Can You Iron Suit Pants? Things You Should Know
Can you iron suit pants? It's a question that many are asking these days as sharply dressed men and women look for ways to keep their dress pants looking sharp with no wrinkles. Iron dress pants, which can help you get the perfect fit and look you want. But how do you go about doing it right?
Ironing pants may seem intimidating, but they will look sharp and professional if done properly. The key is to use the correct temperature setting on your iron and the correct type of pressing cloth. You'll also want to ensure the fabric isn't stretched out too much while working with it. Let's take a look at the steps you should take to get your dress pants looking like new.
Why Do Iron Dress Pants Bit Challenging?
Ironing dress pants can be a challenge because the fabric is usually thin and delicate. If you use too much pressure or heat, it could become damaged. Some fabrics also get wrinkled more easily than others, so ironing might not always work.
You're also dealing with different styles of dress pants (e.g., pleated, flat front, etc.). Therefore, you'll need to be sure to pick the ideal temperature setting for each individual type of garment.
Two Layers
When ironing dress pants, it's always a good idea to use two layers. The first layer is the pressing cloth. This should be made of cotton or silk, and it helps protect the fabric from becoming too hot or scorched. You'll want to wet this layer before using it, which will help create steam and give you better results.
Fabric
Start by looking at the label to determine the appropriate temperature setting for your fabric type. If there's no specific recommendation, err on caution and select a lower setting instead of a higher one. You should also avoid using steam, as it may cause damage to delicate materials. Also, if you have to iron pants, forget wool pants or wool trousers, as these fabrics need to be handled with extra care. Opt for cotton pants or khaki pants for a safer option.
How to Iron Suit Pants?
Now it's time to start ironing suit pants. But before that, you need certain materials so you can do it properly:
Ironing Board
The first step is to set up your ironing board. It should be a flat, heat-resistant surface that's wide enough for your dress pants and long enough so you can comfortably reach the entire length of the garment. Place a pressing cloth on top to protect it from any heat damage.
Clothes Hanger and Clips
Clothes hangers, clips, and dress pants should all be hung on the ironing board before you begin. This will help keep the fabric smooth and allow for more effortless pressing.
Spray Bottle
Using a spray bottle while ironing can be another option for a smooth, wrinkle-free look with dress pants. Fill it with water and lightly mist the fabric before you begin. The steam the moisture creates will make wrinkles vanish in no time and give you beautiful results!
Iron
Ensure your steam iron has been preheated to the appropriate heat setting for your dress pants' material. You'll also want to make sure the steam setting is turned off. If your iron has a temperature control dial, use that instead of the heat settings.
Tailor's Ham
A Tailor's Ham is a small, flat cushion (traditionally made out of wood) that helps you get the perfect crease when ironing pants. It can be used to press fabric along curved seams or other areas where iron would be challenging to maneuver.
The Ironing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Area
Before ironing trousers, ensure the area is well-ventilated and all your supplies are within reach. Then, hang your dress pants on the board so you can quickly move around them without stretching out the fabric.
Lay Out the Pants and Clip
To ensure perfectly pressed dress pants, begin by carefully laying them on the ironing board. Smooth and flatten any wrinkles before securing with clips to guarantee an even pressing surface. This technique will result in flawless creases every time!
Iron from Seams Outward
Start by ironing along each seam of the pant- this is where most creases occur. Then, move outward towards the edges and gently press up and down until all wrinkles have been eliminated. Make sure to focus on areas such as back pockets, pant leg, belt loops, pleats, and any other curved parts of the suit pants that may be difficult to reach with a regular iron. Depending on your dress pant fabric, you may use water or steam.
Use Tailor's Ham
If you want an extra sharp crease, use a Tailor's Ham to help you. Place the cushion on top of the dress pant and press firmly with your iron until the fabric is completely flattened. This will make sure that dress pants look as crisp as possible.
Turn Dress Pant Inside Out
Once you've ironed dress pants on one side, turn them inside out and repeat the same process. It's essential to press both sides of dress pants since this helps maintain their shape and keep them looking lovely for longer.
Finish with a Press Cloth
To complete your task, top off with a pressing cloth over the dress pant before turning off your iron. Not only will this safeguard fabric from further heat-induced damage, but it'll also give those dress pants a smart and professional finish.
Alternatives of Iron Dress Pants
If you don't have access to an iron or are short on time, dress pants can still be kept wrinkle-free with a few simple tricks.
- Hang dress pants in a steamy bathroom after a shower, or throw them in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for 5 minutes. Both methods will make dress pants look like they were freshly pressed without any of the fuss.
- You can also use a clothes steamer if your dress pants need more than just pressing out wrinkles. A handheld garment steamer is great for getting rid of any creases and giving dress pant fabric that crisp look you're striving for.
- Dry clean pants when necessary dress pants have been heavily stained; dry cleaning is a must. Follow all instructions on the care label and ask your local dry cleaner for their advice. They'll be able to tell you if dress pants need to go into the dryer or not.
Should I Use Steam Iron or Non-Steam Iron?
The type of dress pants you're ironing will determine which type of iron is best. Opt for a steam iron for dressier dress pants to get the crispest results. If you're pressing casual pants like wool trousers, then a non-steam iron should do the job just fine.
Before you choose an iron to press your dress pants, check the care label first, as some require more heat and pressure than others. But don't stress too much because it's not particularly important for trousers - what matters is that you select either a non-steam or steam iron when pressing dress shirts since they tend to be delicate.
Whether you iron suit pants or opt for other alternatives, dress pants always look more professional and polished with a wrinkle-free finish. You can consistently achieve perfectly pressed dress pants with the proper techniques, tools, and knowledge! Just remember - practice makes perfect!