Essential ironing guide for TOG24's latest collection

It’s Monday morning, the kettle’s just boiled, and you’re stood staring at the shirt you meant to iron last night. Creased cuffs, crumpled collar - not exactly the start you were hoping for! Let's be honest, nobody really enjoys ironing - it’s one of those chores we put off until the last minute, usually when we’re already running late.

But there’s no denying the difference it makes, especially when you’ve invested in quality clothing from our latest collection. There’s almost nothing better than the feeling of slipping into a freshly ironed shirt - it gives a sort of confidence that you usually only get from remembering your password on the first try, while also helping your clothes stay looking new for longer.

But getting a crisp crease isn’t always simple. Cotton wrinkles at will, polos can lose their shape, and a heavy hand with the iron can leave clothes shinier, stretched, or even singed.

That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you've just picked up a pair of our walking trousers for your next hike or you're wondering how to iron a shirt without turning it into a crumpled mess, we’ve got you covered. So grab your iron, clear some space on the board, and let's get your TOG24 gear looking absolutely spot-on!

Pre-ironing prep

Shirts are the trickiest thing you’ll ever iron - all those collars, cuffs, pleats, and plackets make them far fussier than polos or trousers. The good news is, once you’ve nailed a shirt, everything else feels simple. First things first - let’s get prepped.

What do I need to iron a shirt?

Before you even plug in the iron, it pays to get organised. You'll need an iron (obviously!), preferably one with a steam and spray function, and a stable ironing board. For delicate fabrics, a pressing cloth (a thin piece of fabric you place between the iron and your shirt) comes in handy to stop any shine or scorch marks. 

Ironing “experts” (we’re using the term loosely here) swear by a light mist of spray starch for an extra-crisp finish on collars and cuffs - but it’s completely optional, and in our opinion, unnecessary. 

No ironing board? No problem. A thick towel on a sturdy table works perfectly in a pinch. Just make sure the surface underneath can handle the heat!

How to prepare a shirt for ironing

• Unbutton everything (yes, even cuffs and collar).
• Check the care label before you even plug the iron in.
• Lightly mist bone-dry fabric & damp shirt irons much more easily.

Fabric types and temperatures

Not all shirts are made equal - knowing what heat and steam each fabric likes will save you sweat, tears, and frustrating heat patches.

• Cotton - Tough and forgiving; crank up the heat and use plenty of steam.

• Linen - High heat and steam work wonders, but make sure it’s damp or those creases won’t come out.

• Synthetic blends - Take it easy: low to medium heat and minimal steam to avoid shiny patches.

• Silk - Delicate territory: low heat, iron inside out, and always use a pressing cloth to protect the fibres.

• Corduroy - Sensitive ribs! Iron inside out on a low to medium heat. Press gently rather than sliding the iron, and use a pressing cloth if you want extra protection. Steam lightly if needed, but don’t overdo it or the texture will flatten.

• Denim - Thick and hardy. High heat works well, and steam helps with stubborn creases. Iron on the reverse side if you’re worried about shine, and press along seams carefully to keep them neat.

• Fleece - Skip the iron. The fibres can melt or go flat under heat. If it’s creased, a quick steam from a distance or hanging it in a steamy bathroom usually does the trick.

How to iron a shirt in 7 steps

1. Collar
   Start with the back of the collar. Press from the front corners toward the middle - this helps stop it curling up. Flip the collar and repeat on the front. A quick shot of steam works wonders on stubborn creases, and for delicate fabrics, pop the pressing cloth we mentioned before between the iron and the shirt to avoid shine.

2. Cuffs
   Unbutton and open the cuff. Iron the inside first, then the outside. Use the tip of the iron to get around buttons, but never press directly on them - unless you fancy a scorch mark or a broken button. 

3. Sleeves
   Smooth one sleeve so it sits evenly on the board, seams lined up. Iron from shoulder to wrist in long, steady strokes, then flip and repeat. Avoid ironing the edges unless you want that razor-sharp military crease down the arm. 

4. Shoulders
   Drape a shoulder over the narrow end of the board. Iron from the outer edge toward the centre, then shift the shirt to cover the other shoulder. Keep the iron moving to avoid leaving a ridge in the seam.

5. Front panels and button strip
   Smooth one front panel and iron from top to bottom. Work carefully around pockets or any embroidery. On the button strip, press between the buttons with the tip of the iron - don’t press directly on them. This bit is on show, so neatness pays. For polos, lower the heat and press gently around the collar knit.

6. Back
   Smooth the back over the board and iron from top to bottom in steady strokes. If there’s a pleat in the middle, go around it rather than flattening it - it’s meant to be there. 

7. Aftercare
   As soon as you’ve finished, hang the shirt on a wide-shouldered hanger to keep its shape. 

How to iron a polo shirt

Keep it low to medium heat and take it easy on the collar. Polo collars are usually knitted, so a heavy hand can stretch them out of shape. Start with the body, then gently press the collar to keep it neat without losing its bounce.

How to iron a linen shirt 

Linen loves steam and high heat, but make sure the shirt is damp. Don’t aim for pin-sharp perfection - linen’s charm is its relaxed look. Hit it with steam and lean into its laid-back style.

Fixing mistakes

Even the ironing experts have had an ironing mishap at some point. Luckily, there are simple ways to undo the damage and rescue your shirt.

Shiny marks

Too much heat or pressure flattens fibres and leaves shiny patches. For most fabrics, dab a mix of vinegar or lemon juice onto the spot, leave for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. Hydrogen peroxide works on whites, but always test coloured fabrics first. 

If a shiny mark won’t budge, try gently steaming the area or soaking the shirt in cold water for a short while - both help the fibres relax and look normal again. For minor fibre damage, you can very gently brush the affected spot with steel wool or the soft side of a nail file. Take your time here; patience is key to avoid making it worse.

Scorch marks

These are trickier. Natural fibres like cotton and linen are easier to save, while synthetics with melted fibres may be permanent. Act fast - the longer it sets, the harder it is to fix. Lemon juice, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide can lift marks, and a thick baking soda paste works for stubborn spots. Gentle steam or a damp cloth pressed lightly with the iron helps fibres relax back into shape.

Sometimes the problem isn’t your technique - it’s your iron. A dirty soleplate can drag or leave marks that look like scorch spots. Cleaning it every so often (baking soda paste, vinegar steam flush, or specialist cleaner) keeps it gliding smoothly.

Why learning how to iron a shirt is worth it

You might be wondering what the point is - after all, isn’t ironing just about getting rid of wrinkles? In actual fact, learning how to iron the shirt you love wearing most will mean it holds its shape, looks great, and survives more wears and washes over the years.

For quality TOG24 pieces like our range of cotton polo shirts, that’s a big deal. The right ironing technique helps protect the fibres and extends the life of the garment - so you get more wear out of what you’ve invested in.

Recent textile research backs this up. A controlled study on cotton, polyester, and blends found that clothes that went through wash-and-iron cycles stayed smoother, kept their structure, and resisted wear better than those that were just washed and left. 

In short, ironing the right way smartens you up today and gives your favourite TOG24 pieces a longer life tomorrow. Plus, as we’ve mentioned before - once you can iron a shirt properly, everything else in your wardrobe becomes far easier to tackle!

Now that you’ve mastered how to iron a shirt, it’s time to put your skills to the test? Shop TOG24’s latest collection and keep all your clothing looking crisp, season after season. And if you’re serious about garment care, don’t miss our essential casual clothes clean and care guide - the perfect follow-up to mastering the iron.