How to Iron a Shirt Properly in Five Minutes

A wrinkled shirt says "I gave up before I left the house." But ironing does not have to be painful — it just needs the right order. Start with the collar, then do the cuffs and sleeves, followed by the back panel, and finish with the front panels (button side last). Use steam generously and iron in long, smooth strokes.

Two tips that make everything easier: iron the shirt while it is still slightly damp from the wash, and use the highest heat safe for the fabric. A properly ironed shirt takes less than five minutes once you have the sequence down. Hang it immediately to avoid new wrinkles. After a few shirts, muscle memory takes over and it stops feeling like a chore.