Myth, clothes have to be ironed to look good

Short answer: Most knitted clothing does not need ironing. If you hang it up straight after washing and smooth it by hand, the creases disappear on their own, and the fabric is spared the heat that wears the surface.

Knit behaves differently from woven fabric

Knitted fabric is built from loops that give and then settle back into place. That is why it smooths out more easily than a woven fabric like a shirt, where threads cross at fixed angles. A knitted T-shirt, top or piece of underwear rarely needs an iron. It is mainly woven fabrics that hold sharp creases.

Hanging replaces ironing

The weight of the wet fabric pulls the creases out as the clothes dry. Take the laundry out as soon as the cycle ends, give it a light shake and hang it up. Smooth the fabric along the seams by hand. A hanger works well for tops. See bamboo bra, which dries well flat or hanging.

Timing matters

The longer clothes sit crumpled in the machine after washing, the deeper the creases set. When fabric dries in a heap, the creases get locked in. Hang your clothes while they are still wet and heavy. A lower spin speed can also help, because the fabric is pressed together less in the drum.

Steam works better than heat

If a garment has deep creases anyway, steam is a gentle fix. Hang it in the bathroom during a hot shower. The steam loosens the creases, and the fabric smooths out by itself. Twenty minutes is often enough. Gently tug the fabric afterwards and let it dry fully. See women's most popular.

How to fold your clothes

Creases do not only come from washing but also from storage. Fold clothes loosely and do not put them under a heavy pile. Roll T-shirts and tops so they do not get sharp folds. Avoid overfilling the drawer. Clothes with a little room come out looking neater in the morning.

Ironing wears the surface

High heat directly on the fabric can make the surface shiny and worn. The fibres can be damaged by contact with a hot iron, which shows especially on dark colours as shiny patches. Knitted fabric can also lose some of its stretch. See most popular from Copenhagen Bamboo for clothes made to be hung up.

If you still want to iron

Sometimes you want a completely smooth finish. Iron on a low setting and turn the garment inside out to protect the outer side. You can place a thin cloth between the iron and the garment. Check the care label for the recommended temperature and glide the iron lightly without pressing.

The conclusion

The myth that clothes must be ironed to look neat does not suit knitted clothing. Hang it up right after washing, smooth it by hand and use steam for deep creases. Your clothes look neat without an iron, and the fabric is spared the heat that wears the surface over time.

Frequently asked questions

Does knitted clothing need ironing

Rarely. If it is hung up straight after washing and smoothed by hand, most creases even out on their own as it dries.

What helps with deep creases

Hang the garment in the bathroom during a hot shower. Twenty minutes of steam loosens most creases completely.

Can ironing damage the fabric

Yes, at high heat. The surface can turn shiny, and the fibres can be damaged by direct contact with a hot iron.