Pressing & Steaming

Iron temperatures, steaming technique and finishing standards for garments and linens.

Temperature by fabric

Fabric	Setting	Method
Linen	Hot (•••) — 200°C Iron while damp, right side for sheen, reverse for dark linen. Steam generously.	Iron while damp, right side for sheen, reverse for dark linen. Steam generously.
Cotton	Hot (•••) — 180–200°C Iron slightly damp. Use steam. Press collars and cuffs first.	Iron slightly damp. Use steam. Press collars and cuffs first.
Wool	Medium (••) — 150°C Always use a damp pressing cloth. Press, lift, press — never glide.	Always use a damp pressing cloth. Press, lift, press — never glide.
Cashmere	Steam only Steam held away from the fabric. Reshape by hand and dry flat.	Steam held away from the fabric. Reshape by hand and dry flat.
Silk	Low (•) — 110°C Reverse side, dry pressing cloth, no water drops. Test hidden seam first.	Reverse side, dry pressing cloth, no water drops. Test hidden seam first.
Satin	Low (•) Reverse side only, with a pressing cloth. Never steam directly.	Reverse side only, with a pressing cloth. Never steam directly.
Velvet	Steam only Never iron. Steam from the reverse; brush the pile gently while warm.	Never iron. Steam from the reverse; brush the pile gently while warm.
Synthetics	Low (•) Reverse side, pressing cloth. Too much heat melts or shines the fibre.	Reverse side, pressing cloth. Too much heat melts or shines the fibre.
Embellished & lace	Low (•) or steam Reverse, over a thick white towel so beading and lace are not flattened.	Reverse, over a thick white towel so beading and lace are not flattened.

Procedures

Before pressing

Check the care label and the fabric.
Make sure the garment is completely clean — heat sets stains.
Empty pockets and remove belts or pins.
Fill the iron or steamer with filtered or demineralised water.
Test on a hidden seam first.

Pressing a shirt

Collar — underside first, then top side, from points to centre.
Cuffs — inside, then outside.
Yoke, then sleeves (seam flat, no crease unless requested).
Back panel, then front panels, working around buttons.
Hang immediately on a shaped hanger; button the top and second button.

Steaming

Hang the garment on a sturdy hanger at eye level.
Hold the steamer head 2–5 cm from the fabric; work top to bottom.
Gently pull the fabric taut with the free hand.
Steam the inside of jackets and coats to refresh without shine.
Let the garment cool and dry fully before returning it.

Tailoring & trousers

Always press through a damp pressing cloth.
Use a tailor's ham for shoulders and chest.
Follow existing trouser creases exactly — never create a second line.
Press lapels lightly; they should roll, not be flattened.
Brush wool with a clothes brush after it cools.

Linens

Press sheets, pillowcases and napkins while slightly damp.
Tablecloths on the right side for sheen; embroidered on the reverse over a towel.
Never press over a stain.
Fold only once fully cool and dry.

Care of the equipment

Empty the iron and steamer after every use.
Descale monthly with a vinegar solution, then rinse.
Clean the soleplate when cool; keep it free of residue.
Change the ironing board cover when it becomes marked.

When in doubt, do not press.

Designer, vintage, embellished or unusual fabrics are never pressed without first consulting the Wardrobe Manager. A shine mark or scorch cannot be undone.