How to Iron a Shirt for the Best Result

Knowing how to iron a shirt the right way might sound simple, but there’s actually some technique behind achieving that crisp, smooth look. A well-ironed shirt can completely change your appearance, it looks more put-together and feels more comfortable to wear.

How to Iron a Dress Shirt

Text: Alice Ekman / Published 2025-10-23 / Guides

How to iron a shirt - step by step

Check the care label
Make sure you know what fabric you’re working with. Cotton handles higher heat. Linen prefers plenty of steam. Polyester blends lower the setting to avoid shiny spots.

Start with the collar
Lay it flat and iron from the edges toward the center. This keeps the fabric from stretching or losing shape.

Continue with the cuffs and sleeves
Iron while they’re still slightly damp for a smooth result. Keep seams straight and avoid pressing in unwanted folds.

Finish with the front and back
Lay the shirt flat and smooth out wrinkles before pressing. Work in small sections for even pressure and a crisp finish.

Be patient
It takes a few tries to get it perfect, but it quickly becomes second nature.

How to Unwrinkle a Shirt Without an Iron

Sometimes you might not have access to an iron at all. In that case, how to unwrinkle a shirt without an iron is simple, hang it in the bathroom while you shower. The steam usually softens the fabric enough to smooth out most creases. You can also use a hairdryer or a slightly damp towel pressed over the fabric for a few minutes.

How to Fold a Shirt

If you’re wondering how to fold a shirt after ironing, lay it face down, fold each side toward the middle, and then fold the bottom up once or twice. This keeps it neat and helps prevent new wrinkles.

Discover our Shirt Collection here

A Crisp Essential

Learning how to iron a dress shirt might seem like a small detail, but it makes a real difference. Once you know the basics, it’s easy to keep your shirts looking sharp and ready for anything. Pair it with a soft base from our T-shirts, layer with an Overshirts or something from our Knitwear, and add one of our Jackets for an effortless finish.