How To Press A Jacket Lapel?
Because of their comparable shapes and structures, pressing a shirt and ironing a suit jacket require similar methods. Wool jackets could be ironed using the same guidelines as wool pants. Because of the complexity of a jacket’s canvas, lining, and padding, some people may be hesitant to press it. However, with the help of the ironing tips in this article, you can press a jacket including your lapel without being afraid.
Wrinkle Removal Without Ironing
Ironing a jacket is simplified by leveraging steam without direct contact due to its weight and structure. A portable steamer or iron, held a few inches away, effectively removes wrinkles. Alternatively, hanging the jacket in a steam-filled bathroom after a hot shower provides a hands-off solution; the impact becomes apparent overnight. This method mirrors the care of intricate shirt ironing. Well-maintained jackets typically wrinkle less than shirts, necessitating minimal ironing. Focusing on select areas makes touch-ups effortless. Regular care ensures jackets remain relatively unwrinkled, making the ironing process simpler and less time-consuming compared to shirts, especially those made of linen.
Pressing a Jacket
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The Sleeves
Start with the Sleeves:
If you have a sleeve board, lay the sleeve flat over the narrow end. Position the jacket shoulder over the sleeve board. Use a pressing cloth to avoid ironing directly on the wool.
Midsection Pressing:
Concentrate on pressing the sleeve’s midsection to ensure it reaches its full length. Treat the sleeve similar to a shirt, ensuring it is fully pressed.
Avoiding “Military Creases”:
Be cautious not to press too hard at the borders of the sleeve meeting the board. Sharp “military creases” are a personal preference and are typically seen on military shirts, not jackets.
Below the Shoulder:
Press all around the sleeve head below the shoulder. Follow the contours of the cloth, especially with suit jackets and sports coats due to their heavier construction.
Contour Following:
Always follow the curvature of the sleeve rather than trying to straighten the arm. This approach maintains the natural shape of the jacket and ensures a proper fit when worn.
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The Body (Including Lapels)
Continuing with the pressing process for jackets, especially those made of fabrics that wrinkle more than wool, requires a delicate touch. Here’s a detailed guide on how to press different sections:
Front Panels:
a. Use a pressing cloth to prevent shining on the wool.
b. Work on one half of each front panel at a time.
c. Pay special attention to the lapels; avoid pressing too hard to maintain their natural appearance.
d. Turn each lapel upside-down and lightly press along the hollow crease beneath while maintaining the roll.
e. Focus on areas around vent flaps prone to folding and wrinkling.
Back Panels:
a. The back is generally flat, making it an easier section to work on.
b. Address any areas around the vent flaps that may have folds or wrinkles.
Shoulders:
a. Work on the shoulders last, as they are the most challenging part.
b. Use a sleeve board or presser’s ham to maintain the natural round form during pressing.
c. Mimic how the jacket rests on your shoulders when worn.
Fragrance Spray:
Finish the pressing process by spritzing a fragrance spray, like lavender water, in the armpit and interior lining areas.
Fabrics that Wrinkle More:
a. For fabrics like linen, cotton, hemp/linen blends, etc., which wrinkle more than wool
b. You can use a higher temperature and more water and steam.
c. Be cautious not to press them completely flat; maintain a gentle touch.
Developing Instinct:
a. Going with the contour of the clothing becomes instinctive with practice.
b. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable working on different portions of the jacket.
c. Similar to cleaning your automobile, you’ll start to enjoy the process as you become more adept.
Remember to always test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first, especially when dealing with different materials. This ensures that the heat and steam won’t damage or alter the appearance of the fabric. With patience and practice, pressing a jacket can become a satisfying and rewarding part of maintaining your wardrobe.
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Pay Particular Attention to Pressing the Lining
If you’ve ever traveled with a suit, you’re probably familiar with the appearance of a wrinkled inside lining. However, pressing can be challenging due to the nature of the cupro or bemberg that quality linings are constructed of. The lining is light and loose, which makes it difficult for the iron to glide over the surface without catching on the soleplate. The best method for removing wrinkles is to lightly steam the fabric while the iron is hovered over it. If it turns out that you do need to press the fabric, turn down the heat to a medium or low setting and softly skim the surface. Always push, pull, and straighten the cupro to provide the smoothest possible starting surface.
Conclusion
We hope our Complete Guide to Ironing has persuaded you to give ironing your own fitted clothing a shot. You might even have a wishlist of ironing supplies you never thought you’d need. Long-term, it will save you time and money, and if you’ve had some experience using your knowledge practically, you’ll find that seeing the finished product is extremely fulfilling.