How to Iron a Formal Shirt
Like a Professional
Why pay to have your shirts pressed when you can DIY? Follow this guide for a crisp, professional finish every time.
Starch is the key to that clean, crisp finish of a professionally pressed shirt. Use a basic starch like Faultless across the entire shirt — or switch to heavy starch on the collar and sleeve cuffs for extra crispness.
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01
Start with the Collar
Starch and press across the inside of the collar, tip to tip. Flip the shirt and repeat on the outside.
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02
Shift to the Shoulders
While you're here, starch and press the yoke — the area just below the collar.
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03
Move to the Cuffs
Unbutton one cuff and lay it flat. Starch and press edge to edge, avoiding the buttons. Flip and repeat — then do the same for the other cuff.
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04
Get to Work on the Sleeves
Sleeves are the trickiest part — you're ironing through two layers. Smooth both layers flat before starching. Keep the seam along the bottom edge, not the middle.
💡 For a traditional crease, press the top edge as you work down. To skip the crease, avoid the outer edge entirely.
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05
Work on the Back
Drape the shoulders over the square end of the ironing board. Spray with starch and press slowly from top to bottom.
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06
Flip to the Front
Begin with the button side. Starch lightly, then press carefully between each button — never iron directly over one. Work top to bottom.
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07
Polish the Placket
On the buttonhole side, press both the front and back of the placket. That's what gives it that unmistakably professional finish.
That's a wrap.
If you're not wearing the shirt right away, hang it up to keep your work intact. No need to start over.
We hope this guide was helpful — check out our other tips and tricks for stepping up your ironing game.
See Faultless in action
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