband before the rest of the skirt.
• Spray with a light mist of starch.
• Don’t forget to press the hem to give the edge a crisp appearance.
• If your skirt contains pleats, you’ll want to first inspect and arrange them carefully. Start at the top of the skirt and then slowly run the iron down each section of pleats.

Jackets

Blazers and suit jackets may seem like the hardest items in your closet to iron and you may be tempted to just take them to a dry cleaner. However, if you don’t have the time or money, these steps can help you get a nice, crisp jacket from home:

• Start by getting your coat warm and damp. This can easily be achieved by placing it in the bathroom during or after showering.
• Then, turn your blazer inside out so that you can press it without degrading the material on the outside.
• Once you’ve finished ironing, hang it up immediately.

Ironing doesn’t have to be scary. By following these simple tips, you’ll be looking sharp and put together. If you need an ironing board or a press, visit one of our locations to get started!