Should You Iron Creases in Shirt Sleeves
Have you ever found yourself in a scenario when you need to wear a shirt, but it’s covered in creases? Even though some fashion brands say creases are the in-thing, at Love2Laundry, we are not convinced!
In this article, we will explore whether it’s a good idea to just hide wrinkles under a blazer or jacket in the hopes you don’t have to take it off or if ironing is the best option. We will also examine whether or not laundry services include ironing (spoiler, we do!) and what services are available for looking at shirts.
If you want to iron out this question once and for all, keep on reading!
Why Is It Important To Iron Shirt Sleeves?
Firstly, we will start by saying there is no obligation to iron short sleeves. If you want to go about rocking the creased look, be our guest. However, before you make this bold decision and look for alternatives to ironing, let us tell you why it’s important to look after shirts properly.
Shirts are designed to have a structured design. If ironed properly, especially the sleeves that need to move around, the garment could retain its shape over time. This also means that items last longer when creases are not left to weaken the structure. If creases are left in shirt sleeves for a prolonged period, you will likely find that the shoulder area of the shirt becomes loose and unsightly.
Another reason shirt sleeves should be ironed is to remove germs and bacteria. Sweating is something we all have to deal with at one point or another. If left untreated, clothing can retain bad odours for a long time. Shirt sleeves are one of the main areas susceptible to retaining germs due to their proximity to the armpit. Ironing uses a mixture of steam and heat to remove creases. This also can remove germs and break up any tiny dirt fibres that may have remained after washing. Not only does this provide fresh clothing, but it also makes trousers more comfortable to wear.
Last but not least, a well-pressed shirt makes a brilliant impression. Nothing is worse than being in an important setting and someone removing their jacket to reveal a laundry nightmare. It gives the impression that you don’t care and don’t want to make an effort for your special occasion. Of course, creases will occur whilst wearing an item, but starting with a nicely ironed base means they won’t look too set during the day.
What Is The Right Way To Iron Shirt Sleeves?
So, we have now settled the debate that ironing shirt sleeves is important, but how can you remove creases properly? If choosing to iron shirts at home, you should follow the below method so that the sleeves are left perfectly winkle-free.
- Check the shirt’s care label to find the ideal iron settings. You should always choose a suitable flat surface to iron to ensure no marks are pressed into the garment.
- Firstly, iron the collar, cuffed, front and back, before treating the sleeves. By following this exact order, you will not manage to add more creases during the ironing process.
- Now that the rest of the shirt is pressed to perfection, it’s time to treat the sleeves. To do this, you should lay the first sleeve lengthways along the ironing board, ensuring no creases in the fabric. Once in position, the iron should be gently moved up and down the centre of the sleeve with careful attention paid to the edges to ensure the seams remain flexible. Once you are happy, it’s always best to check both sides of the sleeve to ensure no creases remain. Then, repeat for the other arm.
- Once ironed, shirts should be hung on a non-slip hanger and placed in a cool, dry place for storage. It’s also important to ensure they are not pressed too closely to other items. Otherwise, creases will occur.
TOP TIP – Always use steam or a water spray to iron shirt sleeves. Garments that are bone-dry will be harder to treat and you could even cause damage.
Do Ironing Services For Shirts Exist?
Now that you know just how important it is to iron shirt sleeves and the rest of the garment, the dread may have set in if you are one of the 50% of Brits who hate ironing. Whilst most laundrettes don’t do ironing, you will be relieved that some laundry companies offer ironing services.
Ironing services charge between £12 – £15 per hour, but these figures fluctuate depending on the provider. Love2Laundry prices start from £2.80 for the ironing of a single shirt. We also offer many bundles, including pre-paid packages, meaning you can send off a whole wash-load or shirts in one go. Whether you work in the corporate world, have many school uniforms to treat or just want to look good for that next special event, our laundry services have covered and crease-free you.
What Are The Benefits Of Sending Shirts For Professional Ironing?
If you think that convenience is the only benefit you stand to gain from choosing an ironing service for your shirts, you can think again. Other advantages include the following:
Remove Tough Creases
If you have ever had a deep-set wrinkle, you will know that sometimes ironing alone is not enough to banish it for good. The temptation can then be to try a higher heat setting or apply more pressure, which can lead to damage.
Laundry experts will never be phased by a crease in a shirt sleeve as they treat them daily. Instead, using industrial equipment and professional experience, any creases can be removed. This also ensures the sleeves on a shirt are nicely set to prevent future wrinkles.
Prolong The Lifespan Of A Shirt
As a carry-on from the previous point, professional laundry services iron shirts in such a way that helps them last longer. The structure and fibres are only pressed into their intended position. By sending shirts to the professionals, you not only look the part but have less need to replace items before their time.
Save Money On Home Ironing Resources
Yes, you have to pay for professional ironing, but you can also save money, which means you are technically balancing the books! By this, we mean no need to spend on home ironing equipment or products such as treatment sprays. Furthermore, you can also send the rest of your laundry to get treated while offering an overall cost and time-saving.
How Does Love2Laundry Work?
Now that you know why shirt sleeves must be ironed, how much ironing services cost, and the associated benefits of giving the task to professionals, let us tell you about our service.
We are experts in ironing all garments and household fabrics; meaning shirts are no match for our team’s skills. To ensure shirts have perfectly pressed sleeves ready for you to wear, we follow the below steps:
- Our service is completely mobile so you will need to book your ironing via our app or website. Simply choose what shirt ironing service you need and confirm your collection plus return details.
- Our team then collects the items using our eco-friendly vehicle fleet.
- Once our laundry experts receive the items, they will be able to separate according to ironing requirements and proceed to treat. For shirts, special pressing machines and irons are used to create a crease-free finish.
- Items are then quality checked and returned back to you in ready-to-wear condition. All you have to do is hang them in your wardrobe and enjoy the time saving you have experienced! You can also choose whether to have shirts folded or hung, so remember to specify that when you make your booking.
Click the link to find our ironing services near you.
