What Is the Correct Way to Iron a Man's Long Sleeve Dress Shirt?

Get crisp, perfectly-pressed shirts every time.

A well-pressed shirt could be the difference between a job interview and a job offer. Knowing how to properly iron a dress shirt is a skill, however undervalued, that every man should have. Though the task is sometimes tedious, once you know your way around the shirt, you will produce a perfectly-pressed garment every time. You don't have to spend a fortune on an iron, just purchase one that's solid with a high wattage. If your iron doesn't have a steam option, simply spritz your shirt with clean water before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Ironing board
• Towel (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your iron the appropriate setting and allow it to preheat. Make sure the bottom of the iron is free of any dirt and grime and that the ironing board is clean. If the board is stained, cover it with a neutral-colored towel.

2. Iron the collar first, before proceeding on to the rest of the shirt. Lay the collar flat, backside up, and run the iron over the collar several times. Turn the shirt over and repeat.

3. Lay the wide end of one sleeve over the point of the board facing upward. Flatten the cuff and iron it, then stretch the rest of the sleeve flat across the board. Start ironing where the sleeve meets the rest of the shirt and work your way down to the cuff. Flip the sleeve over and iron it again. Repeat with the second sleeve.

4. Place one side of the body of the shirt on the board with the buttons or sleeves facing up. Move between the buttons with the point of the iron. Iron the top of the shirt near the shoulder and work your way down. Repeat with the other side.

5. Position the shirt on to the board with the back facing upward and the arms and sides dangling free. Carefully iron the yoke -- the strip that connects the shirt's collar to the body.

6. Move the iron down from one shoulder to the bottom of the shirt. If necessary, repeat this motion several times until there are no more wrinkles. Repeat with the second shoulder.

7. Hang the shirt and inspect it to make sure there are no remaining wrinkles.

References

• "Chicago Tribune"; Lifeskills: How to Iron a Shirt; Barbara Mahany; June 2010
• Creative Homewares: How to Iron Clothes
• Garment Care: How to Iron a Shirt Like a Pro
• The Art of Manliness: How to Properly Iron a Dress Shirt