How to Iron a Shirt Properly in Six Steps

A well-ironed shirt looks sharp, feels better to wear and lasts longer between washes. The secret is the order you work in. Start with the small, fiddly parts and finish with the large panels, so you never crease a section you have already pressed. Follow these six steps for a crisp, professional finish every time.

Step 1: Prepare the shirt and iron

Check the care label and set the iron to the right heat. Cotton takes a hot setting with steam, while synthetics and silk need a low, dry heat. Iron the shirt while it is slightly damp, or mist it with water first, and make sure your board cover is clean so it does not mark the fabric.

Step 2: Start with the collar

Unfold the collar and lay it flat, wrong side up. Press from the points inwards to the centre to stop the fabric puckering, then turn it over and repeat on the front. Fold it along its natural line and press lightly to set the shape.

Step 3: Do the cuffs

Unbutton each cuff and open it out flat. Iron the inside first, then the outside, working from the edges towards the middle. Take care around the buttons and never press straight over them, as they can crack or leave a mark.

Step 4: Iron the sleeves

Lay one sleeve flat with the seam along the edge and smooth out any wrinkles by hand. Press from the shoulder down to the cuff, then flip it and do the other side. Repeat with the second sleeve. For a softer look, avoid pressing a hard crease along the top fold.

Step 5: Tackle the shoulders

Slide one shoulder, the yoke, over the narrow end of the board. Press the fabric flat, then turn the shirt round and do the other shoulder. This shapes the part of the shirt that sits under a jacket collar.

Step 6: Finish the front and back

Iron the two front panels first. Work the buttonhole side, easing the tip of the iron between the buttons, then press the smooth button side. Finally, drape the back over the board and press it in sections from the top down to the hem.

Extra tips for a sharper finish

• Keep the iron moving so it never scorches or leaves a shine
• Use distilled water in a steam iron to avoid limescale spitting onto the shirt
• Do up the collar button while ironing the collar to hold it steady

Hang it up straight away

Put the shirt on a hanger while it is still warm and fasten the top button. This lets it cool in shape and keeps your work looking fresh until you wear it.

Master these six steps and you will iron a shirt faster and better each time. When laundry and ironing pile up, GlowSpark cleaners are vetted and cost from £19/hour pay-as-you-go. Book a GlowSpark cleaner to take it off your list.