How to Iron Your Clothes Less and Still Look Great

Ironing is tedious and time-consuming, and nobody likes it. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the amount of ironing you need to do while still looking polished and put-together.

It’s even possible to go completely iron-free and still look as well-groomed as anyone else, but it depends on your wardrobe. Still, take a look at the tips below. Using any of all of them will definitely cut down your ironing time considerably.

Choose Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics

One of the easiest ways to cut down on ironing is to be more mindful of the fabrics you purchase. Certain materials are naturally more wrinkle-resistant than others.

Wrinkle resistant doesn’t mean they can’t become wrinkled, but it does mean they’ll keep a crisp, smooth appearance with little to no ironing required. Some of the best options include:

• Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and rayon – These fibers are inherently wrinkle-resistant and often require minimal ironing, if any.
• Cotton blends – Pure cotton can be prone to wrinkling, but when combined with a small percentage of polyester or other synthetic fibers, it becomes much more wrinkle-resistant.
• Linen blends – Pure linen is famously prone to wrinkles, but blending it with cotton or polyester can help reduce this issue.
• Wool – The crimp in wool fibers helps fabrics retain their shape and resist wrinkles, making wool suiting, sweaters, and other garments a great low-maintenance choice.

Hang or Fold Clothes Properly

Taking the time to hang or fold your clothes correctly can go a long way in preventing wrinkles in the first place. For items that are typically hung, like shirts, blouses, dresses, and suit jackets, use sturdy, well-spaced hangers that will maintain the shape of the garment.

Avoid overcrowding your closet. This can lead to wrinkles from items rubbing against each other. When hanging clothes, smooth out any wrinkles and ensure the shoulders are properly aligned on the hanger.

For folded items like pants, sweaters, and t-shirts, be sure to neatly fold them and store them in drawers or on shelves. Always fold items along their natural seams and creases to help them retain their shape.

If you have the space, you might always want to get a garment steamer. These handy devices use hot steam to quickly refresh and de-wrinkle clothing without the need for an iron. They’re particularly useful for items that are hard to iron, such as delicate fabrics, pleated skirts, and bulky sweaters.

Washing and Drying for Less Ironing

The way you wash and dry your clothes can also have a significant impact on how much ironing you’ll need to do. Here are some tips:

• Use the delicate or gentle cycle when machine washing to minimize agitation and wrinkling.
• Avoid using the high heat setting in the dryer, as this can set wrinkles into the fabric. Opt for a lower heat or air-dry setting instead.
• Remove items from the dryer promptly and hang or fold them right away. Letting clothes sit in the dryer can cause stubborn wrinkles to set in.
• If possible, hang-dry items like shirts, dresses, and pants. The gentle movement of air-drying can help prevent wrinkles from forming.
• For items that do need to go in the dryer, toss in a couple of clean, dry towels. The friction from the towels can help prevent wrinkles.

Develop a Wrinkle-Releasing Routine

Even with all the precautions in the world, some degree of wrinkling is inevitable. The key is to have a quick, easy wrinkle-releasing routine that you can turn to when needed. This might involve:

• Hanging garments in the bathroom while you shower. The steam can help relax and smooth out wrinkles.
• Lightly misting wrinkled items with water and then tossing them in the dryer for 5-10 minutes on a low heat setting.
• Using a garment steamer to quickly refresh and de-wrinkle clothes right before you wear them.
• Keeping a portable clothing steamer or wrinkle-release spray on hand for touch-ups on the go.

Be Selective About Ironing

While the goal is to reduce the amount of ironing you need to do, there will still be some items that require a good press. Be selective about which garments you choose to iron, focusing on the pieces that are most visible or important to your overall look.

For example, you may want to iron dress shirts, blouses, and suit pants before important meetings or events, but be less concerned about ironing casual t-shirts or loungewear. Prioritize the items that will make the biggest impact on your appearance and let the rest slide.

Additionally, consider investing in a high-quality iron and ironing board. Having the right tools can make the ironing process quicker and more efficient, reducing the time and effort required. Look for features like adjustable temperature settings, steam capabilities, and a sturdy, stable ironing surface.

Embrace Casual, Wrinkle-Friendly Styles

Finally, don’t be afraid to embrace clothing styles that are naturally more wrinkle-resistant. Casual, relaxed looks like t-shirts, jeans, and linen shirts often look better with a slightly rumpled, lived-in appearance anyway. Leaning into these effortless, low-maintenance styles can help you cut down on ironing while still looking stylish.

Additionally, consider incorporating more knit fabrics into your wardrobe. Sweaters, cardigans, and jersey tops are inherently wrinkle-resistant and can be easily refreshed with a quick fluff or steam. They’re a great alternative to crisp, button-down shirts or tailored dresses that require more ironing.