How to Iron a Shirt Perfectly

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By withinreason
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Iron a Shirt Perfectly

Years ago it was a Herculean task to iron one of those long-sleeved cotton men's shirts. Now the newer fabrics make ironing a blouse or shirt much easier. However, the same principles may be applied in ironing those newer shirts as with the old-fashioned cotton ones. Also, today as part of "going green," many people are switching back to pure cotton. This method is tried-and-true for ironing those shirts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Shirt with collar and sleeves
Steam iron and ironing board
Some patience

Step 1

If the shirt is 100% cotton, it might pay to sprinkle it a little while before ironing. In the old days, you used an old soda bottle and attached a sprinkler top, and sprinkled all the laundry with water, and let it sit before ironing. Even with the advent of steam irons, a pure cotton shirt might benefit from a sprinkle.
Step 2

Now begin to iron. The iron should be fairly hot for 100% cotton--there is an indicator on most irons that explain where to set the dial for certain fabrics. A mix of polyester might burn from an iron that is too hot, so be sure the composition of the fabric. Iron the collar first, one side, then the other.
Step 3

Next, iron the cuffs, both sides. Then, iron around the buttons, and up and down the buttonholes. After that, iron each sleeve, folded with the seams, on both sides.
Step 4

After the sleeves, you do the front and back of the shirt. Some can fold the shirt so that the front and back are done at once, but you can also put the front on the board, do all of it, re-positioning the shirt when necessary. Then position the back, iron it, and the other front side.
Step 5

After that, you fold the back squarely, taking the shirt up by both shoulders, and iron that rectangular part that goes under the collar and spans the shoulders. You are finished! If necessary, re-do the collar for extra finish. Hang up the shirt on a plastic hanger to let it dry completely. You should have a cotton shirt that looks really neat.