How To Iron A Shirt

There is no worse look than a badly ironed shirt, so remember these basic ironing tips next time you have the iron in your hands.

Collar

Start with the underside of the collar, work toward the ends and back to the center.

Shoulder Yoke

Smooth the yoke by slipping one shoulder over the narrow end of the board, ironing from the shoulder to the centre of the back. Repeat on the other side.

Cuffs

Iron the inside of the cuffs first, then the outside.

Sleeves

Iron the body of each sleeve, beginning with the cuff ironing towards the shoulder, then do the reverse.

Body

Iron the shirt body, beginning with one front panel then continuing to the other.

Collar

Once the whole shirt is done, re-press the top of the collar.

How to iron like a pro...

• In the last rinse of washing add half a cup of salt, this will assist greatly in ironing.
• Line under the ironing board cover with household foil. This will reflect the heat to the underside of the garment and will virtually iron both sides at the same time.
• When cold, clean the iron face with tooth paste. This cleans any build-up and will make the iron run smoother.
• From time to time, touch the metal part of the iron to release the static build-up - this will make the iron last longer.
• On the inner side of trouser pleats and leg creases gently rub a candle, then iron the outer or correct side. This will give you a more defined and professionall pressed crease.
• Do not use circular strokes as this stretches the fabric. Always iron lengthwise and for tough wrinkles use the burst of steam.

Tie Maintenance

While dry cleaners may be able to remove spots, once they press a tie, they will compress the lining and dull the luster of the silk. A water stain is easily removed by rubbing the tie with a similar piece of fabric (try the other end of the tie). Stains of a more seriouse nature can often be removed with a spot remover such as carbon tetrachloride.

With careful selection at the time of purchase and proper care your neck ties can last almost forever. Follow these tips and each time you wear them your ties will look as fresh as the day you bought them.

• Always take the knot out of the tie after use. this will help avoid permanent creasing.
• Only remove your tie by reversing the tying procedure. Pulling the smaller end through the knot causes the tie to stretch out of shape.
• Hang ties on a rack designed for storage as it helps ease out the wrinkles. Don't put them on coat hangers as they will slip off and/or twist. Knit ties which tend to stretch can be gently rolled and stored in a drawer.
• Never pull loose threads out of ties as this can cause permanent damage. Rather, cut threads as close as possible to the fabric.
• Avoid choking the tie knot as this tends to twist the lining.
• Before applying any water for cleaning, test ties in an inconspicuous area as some dyes may bleed.
• Do not attempt to rub away stains as this may cause fabric abrasion and colour loss. Only blot the spotted area.
• If ties are badly wrinkled steam them, do not iron them. Ironing will compress the lining, flattening the tie and causing the material to shine.
• Keep after-shaves and colognes well away as their chemicals damage the colour of ties.
• Wear ties alternately, they will spring back when 'rested' between wearings.