Gregory Van Gansen
Ironing Session:
5 minutes
Total Duration:
5 minutes
Skill Level: Novice
Even as office attire becomes increasingly relaxed, there are occasions when we all need to break out the iron to ensure our wardrobe appears sharp and polished. Navigating the process of ironing trousers can be quite a task if your ironing prowess is a touch unrefined. Nonetheless, with the right approach, it’s a walk in the park. Check out our video guide and adhere to the following steps to achieve a crisp, crease-free finish—be it with or without wrinkles.
Ironing Board
Pair of Trousers
Start by flipping the trousers inside out. Begin by pressing the pockets flat against the ironing board. Proceed to iron the fly section and the seams and hem of the first leg. Make sure to smooth out the creases back and forth. Do the same for the other leg and then turn the trousers right side out. Wrap the waistband around the narrow end of the board, with the fly down. Iron the waistband while rotating the trousers as needed.
Press the pockets gently to prevent outlining creases. Fold the trousers lengthwise to align the legs and place them on the board. Lift one leg to iron the interior of the lower part, dividing the task into sections up to the crotch. Flip the trousers and repeat for the exterior of the same leg. Do this for the other leg as well.
To prevent a side crease, iron just beyond (but not directly on) the edge of each leg. To form a front crease on the trouser legs, align the inseams and lay the trousers on the board. Iron over the edges or apply steam by holding the iron a few inches above the fabric while moving it along the edge.
Hang the trousers immediately after ironing—and remember to turn off your iron.
Repeat the process of flipping the trousers inside out and ironing the pockets first. Then, iron the fly area and the seams and hem of the first leg, smoothing it out well. Flip the trousers right side out and repeat for the other leg. Wrap the waistband around the narrow end of the board with the fly facing down and iron the waistband, rotating the trousers as you go.
Gently press the pockets to avoid outlining creases. Align the trousers lengthwise to match the legs and place them on the board. Lift one leg to iron the inside of the bottom leg in sections, up to the crotch. Turn the trousers over and iron the outside of the same leg. Repeat for the other leg.
To avoid a side crease, iron just past (but not directly over) the edge of each leg. To create a front crease, align the inseams, lay the trousers on the board, and iron over the edges of the legs or apply steam while holding the iron a few inches above the fabric.
Hang the trousers as soon as possible—and don’t forget to unplug the iron.
FAQs
A variety of trouser styles and materials can be ironed. Yet, it’s crucial to consult the care label on your garment to decide if ironing is appropriate and to identify the recommended heat settings.
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Absolutely, if you’re in a hurry (or without access to an iron), you can eliminate wrinkles from trousers without ironing. Simply place them in the dryer with a damp cloth. The steam generated by the damp cloth will help to smooth out the wrinkles.
Learn More:
7 Ingenious Methods to Remove Wrinkles from Your Clothes Without an Iron
A wide range of trousers and fabric types can be ironed. It’s still important to review the care label on your garment to determine if ironing is advised and to understand the suggested heat settings.
Certainly, if you’re in a time crunch (or lacking an iron), you can remove wrinkles from trousers without resorting to ironing. Simply throw them into the dryer along with a damp towel. The steam from the towel will assist in releasing the wrinkles.
