How to Properly Iron a Buttondown

By Woman's Day Staff

Perfectly Pressed

With the collar, seams, cuffs and panels to deal with, ironing a buttondown shirt can feel like an impossible task-especially when you still end up with wrinkles and creases. But, it is possible to get your shirt crisp without sending it to the drycleaner. You just need to know the tricks to those tricky spots and then your dress shirt will be ready for its close-up.

Step 1

Spread the collar inside out on the ironing board. Move the iron from the middle of the collar to each collar tip, pressing the steam button as you work. Don't let the iron sit in one spot for longer than a couple of seconds, or the shirt could burn. Turn the collar right side out and repeat.

Step 2

Place one shoulder of the shirt over the narrow end of the board so that the yoke (the piece of fabric that stretches across the upper back) faces up. Iron that part of the yoke, then repeat on the other shoulder.

Step 3

Flatten one cuff on the board, smooth out wrinkles with your hand, and iron the inside. Then smooth the sleeve of that arm across the board. While pulling the fabric taut, iron upward from cuff to shoulder, matching the existing crease in the arm. Spray a bit of water on pesky wrinkles and re-iron. Repeat with the other sleeve.

Step 4

Lay the shirt on the board so that the buttons are parallel to the edge close to you, the collar is at the narrow end and the rest of the shirt hangs off the board. Smooth the fabric with your hands. Use the tip of the iron to work between buttons, then iron up and down from collar to hem, rotating the shirt toward you as you complete each section.

Step 5

Hang the shirt on a non-wire hanger (to prevent shoulder creases). Button the two top buttons to help the shirt keep its shape. Source: Nick Reed, head of buying at Charles Tyrwhitt, British clothier