How to Iron Polos, Blouses and T-Shirts (Without Making It a Chore)

Shirts get all the attention, but polos, blouses and t-shirts end up in the ironing pile too, and each one behaves a little differently. Here is how to get them smooth without damaging them, whether you use an iron, a steamer or an automatic ironing machine.

Before you start: check the label

Polos and t-shirts are often cotton or a cotton blend, while blouses can be anything from crisp cotton to delicate synthetic fabrics. The care label tells you the maximum temperature. When unsure, start low.

Polo shirts

Polos are usually made from a knitted cotton called piqué, which has a textured surface.

• With an iron: turn the polo inside out to protect the texture and any logo, use a medium heat and press rather than drag.
• The collar: iron it flat from the points towards the middle, then fold it down.
• The placket: iron around the buttons, not over them.

Blouses

Blouses need the most care, because many are made from lightweight or delicate fabrics.

• Use a low heat and, for delicate fabrics, a pressing cloth between the iron and the blouse.
• Ruffles and gathers are easier to handle with a steamer, which relaxes the fabric without flattening the detail.
• Iron while slightly damp for the smoothest result on cotton blouses.

T-shirts

Many people never iron t-shirts, and most do not need it if they are dried properly. If yours come out creased:

• Shake them out firmly as soon as the wash finishes.
• Dry them on a hanger or flat, not crumpled.
• Iron printed t-shirts inside out, and never iron directly over a print.

The easier way: let a machine do all three

An automatic ironing machine handles polos, blouses and t-shirts as well as shirts. Instead of ironing each one, you put the damp garment on the inflatable form, adjust the side zippers and telescopic rods for a snug fit, clip it in place and choose the temperature: low for delicate textiles, higher for cotton. Warm air dries it from the inside and it comes off smooth in around 8 to 12 minutes.

It is particularly good for knitted fabrics like polo piqué, because nothing is pressed flat against the surface. One customer wrote that they get "perfectly ironed shirts, T shirts and Pullovers every time."

Quick reference

Garment	Heat	Key tip
Polo	Medium	Iron inside out to protect the texture and logo
Blouse	Low	Use a pressing cloth or a steamer for delicate fabrics
T-shirt	Low to medium	Never iron over a print, dry it smooth instead

Want to know exactly which garments work on an automatic ironing machine? See our garment and fabric guide.