This is the last instalment in our series on looking after suits at home. The first showed how to brush and generally maintain suits, and the second how to press a jacket. You can see them at those links.
It’s been an interesting process filming and then screening these. Thanks for all the messages from people that have tried this out at home. As we I discussed with Richard in the second video, there are some things that will probably be too tricky to attempt at home, such as pressing around the shoulders and sleevehead.
But there is also plenty that can be safely and effectively, particularly eradicating wrinkles in the trousers, small of the back and sleeves. This is where most wrinkling occurs in any case, because they are bent most often and have less structure.
I hope you enjoy this last video. Trousers can of course also be given an effective crease by a trouser press, but anything from the crotch up will need some more dedicated pressing.
Simon, thanks for all of these videos – YouTube has many examples but none from true experts such as these. In case Michael the presser doesn’t read this could you pass on readers thanks to him…he has openly shared his skills and experience – which could be regarded as ‘trade secrets’ (the trouser seam curve for example). Like all experts he makes the difficult look simple.
Absolutely, will do
Incredible that he’s been doing it for 35+ years!
Quick question. Doesn’t pressing the trouser using an iron without using another separate piece of cloth on top make it shine? Great video btw!
It depends a lot on the cloth and the iron heat, steam etc. But as we mention in the commentary, it’s always best to use a cloth over trousers at home – usually a soaked and wrung-out tea towel
It would be helpful to know what tempuratur the iron was set at.
Great post. Can you please do one on ironing a shirt
I’ve been searching for an answer to this for a quite a while. How can the creases a the back of trousers, at knee level, be prevented? Mine wrinkle and crease awfully, even heavy wool trousers. Can this only be resolved through constant pressing, or is it an issue with cut? If it is the cut of the trousers what cut would prevent this?
It could be down to a number of things, but it seems most likely to be the cut – a slimmer cut will crease more easily as it will have less excess when you sit down and bend your knees.
Hi Simon, very useful video. I got caught out in the rain yesterday, so I would like to press my trousers at home to return the sharp crease and finish. Can you advise as to what temperature the domestic iron should be? I appreciate the need for a wet tea towel and steam. Thanks
It can’t really be too hot if you have that protection – but always worth erring on the safe side so start low
Hi Simon
Are you able to recommend an iron or place to buy a commercial/tailors iron?
I studied at London College Of Fashion and the irons there were amazing (and old). They removed any hint of a crease and left no shine at all. My googling has turned up Norris Steam.
No, sorry – no experience there
Try Norris Steam they sell all types of professional irons and mini steam boilers
Try the Polti Vaporella steam irons. These are semi pro , home steam irons with enough weight and steam power
What do you make of trouser presses from the likes of Corby, Simon? I’ve finally got the space for one in my dressing room and the ease of use and time saving benefits are very appealing.
They are great, particularly if you wear tailored trousers most days of the week
Hi Simon,
As someone with a lot of trousers with turn-ups, how do you find trouser presses such as the corby in dealing with them?
I don’t use a trouser press, I just use an iron. However, it would be nice to have a trouser press as it would be simpler. The turn-ups would be an issue on heavier cloths though. They would still need an iron