How to Iron a Pair Of Pants
Just like a well-polished pair of shoes or a crisply starched shirt, a sharp crease in a pair of pants shows you're dressed to impress.
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No matter what you spilled on your clothes or furnishings, we can tell you how to get it out.
You Will Need
- A pair of pants in need of ironing
- An ironing board
- And an iron
- A clean, damp cloth (optional) (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Check label
Check the label on the pants for proper care instructions, then heat the iron on the appropriate setting.
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For wool pants, put a clean, damp cloth—called a "pressing cloth"—between the iron and the fabric so the iron doesn't cause a permanent shine, and press the iron against the pants repeatedly instead of sliding it back and forth.
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Step 2
Iron inside waistband
Iron the inside of the waistband first—if the iron is too hot, turn it to a lower setting and wait for it to cool before proceeding.
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Step 3
Iron back pockets
Turn the back pockets inside out and iron them.
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Step 4
Iron back
Iron the outside of the back of the pants, then tuck the pockets back inside and iron the seat of the pants.
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Step 5
Iron front pockets
Flip the pants over, turn the front pockets inside out, and iron them.
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Step 6
Iron front
Iron the outside of the front of the pants, then tuck the pockets back inside and iron the front of the pants, including any pleats.
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Pull the waistband up over the narrow end of the ironing board, as if you're pulling the pants onto the board, to create a flat front area to iron.
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Step 7
Line up seams
Line up the four seams on the pant legs so they're neatly stacked and lay the pants down along the length of the ironing board.
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Step 8
Iron inner leg
Fold back the top leg to expose the inner leg below. Iron this from the cuff up to the seam of the crotch.
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On flat-front pants, the front crease should begin between the middle of the zipper and the crotch; on pleated pants, it should continue from a pleat down.
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Step 9
Flip pants over
Fold the top leg back down and flip the pants over.
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Step 10
Iron other inner leg
Fold back the top leg again, and iron the other inner leg from the cuff up to the seam of the crotch.
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Step 11
Iron outside leg
Fold that top leg back down again and iron the outside of this leg.
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Step 12
Iron outside other leg
Flip the pants over and iron the outside of that leg.
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Step 13
Hang pants
Immediately after ironing, hang the pants from the waistband or cuff, keeping the four seams lined up as you ironed them to keep your creases crisp.
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Step 14
Unplug iron
Turn off and unplug the iron, and step out in style.
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Ironing dates at least as far back as the 1st century B.C., when the Chinese used hot coals in metal pans to smooth their clothing.
