You iron a shirt in a fixed order: first the collar, then the cuffs, the shoulder section, the sleeves and finally the front and back. Follow the ironing symbol on the care label and hang the shirt up afterwards.
What you need
A well-ironed shirt starts with the right preparation. You only need a few things, but they must be right. A stable ironing board, a steam iron, a spray bottle with water and a hanger. Always iron on a clean board, so you do not soil the shirt.
- an ironing board with a clean, smooth cover;
- an iron with a steam function and a filled water tank;
- a spray bottle for stubborn creases;
- a wooden or wide hanger on which the shirt hangs well.
Start at the right moment
A slightly damp shirt is easier to smooth, but first check the washing and ironing label. Take it out of the washing machine or dryer as soon as the programme has finished and hang it up briefly. A slightly damp fabric is much easier to iron smooth than a completely dry one. If the shirt is dry, lightly spray it with water or use the steam function of your iron.
Always check the label. The permitted temperature differs per fabric and finish. The label therefore leads. You can read more about the properties of cotton on our page about cotton.
The order in seven steps
- Collar: first iron the underside of the collar, from the points towards the middle. Turn it over and do the same on the top. This prevents the points from curling.
- Cuffs: open the cuffs and first iron the inside, then the outside. Fold them closed and iron lightly once more.
- Shoulder section: lay the shoulder over the tip of the board and iron the part near the seam. This is where the trickiest creases are.
- Sleeves: lay the sleeve flat, with the seam on top, and iron from the cuff to the shoulder. Turn over and repeat.
- Front: start at the buttonholes and iron around the buttons with the tip of the iron. Then iron the rest of the front.
- Back: lay the back flat and iron from the shoulder to the hem. Use steam for the pleat in the middle.
- Hanging: hang the shirt up straight away, fasten the top button and let it cool before you put it away.
Setting up the ironing board properly
Set the ironing board at a height where you can work with a straight back. That seems like a detail, but anyone who stands hunched irons faster and more carelessly. Lay the shirt down so you do not have to pull the fabric, because stretching causes waves along the seams. Keep the iron moving and use only the temperature permitted according to the label.
Which shirts are easy to iron?
How quickly a shirt creases depends on weave, finish and material. Hamilton is a shirt with Italian collar in white, made of 100% cotton. The same cut is available in light blue (Hamilton in light blue) and in light blue striped (Hamilton striped). With all of these shirts you start with the collar and work downwards.
A shirt with an Italian collar often has some shape in the collar points. Iron there gently and avoid pressing them flat. The collar should fall loosely around the neck. You will find more inspiration in our men's shirts.
A shirt with stripes or another pattern
Lay a striped shirt neatly straight while ironing, so you do not create new folds in the fabric. Pay particular attention to the spot where the stripe runs from sleeve to shoulder: the seam must continue the line neatly. A plain shirt is more forgiving, but with a stripe everyone sees a deviation.
Common mistakes
The biggest mistake is ironing too fast. Anyone in a hurry presses one crease flat and makes a new one at the same time. Iron the fabric in long, calm strokes and lift the iron at the buttons. A second common mistake is forgetting the inside of the collar. That is where the fold is that keeps the collar in shape. Using too high a temperature on a blended fabric also leaves shiny patches you can no longer get rid of.
How to combine the ironed shirt
A well-ironed shirt deserves a calm combination. Wear it with Ulysses, slim-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey, and add Maximilian: a wool cardigan with tailored cut in beige. The colours lie close together and give a warm, calm impression. If you want more combinations, take a look at Office for Men.
Steaming as a quick option
A garment steamer can be a quick option for some shirts, but use steam only if the label allows it. For the collar and cuffs, ironing often gives more control. Use the quick method for an ordinary working day and iron thoroughly for an important appointment.
Storing and travelling
Always hang an ironed shirt on a hanger. Leave space between the shirts, so the sleeves are not pressed flat. If you are travelling, fold it with the collar facing up and place it at the top of your suitcase. If you keep a second shirt at the office, hang it in a garment cover. This way there is always a fresh layer ready for an unexpected appointment.
Do you want to iron less? Take the shirt out of the machine in good time and hang it up straight away. That makes more difference than you think. You can read more about the washing routine in our care instructions.
Shop the look
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue striped
Ulysses: slim-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Frequently asked questions
Should I iron a shirt wet?
A slightly damp shirt irons most easily. If it is dry, use steam or a spray bottle.
At what temperature do I iron cotton?
Always check the ironing symbol. Not every cotton shirt has the same finish or permitted temperature.
Where do I start ironing?
Start with the collar, then the cuffs, the shoulder section, the sleeves, the front and the back.
Can I return a shirt?
Yes. Check the current return conditions on the returns page.
