How to Iron and Fold a Shirt

Getting a perfectly pressed shirt is easier than you might think. Start by setting up your ironing board on a flat, stable surface and checking the care label for the recommended temperature. Classic cotton shirts can usually handle a higher heat setting, while linen shirts tend to benefit from plenty of steam to smooth out any stubborn creases.

Begin with the collar, then move on to the cuffs, sleeves and finally the main body of the shirt. Learning how to iron shirt collars properly will help create a sharp, polished look, while ironing shirt sleeves correctly can prevent unwanted creases from forming.

Once your shirt is ironed, folding it neatly will help keep it looking fresh for longer. Lay it face down on a clean, flat surface and smooth it out so there are no obvious creases before you start.

Step 1: fold one side of the shirt in towards the centre, making sure the sleeve lies straight along the back. Repeat on the other side so you’re left with a long rectangle.

Step 2: knowing how to fold the sleeves of a shirt is key. Keep them flat and aligned with the edges, rather than letting them fold over or bunch up.

Step 3: fold the shirt upwards from the bottom once or twice, depending on the depth of your drawer or shelf.

Not all shirts should be treated exactly the same. With a polo shirt, it's all about the collar. Lightly press it flat from the edges inwards so it stays neat without looking overworked. When you're thinking about how to fold a polo shirt, the trick is to lay it face down, fold the sides in, then bring the sleeves back gently so everything sits in a structured rectangle.

Dress and business shirts need a little more precision. Take extra care when ironing the collar, cuffs and front placket, as these are the areas that tend to stand out most. When it comes to how to fold a dress shirt, fold the sides in neatly, guide the sleeves back without creating sharp creases, and finish with a simple fold from the bottom up.