Directions for Ironing a Military Shirt

Steam-pressing a military shirt makes it look crisp.

An impeccable military uniform is an emblem of pride to its wearer. Soldiers who want to look sharp often press their own uniform shirts. Attention to detail must be paid so that uniform shirts are wrinkle-free and have a crisp appearance. There are techniques to accomplish this.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Ironing board
• Spray starch
• Spray bottle of water (optional if iron has steam setting)

Instructions

1. Coat the military shirt lightly with spray starch. Hang the shirt for 15 to 20 minutes so that the starch soaks into the fabric.

2. Unbutton all buttons and empty all the pockets. Turn them inside out to ensure there are no objects, such as wads of paper, etc., that could interfere with ironing.

3. Unfold the ironing board so that the ironing surface is at waist level. Make sure you also have a proper resting place for the iron. Keep the spray starch close because you will need it for creases and collars.

4. Turn the iron on to medium-high heat. If it has a steam function, turn it on as well. If it doesn’t, have your spray bottle of water handy.

5. Lay the sleeves on the ironing board and press with the iron from the shoulder to the cuffs. Use long, even strokes but be careful not to leave the iron on the fabric too long. If you don’t have a steam iron, lightly spray water on the sleeve and immediately iron. Iron both sides.

6. Spray starch along the crease created in Step 5, then immediately press by using the edge of the iron. Repeat for both sleeves.

7. Press the front of the shirt, starting with the collars. Spray starch on the collar and then immediately iron. Continue to press the rest of the shirt.

8. Press the back of the shirt. If your uniform requires “military” creases, create a crease down the middle of the back the same way you created a crease in step 6. Create two more creases, ensuring they are equidistant from the initial crease.

References

• Make military creases