How to Iron a Polo Shirt the Right Way

Most polos don't need ironing if you dry them properly. But when a polo comes out of a drawer creased, or you want it looking sharp for a meeting, here's how to press it without flattening the knit, shining the fabric or curling the collar.

Do you even need to iron?

Often, no. Piqué — the textured knit most polos are made from — hides small creases far better than a woven shirt. If you smooth the polo by hand while it's damp and dry it on a wide hanger, it will usually be ready to wear. Save the iron for creases you can actually see; pressing a knit hard and often flattens its texture over time.

Before you start

• Check the care label. Cotton takes medium heat. Blends with polyester or elastane need lower heat. If in doubt, start low.
• Use filtered water in a steam iron if your tap water is hard, as it is in many Indian cities. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that can spit white specks onto dark fabric.
• Iron slightly damp. If the polo is bone dry, mist it with a spray bottle. Creases release faster and with less heat.
• Turn it inside out. Direct heat on the outer face can leave shiny patches, especially on dark piqué.

Temperature

Use the cotton or medium setting with steam. High heat can scorch cotton, flatten the piqué texture and harden collar ribbing.

Step by step

1. The collar

Start here; it's what people see. Lay the collar flat, underside up, and press from the points in towards the centre with steam. Working inwards keeps the points from curling. Turn it over and repeat lightly. Then let it cool flat on the board for half a minute — cooling is what sets the shape.

A collar built on a separate collar band, like The Signature's, holds its line with very little pressing. A single layer of rib needs firmer pressing and a longer cool-down.

2. The placket

Press the button placket from the inside, working around the buttons, not over them. Pressing over buttons can crack them and leaves an impression on the front. Keep it gentle — you don't want a hard crease down the chest.

3. Shoulders

Slip the polo over the narrow end of the board so the shoulder seam sits on the edge, and press from the seam downwards. This smooths the shoulders and upper back, which crease most on a hanger.

4. Front and back

Still inside out, press the front and back in long, light strokes from the shoulders down. Don't lean on the seams, which can leave shiny lines. If there's a printed or rubberised logo — like the small tonal mark near the hem of our polos — iron around it or put a thin cotton cloth over it.

5. Sleeves

Lay each sleeve flat and press lightly, without making a sharp crease along the top. A polo sleeve should look soft and rounded, not pressed like a dress shirt.

6. Hang and cool

Hang the polo on a wide hanger straight away, do up the top button and let it cool completely before you wear it. Warm fabric creases easily.

Using a press service

If you hand polos to a local press-wala, ask for medium heat, pressing inside out, and no sharp crease on the collar or sleeves. Very hot irons and heavy pressure on the collar are the most common causes of shine and curl.

Steamer or iron?

A handheld garment steamer suits polos well. It relaxes creases without pressing the piqué flat, and it's quick for a touch-up before you leave.

• Use a steamer for quick touch-ups, travel, and general creasing on piqué.
• Use an iron for stubborn creases and for the collar, where a flat surface gives the crispest result.

How to avoid ironing at all

• Take it out of the machine promptly. Cotton creases most when it sits wet and crumpled in the drum.
• Shake and smooth while damp: collar, placket and body, with your hands.
• Dry it on a wide hanger, in the shade. Gravity does most of the work.
• If you tumble dry, use low heat, remove it slightly damp and hang it at once.
• Fold it the same way every time, or hang it, so it doesn't pick up random creases.

For the full washing routine, see how to wash a polo shirt without ruining it, or our quick care guide.

Common questions

Can you iron a polo shirt with a logo?

Yes — iron around it, or put a thin cotton cloth over it. Direct heat can melt embroidery threads, crack prints or leave a shiny outline.

Should you iron piqué polos?

Only when they need it. Piqué hides small creases, and heavy pressing flattens its texture. Use steam and light pressure, or a steamer.

How do you stop a polo collar from curling?

Press it flat from the underside with steam and let it cool on the board. Day to day, avoid high-heat tumble drying and smooth the collar flat while the shirt is damp.