Ironing a suit coat is a very important task if you want to look your best for a big meeting or a wedding. A wrinkled jacket can make a high quality suit look messy. I believe that knowing how to press your own clothes is a skill that saves you time and money at the dry cleaners. It is not exactly like ironing a flat shirt because a coat has many curves and layers. This article will show you the safest way to get a crisp look without hurting the delicate material.
Why Steam Is Better Than Dry Heat
I think that using steam is the secret to a perfectly pressed suit coat. In my opinion direct heat from an iron can sometimes make the fabric look shiny or even burn it. I believe that steam gently relaxes the fibers of the wool or cotton so the wrinkles fall out naturally. If your iron has a steam button you should use it often. I feel that steam is much kinder to the structure of the jacket than just pressing down hard with a hot metal plate.
Tools You Need For Success
I believe that having the right tools makes the job much easier and safer for your clothes. You do not need expensive machines but a few simple items will help you get professional results at home.
- A Clean Iron Make sure the bottom of your iron is smooth and clean so it does not snag the fabric.
- Distilled Water Using clean water prevents mineral buildup that could spot your dark suit.
- A Pressing Cloth This is a thin piece of cotton fabric that you place between the iron and the suit.
- An Ironing Board A sturdy flat surface is essential for laying out the different parts of the coat.
- A Tailors Ham This is a small firm pillow that helps you iron the curved shoulders and sleeves.
Using A Pressing Cloth For Protection
I think the most important rule is to never let the iron touch the suit fabric directly. I believe that using a pressing cloth is the only way to prevent that unwanted shiny look on the elbows and lapels. My opinion is that even a clean white pillowcase can work as a pressing cloth if you do not have a professional one. It acts as a shield that lets the heat and steam through while protecting the delicate fibers from the hot metal.
How To Iron The Back Of The Coat
The back is usually the easiest part to start with because it is large and flat. I believe that starting here helps you get a feel for the iron temperature.
- Lay It Flat Place the back of the coat flat on the ironing board.
- Use The Cloth Lay your pressing cloth over the area you want to iron.
- Press Gently Do not slide the iron back and forth like you are scrubbing. Instead press down for a few seconds and then lift it up.
- Move To The Vents Carefully iron the slits at the bottom making sure they stay straight.
Ironing The Sleeves Properly
I think the sleeves are the trickiest part because you do not want to create a sharp crease down the middle. I believe that a suit sleeve should look round and smooth.
| Part of Coat | Best Technique | Why It Matters |
| Back | Flat pressing | Removes wrinkles from sitting |
| Lapels | Very light steam | Keeps the roll looking natural |
| Sleeves | Inside out or steam | Avoids making sharp flat lines |
| Shoulders | Use a rolled towel | Maintains the rounded shape |
Taking Care Of The Shoulders
The shoulders give a suit coat its shape and I believe they need the most care. In my opinion you should never iron them flat on the board. I think the best way is to stuff a rolled up towel into the shoulder to act as a support. Then you can lightly steam the outside while the towel holds the shape. I believe this keeps the padding inside the shoulder from getting crushed or lumpy.
Why You Should Be Careful With Lapels
The lapel is the part that folds over the chest and I believe it should have a soft roll rather than a flat fold. My opinion is that you should never iron the edge of the lapel flat. I think you should just use a little bit of steam nearby to help it hold its natural shape. If you press it too hard it will look like a piece of cardboard instead of a fine piece of clothing.
Hanging Your Coat After Ironing
Once you are finished I believe you must hang the coat up immediately. I think using a wide wooden hanger is the best choice because it supports the weight of the shoulders. My opinion is that leaving a freshly pressed coat on a wire hanger can ruin all your hard work by creating new bumps. I feel that letting the coat cool down while hanging helps the fabric set so the wrinkles do not come back right away.
Ironing Suits In A Humid Climate
In a place like Bangladesh the air is often very damp which can make suit fabric feel heavy. I believe that ironing your coat helps to dry out any moisture and keeps it smelling fresh. I think it is important to make sure the coat is completely dry before you put it in a closet. My opinion is that the heat from the iron helps keep the fabric crisp even when it is very humid outside in Dhaka.
When To Go To A Professional
I believe that if your suit coat is made of very rare silk or has a lot of internal structure you might want to take it to a professional. I think that for expensive high end suits a professional press is worth the money once or twice a year. However for your everyday work coat I believe that following these steps at home is a great way to stay looking sharp. My opinion is that you should always trust your own hands for small touch ups.
Final Thoughts On Pressing Your Suit
In conclusion I believe that ironing a suit coat is a great way to take pride in your appearance. It takes a bit of patience and the right tools but the result is a jacket that looks brand new. My opinion is that using steam and a pressing cloth are the two most important secrets to success. I hope this guide helps you feel confident the next time you need to refresh your suit for a special event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I use for wool
Most irons have a specific wool setting that is not too hot. I believe you should always start with a lower heat and only go higher if the wrinkles are not moving. My opinion is that slow and steady is always better than too hot.
Can I iron a coat while it is hanging
You can use a vertical steamer while the coat is on a hanger but for a real iron you need a flat board. I think that steaming while hanging is the fastest way to get rid of light wrinkles before you leave the house.
How do I get rid of the shine on my suit
If your suit already has a shiny spot from a previous ironing mistake you can sometimes fix it with a bit of steam and a soft brush. I believe that being careful with your pressing cloth is the best way to prevent this from ever happening.
Is it okay to iron the lining of the coat
The lining is often made of very thin material like silk or rayon. I believe you should be extremely careful and use the lowest possible heat if you must iron the inside. I think most people only need to iron the outside fabric.
How often should I iron my suit coat
I believe you only need to iron it when you see visible wrinkles. If you hang it up properly after every use you might only need to press it every few weeks. My opinion is that less ironing is better for the life of the fabric.
