Can I Iron a Silk Shirt? (Answered!)


Using an iron is the most effective way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. Although silk shirts can be ironed, the correct guidelines must be followed in order to protect the silk from being damaged. Use the iron on the lowest heat setting, use a spray bottle to dampen the wrinkled area with water, cover the area with a press cloth, and hand press the iron the remove wrinkles. 


This is: Can I Iron a Silk Shirt? (Answered!)

can i iron a silk shirt banner image with a man ironing a blue silk shirt on an ironing board

Using an iron is a great way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt, however, it is critical that the correct procedure is followed. 


Failing to use the correct method to iron a silk shirt can result in damaged silk, so continue reading our step-by-step instructions below to find out how to iron a silk shirt properly!


Contents:


Can I Iron a Silk Shirt?

Using an iron is the most effective way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. Although silk shirts can be ironed, the correct guidelines must be followed in order to protect the silk from being damaged. Use the iron on the lowest heat setting, use a spray bottle to dampen the wrinkled area with water, cover the area with a press cloth, and hand press the iron to remove wrinkles. 


Continue reading below to see the detailed steps on how to iron a silk shirt.


If you'd like some inspiration for outfit ideas with your silk shirt, please read our Men's Guide on How to Wear a Silk Shirt


How to Iron a Silk Shirt

Follow the steps below in order to properly iron your silk shirt. 


You may also read our full article on How to Iron a Silk Shirt. We also have a general article on How to Iron Silk, as well as instructions on How to Iron Silk Pajamas


What You'll Need:

  • An iron
  • An ironing board 
  • A spray bottle 
  • A press cloth
  • A clean silk shirt 


Steps:

  1. Turn the silk shirt inside out and lay flat and evenly on the ironing board so that the dull backside of the silk is facing upwards.
  2. Use a spray bottle filled with water to add moisture to the areas you'd like to iron. The fabric should be slightly damp but not soaking wet. 
  3. Place a cotton press cloth such as a bandana, pillowcase, or t-shirt, over the area you will iron. Never touch a hot iron directly onto silk fabric. Always keep the pressing cloth in between the iron and the silk. 
  4. Turn the iron on and adjust to the lowest heat setting possible. Activate the steam function on the iron. 
  5. Gently and briefly hand press the iron down on to the wrinkled areas, with the press cloth always in between the iron and the silk. Do not slide the iron around on the fabric. Press, lift, adjust, and repeat. 
  6. Once finished, hang or flat dry in a cool place out of contract with direct sunlight


How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Silk Shirt

There are a handful of useful ways to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt, however the two most effective methods to use are by ironing or steaming. For a full explanation on all the methods, please read our article How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Silk Shirt. 


Can I Iron a Silk Shirt FAQ

How do you get wrinkles out of a silk shirt?

The most effective way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt is by using an iron. The next best way to remove wrinkles from a silk shirt is by using a steamer. If you do not have a steamer or an iron, you may hang your shirt in the bathroom, and use the steam from hot shower water to help get wrinkles out. 

Can you iron on silk?

To iron silk, turn the garment inside out and lay evenly on the ironing board so that the dull backside is facing upwards. Use a spray bottle filled with water to add moisture to the wrinkled area and cover with a thin cotton press cloth such as a pillowcase or bandana. Adjust the iron to the lowest heat setting and gently hand press the wrinkled areas until the silk is completely wrinkle free. 

How high can you iron silk?

Use the iron on the lowest heat setting to iron silk. This setting may be referred to as low, 1, delicate, or gentle. Some irons even have a silk setting. The silk fabric must also be covered with a cotton press cloth when ironing. Never place a hot iron directly on to silk fabric. 

How do you get wrinkles out of a silk shirt without an iron?

Using a steamer is the next best way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. Fill the steamer's water tank with clean water and use long downward strokes as you work from the top of the shirt to the bottom in order to remove wrinkles. Hanging your shirt in the bathroom and using the steam produced by the hot shower water also helps to remove wrinkles if you do not have access to an iron or steamer. To learn more read our article How to Get Wrinkles Out of Silk Without an Iron