How to Iron a Shirt

Ironing looks fiddly until you learn the order. Work from the small, fiddly parts inward to the big flat panels — that way you don't re-crease what you already did.

Set up

• Check the care label and set the iron's heat to match (cotton = high, synthetics = low).
• Iron slightly damp, or use the steam setting. Dry cotton fights you.
• Have a clean, flat board.

The order that works

1. Collar — flip it up, iron the underside first, then the top.
2. Cuffs — unbutton, iron flat, inside first.
3. Sleeves — line up the seam, press one flat side then the other.
4. Back and yoke — the shoulder panel over the board's end.
5. Front panels — iron around the buttons, not over them.