How to Iron a Crease in Pants

Looking sharp for an occasion, whether it is a job interview, date or a special family gathering, is important. If you’re wearing slacks, ironing a creasing into your pants is a touch that finishes your look. But not everyone is born knowing how to iron. Here are some important things to remember.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Iron
• Ironing board
• A measuring cup of water

How to iron a crease in pants

1. Get your iron to the right temperature. Irons have settings for the material of which your clothes are made. Silk does not take the same temperature as cotton, so make sure you match the temperature and material.
2. Use steam. In most cases steam will automatically come into the equation on the more durable materials. You have to make sure the water well of your iron is filled to make the steam.
3. Have your iron at a comfortable height. If it’s too high you won’t be able to properly see what you’re doing. Too low and you’ll stress your back. Set the pointed end away from the hand with which you iron (generally your dominant hand).
4. Fold the pants matching up the seams. The seams are the bulky edges on the sides of your legs where the pants were put together. The seams will be lined up together, providing smooth surfaces on either sides of the bulk.
5. Iron those smooth sides. Again, for heavier material you may need to put more muscle behind it. Something like linen may need more steam, but less pressure. Iron to the upper thigh portion of the pants.
6. Remove the pants from the ironing board and shake out. The seams should be down the center of the front and back of the legs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don’t get it right the first time, all is not lost. Most irons have sprayers as well and it you wet the pants you should be able to correct the crease by re-ironing.
• It’s best to use a liquid measuring cup to fill the water well of an iron. The opening is usually small and using a vessel with a spout will eliminate spills. The well can fill up quickly, so pour slowly.
• To have the ironing board's point away from your dominant hand it makes it easier to press the top of the pants as well.
• Ironing seams all the way to the waist band is a mistake. It looks kind of silly and many pants have pleats that will compete with the seam.