Ironing a sweatshirt, do you need to

Short answer: As a rule, a sweatshirt does not need ironing. The softly knitted fabric should hang or lie smooth after washing, and creases fade by themselves. If you still want to iron, use low heat, the inside out, and a thin cloth.

The short answer

Sweatshirts are made to sit loose and soft, and most do not need ironing. The fabric is knitted rather than woven, so it does not form sharp folds the way a shirt does. You save time and go easy on the garment by simply letting it dry properly and wearing it.

Why ironing is not necessary

Knitted fabric has some give and straightens itself out when you wear it and move. Creases from drying often disappear within an hour. The heat of an iron can even press the fabric flat and make it less soft, so you lose the soft feel you chose the garment for.

Avoid creases already while drying

Shake the sweatshirt out firmly when it comes out of the machine and lay it smooth, and there will be fewer creases. Do not hang it on a narrow hanger, but lay it flat or over a drying rack. Smooth the sleeves and body with your hand while the fabric is damp, and let it dry lengthwise.

If you still want to iron

Check the label first and always choose the lowest heat. Turn the sweatshirt inside out, lay a thin cloth over it, and press the iron briefly against the fabric without sliding it back and forth. Avoid pressure on prints and embroidery, and never leave the iron standing still. Try a hidden edge first.

Steam as an alternative

Instead of an iron, you can hang the sweatshirt in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, or use a steamer from a distance. The steam loosens the fibres, and creases slip out without direct heat on the fabric. It suits hoodies such as a bamboo hoodie for men, where the thickness can bunch. Let it dry fully afterwards.

Watch out for prints and details

If the sweatshirt has a print, a zip or an embroidered detail, it is extra sensitive to heat. Plastic and prints can melt or stick to the iron. In that case, iron only on the inside and keep away from the design itself. The same caution applies to other sweat, such as bamboo sweatpants for men, where pockets and cords should not be pressed hard.

Storage means fewer creases

Fold the sweatshirt neatly rather than stuffing it in the drawer, and put heavier things beside it, not on top. If you hang it, use a wide hanger. Take it out in good time if you need it, so any folds have time to slip out by themselves.

The rest of the wardrobe

The same approach suits other knitted clothes, such as T-shirts. They are also made to sit relaxed, and most can do without the iron if they dry well. See the range among bamboo T-shirts for men, and remember that a few sharp folds do not matter when clothes are worn.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to iron a sweatshirt?

Normally not. Knitted fabric straightens itself out as you wear it, and creases from drying often vanish quickly. Use low heat if you do want to iron.

Can the iron damage the sweatshirt?

Yes, too much heat can make the fabric flat and less soft, and prints can melt. Follow the label, turn the garment inside out and use a thin cloth in between.

What helps with creases without an iron?

Steam from a hot shower or a steamer held at a distance loosens creases. You can also leave the sweatshirt hanging for a few hours, and it often straightens itself out.

See our range of men's bamboo sweater.