- Can you iron a suit?
- Check the material
- What you'll need
- How to iron a suit jacket
- How to iron suit trousers
- How to iron a suit vest
- When should you use steam instead of an iron?
Your favourite suit has been hanging in your wardrobe for all too long and, as you might imagine, it's not quite looking its best. When it's time to wear it again, you pull it out and see that it's crinkly and untidy-looking. What do you do? The answer is, of course, iron it.
Whether you're attending a top job interview or a special event like a wedding, you need to look put-together. While your instinct may be to rush to the dry cleaners and have them take care of it, there is another option. So, can you iron a suit at home? Let's take a look.
Can you iron a suit?
Before you do anything, this is the question you'll be asking yourself. The short answer is yes. You can iron a suit. However, you need to do it the right way, or you could risk ruining the fabric.
The key is to know what you're doing. Some fabrics require a gentle touch, while others need more heat. Ironing the wrong way can ruin the fabric, leave shiny marks, or warp the shape. That's a quick way to ruin a suit and leave you in a worse mess than you started in.
Luckily, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we break down exactly how to iron a suit, step by step, including jackets, trousers, vests, and more. Bonus: We'll also cover which fabrics to treat with caution and when to switch to a steamer for optimal results.
First up, check the material
Most suits can be ironed, but not all should be. Which approach you take should depend on the material. For example, a wool suit needs a different method than a polyester or linen one.
If you use the wrong heat, you can leave scorch marks all over the place. On the other hand, if you use too much steam, you could ruin the lining. It's a delicate balance.
Before you get started, check the label inside your suit. It will usually indicate whether the fabric can be ironed and at what temperature. If it says "dry clean only," you should follow that instruction precisely.
What you'll need first:
Ready to get started and iron your suit? Before you begin, gather all the necessary items. The good news is that you don't need anything fancy to iron a suit at home. Here's a basic checklist:
- Steam iron
- Ironing board
- Pressing cloth
- Clothes hanger
- Spray bottle with water
- Lint roller
- Steamer (for delicate fabrics)
Top tip: Never iron a suit directly on the fabric. Always use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric from damage. This is a small detail that many people often overlook. A clean cotton towel or tea towel works a trick.
How to iron a suit jacket: simple steps
First up, let's start with the suit jacket. This can be a tricky part of the suit to iron, but you can do it. Follow the steps we've outlined below to get started:
Step 1: Check the label
As we've already mentioned, it's essential to know the type of fabric you're working with. Look inside the jacket for the fabric care tag. If there isn't one, check what type of fabric it is.
For polyester or cotton, you should be able to use a medium heat. Linen can usually take a higher heat. However, if it's made of silk or wool, use a low heat instead.
Step 2: Prepare your jacket
Next, you'll need to prepare your jacket. That means removing anything from the pockets. You should also use a lint roller to remove dust or hair.
When you're done, drape the jacket flat over your ironing board (or use a sleeve board if you have one).
Step 3: Use a pressing cloth
Put a pressing cloth between the iron and the suit fabric. Ideally, you should never let the hot iron touch the suit directly.
Use the temperature we've specified above, based on the type of material the jacket is made of. Alternatively, if the label includes ironing instructions, follow them carefully.
If in doubt, Panasonic has a guide on the different settings for each fabric type.
Step 4: Start with the lapels and collar
To get started, focus on the lapels on the underside first. You can then move on to the collar. Press the iron down in short, controlled motions. Avoid dragging the iron at this point.
Step 5: Move onto the body and sleeves
Next, lay one side of the jacket flat on the ironing board and press it gently. Switch to the sleeves. You can use a rolled towel inside the sleeve to help hold the shape.
Step 6: Hang the jacket up
Don't wait. Hang the jacket up straight away after you've ironed it. That way, it will hold its shape.
How to iron suit trousers: quick steps
Are the trousers a little scruffy? That can quickly make a nice suit look scruffy. Here's how to get them crisp again. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn them inside out
This step is optional, but it can help to protect the fabric. If you're dealing with something like wool or silk, it's definitely worth doing.
Step 2: Line up the seams
When you're ready, lay one leg at a time on the ironing board. You'll want to smooth out the fabric and then fold it along the crease if the trousers already have one.
Step 3: Press with a cloth
Once again, use a pressing cloth between the iron and the trousers. Apply gentle pressure with a bit of steam. Avoid ironing over belt loops or seams, as this can cause the fabric to stretch.
How to iron a suit vest like a pro
Finally, suit vests are the easiest part of ironing a suit. Let's take a look at what you need to do:
Step 1: Lay it out
First things first, lay the vest on the ironing board. Use a pressing cloth, just like before.
Step 2: Iron the vest
Press the front of the vest first. When you're done, flip it over and work on the back. Simple.
Step 3: Hang it up
Finally, hang up your suit vest so that it holds its shape.
When should you use steam instead of an iron?
Of course, you can't always iron a suit. Some suits don't respond well to ironing, especially those made from silk or cashmere. Plus, suits labelled "dry clean only" speak for themselves.
In these cases, a handheld steamer is your best bet. Just hang the suit, steam from about two inches away, and let it dry naturally.
Top tip: Steam in a bathroom with a hot shower running if you don't have a steamer. It won't give a pressed look, but it'll help with basic wrinkles. It's a start!
Ironing a suit doesn't have to be stressful, and you don't always need to take it to the dry cleaners. Follow our advice and you should find that it's easier than you first imagine. Why not get started now and make your suit look as good as new?
Q&A
Did we miss something along the way? Let's take a look at some of the frequently asked questions:
Can you iron a suit at home?
The short answer is yes, but you need to get it right. Be sure to use a clean pressing cloth and choose the right heat settings. If you're unsure where to start, try using a steamer instead.
Can you iron a wool suit?
You can, but you need to use low heat plus a pressing cloth. Wool is a delicate material, so you should avoid applying too much heat to it.
Can you iron a polyester suit?
Once again, you can, but you should use a low to medium heat. Read the instructions on the label and follow them exactly.
Can you iron a linen suit?
Linen suits take a little more heat than other options. Use a higher heat setting on this type of suit, and ensure you remove all the creases.
How do you get wrinkles out of a suit quickly?
Wrinkles in your suit can be an absolute nightmare. A handheld steamer is the quickest option here. If you don't have one, you can always hang the suit in the bathroom while running a hot shower.
Can you iron suit trousers with a crease?
Yes, but you need to iron along the crease to ensure it stays in place. Make sure to line up the legs carefully, and then press them with a cloth.
Now you know how it's done! Leave us a comment below to let us know how you got on.
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