How To Iron Pants
The Process
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How To Begin
Ironing a pair of slacks is not fun. Personally, it is the last piece of clothing that I care to deal with, but knowing how to iron slacks correctly makes the job a lot easier. Once a system is established, a person can do several pairs very quickly.
To begin, you will need an ironing board and steam iron. Take the slacks and place them waist first on the ironing board. Begin ironing the top section of the slacks. Steam the fabric as you iron, eliminating all wrinkles. Don't forget to iron the waist band. Make sure that the pockets are flat and properly placed underneath before ironing the pocket area.
Step By Step
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Ironing The Pant Legs
After ironing the upper part of the slacks, take the slacks off of the ironing board. Line up the seams and creases on the pant legs. Lay them over the ironing board. Begin at the INSIDE top portion of the leg by pulling back one leg and ironing on the leg still on the ironing surface. Make sure to lay the material flat before ironing. Use your steam to eliminate all wrinkles and make nice creases on both sides. Shift the pants leg down as you iron, leaving the already ironed portion hanging off of the board.
When one leg is finished, realign the pants legs and turn the pants over. Iron the second leg just like the first, making sure the seam is lined up all the way down the leg. Practice will help you move more quickly.
You Are Almost Done
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Ironing the Outside Portions Of The Legs
After ironing the inside portion of the legs, place the two ironed legs together, matching the seams and creases. Lay the legs over the ironing board and iron the outside of the pants beginning where the top portion was ironed and working your way down. Laying the pants flat will help to eliminate any wrinkles while ironing.
When you have finished that side, flip the pants over and do the other side in the same manner. You should have a nicely ironed pair of pants. Did you miss a spot? Go back and re-steam any remaining wrinkles or missed spots.
Don't Wrinkle Them After All That Work!
Aftercare of the Ironed Slacks
To place an ironed pair of slacks on a thin metal hanger will create a crease. If you will hang your slacks, use a thicker hanger to keep the pants wrinkle free. A plastic hanger or a hanger with cardboard around the wire from the cleaners will work fine. My husband uses a multi-level hanger for his ironed slacks. These hangers create more hanging space in a cramped closet. I gently fold the pants in half and lay them on the end of the couch for him to hang in his closet.
That wasn't too bad, was it? I find that ironing slacks at one time is a time saver. Repeating the process over and over makes for faster ironing and eliminates extra ironing time.
Don't expect perfect results when you first begin. As you practice, you will get better at producing well ironed slacks. Turn on a good movie and enjoy your process!
