Can You Steam a Silk Shirt? (Answered)


Steaming is a great way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. Using a steamer is an effective, gentle, and quick way to get your shirt ready to wear. Its best to turn your silk shirt inside out before steaming, so that you can apply the steam from the dull backside of the fabric. Hold the mouth of steamer 1-2in. (3-6cm) from the surface of the silk, and use long downward strokes to remove wrinkles.  


This is: Can You Steam a Silk Shirt? (Answered)

can you steam a silk shirt banner image with a man wearing a blue long sleeve silk shirt

Using a steamer is a great way to get wrinkles out of cotton, wool, and polyester, but can silk shirts be steamed as well?


Silk is a delicate fabric that has a specific set of care requirements, and below we discuss if a steamer can be used to care for and get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. 


Continue reading to find out!


Contents:


Can You Steam a Silk Shirt?

Steaming is a great way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. Using a steamer is an effective, gentle, and quick way to get your silk shirt ready to wear. Its best to turn your silk shirt inside out before steaming, so that you can apply the steam from the dull backside of the fabric. Hold the mouth of steamer 1-2in. (3-6cm) from the surface of the silk, and use long downward strokes to remove wrinkles. 


Continue reading below to see our step-by-step instructions on how to steam a silk shirt. 


If you'd like inspiration and ideas for new outfits, try reading our Men's Guide on How to Wear a Silk Shirt. 


Maintain the quality of your silk shirt for longer by learning from our other silk shirt care guides below:


How to Steam a Silk Shirt

Steaming your silk shirt will only take about 10-15 minutes, and can be done by following the steps below. 

1. Fill Water Tank

Fill the steamer's water tank with fresh, clean water. Avoid using old, stale water to steam your silk shirt.

photo of a person filling a steamer's water tank under the tap in the sink

2. Turn Steamer On

Turn the steamer on, and allow it to fully power up. If the steamer is dripping or spitting hot water, be sure to wait until it stops, and use a cloth to wipe it off before you begin steaming the shirt. 

photo of a steamer emitting white hot steam into the air

3. Turn Shirt Inside Out

Turn the shirt inside out and hang it so you are able to steam from the dull backside of the silk. 

photo of a silk shirt turned inside out

4. Begin Steaming

Begin steaming your shirt. Start at the top of the shirt and use long downward strokes as you work your way towards the bottom of the garment. Keep the mouth of the steamer 1-2in. (3.6cm) from the surface of the silk. 

photo of a silk shirt being steamed

5. Use Downward Strokes

Work your way from the top of the shirt to the bottom using long downward strokes. Move the steamer slowly and continue steaming until all the wrinkles have been completely removed. 


Tip: If your shirt is made from a thicker silk fabric, such as 22 or 25 momme silk, you may have to use upward strokes, and well as steam from the front side of the shirt in order to get out stubborn wrinkles or creases. 

photo of a steamer being used in a downward motion on a silk shirt

If you have clothing garments made out of satin you may want to read our detailed article on How to Steam Satin.


Can You Steam a Silk Shirt FAQ

Can you use a steamer on a silk shirt?

Yes, a steamer can be used on a silk shirt. Using a steamer is a gentle and effective way to get wrinkles out of a silk shirt. Use long downward strokes and work your way from the top of the shirt to the bottom, when steaming a silk shirt. 

Can you use a steamer on 100% silk?

Yes, using a steamer is a great way to get wrinkles out of garments made from 100% silk fabric. Steaming 100% silk is a gentle and effective way to remove wrinkles quickly and easily while at home or while traveling. 

How do you steam clean a silk shirt?

Using a steamer on your silk shirt will remove wrinkles as well as kill germs and bacteria. Steaming is a gentle way for straightening and cleaning silk shirts, and can be done at home in just a few minutes. Turn the shirt inside out and use long downward strokes. Use your free hand to help the steamer get hard to reach places, like the underarm area. 

Does steaming shrink silk?

Using steam on silk can indeed lead to a small amount of shrinkage, although it is unlikely that the shrinkage is signifiant enough for you to really notice. Steaming is a gentle and effective way to get wrinkles out of silk garments and bedding.