Mastering the art of home suit pressing requires careful preparation and the right tools. Always start by checking your suit’s care label to ensure it’s suitable for home ironing and to determine the correct temperature settings. For essential ironing supplies and more, visit inktasticmerch.com.
How to Iron a Suit
Before attempting to iron your suit at home, always consult the care label. This crucial step will tell you if your suit is suitable for home ironing and what temperature settings to use. Different fabrics require specific care, and following these guidelines is essential to avoid damaging your suit.
If you’re uncertain after reviewing the labels, or if your suit is custom-made or a designer piece without clear instructions, it’s best to entrust it to a professional. The risk of damaging an expensive garment by guessing the correct iron setting is simply not worth it.
Gather Your Ironing Essentials
Should you decide to press your suit yourself, having the right equipment is key. You will need:
- A stable ironing board
- A quality clothes iron
- Distilled water
- A pressing cloth or clean handkerchief
In addition to an ironing board and iron, using distilled water is important. Tap water can contain minerals that may accumulate in your iron over time, potentially damaging your suit. A pressing cloth acts as a protective barrier between the iron and the fabric, preventing direct contact and potential scorching.
Ensure Your Tools Are Clean
Before you begin, take a moment to ensure all your ironing tools are clean. A dirty ironing board cover can transfer unwanted marks onto your suit. It’s also a good opportunity to inspect your suit for any stains and address them with spot treatment if necessary.
Select the Correct Iron Settings
Achieving the right temperature is vital – hot enough to remove wrinkles, but not so hot that it damages the fabric. Refer to your suit’s care instructions to select the appropriate heat setting for its material.
Always test the iron on an inconspicuous area of the fabric, such as an inside seam or hem, before proceeding. If you notice any signs of damage during this test, stop immediately and seek professional cleaning to avoid irreversible harm to your suit.
If the test is successful, proceed with caution. Remember to use your pressing cloth consistently between the iron and the suit to protect the material and prevent scorching.
How to Iron a Suit Jacket
- Begin by laying your jacket flat and ironing the back section first.
- Next, turn the jacket over and iron the front panels, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
- Carefully address the jacket lapels, pressing them lightly as needed.
- Iron the jacket sleeves, utilizing a sleeve board if available to help maintain their shape.
Pressing a Jacket Lapel
The lapels require a delicate touch to maintain their neat appearance without becoming overly flat or stiff. Avoid pressing the lapels flat against the front of the jacket. Instead, gently spot-press them as necessary, being careful not to create sharp creases on the front corners with the hot iron.
To touch up a lapel, lift it slightly and iron the underside. Use a very light touch to avoid forming a hard crease, unless a sharp “military crease” is desired. Mastering the lapel roll can be challenging, so don’t be discouraged if it takes practice. Enjoying the sharp look of your suit without the worry of ironing lapels is one of the benefits of professional dry cleaning.
How to Iron Suit Pants
Start by ironing the pocket linings so they lie flat once the pants are finished. Then, tackle each pant leg individually. Place a leg on the ironing board and begin ironing from the waist down to the hem. Pay close attention to any existing creases or cuffs, ensuring they are pressed neatly.
Achieving a Crisp Pant Crease
Creating a sharp crease is an essential step for well-pressed pants. Locate the inseam and outseam creases on both the front and back of the pant leg. Align these seams carefully, then press along the top to form the front crease. Repeat this process for the other pant leg to achieve a polished, symmetrical look.
Can You Steam a Suit?
Always refer to the garment’s care label before using a steamer. If the label permits, steaming can be a helpful way to quickly remove minor wrinkles and refresh your suit, especially when you’re on the go. However, steaming is not a substitute for proper pressing. Pressing provides the sharp lines and defined structure that steaming alone cannot achieve.
Maintaining a Wrinkle-Free Suit
After your suit has been professionally pressed or ironed at home, hang it immediately on a sturdy, wide hanger, such as a cedar hanger, to help it retain its shape. Storing your suit in a garment bag will also protect it from dust, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for your next wear.
Regular maintenance, including appropriate cleaning, is key to preserving your suit for years to come.
For more helpful tips and guides on garment care and wardrobe maintenance, explore our extensive Blog.
