I can't think of too many guys that like ironing, though quite a few do it (as much to save money on drycleaning as anything else), but I want to make a case for why ironing is an important style ritual. Now, I don't mean ritual in some sort of spiritual sense, although for the more diehard enthusiasts, that might be the case. By ritual, I mean an important part of the process of dressing. Caring for any part of your wardrobe is important, and the soft goods like shirts, pants, and suits need as much attention as anything.
Now, I understand that a lot of guys think ironing something belongs in the feminine domain. I can think of many of my past clients who always made a crack or two about it. I think this is simply not the case. If guys want to own their style, they need to own their wardrobe too, and ironing is part of that ownership too.
To give an example: When I was involved in cadets as a kid growing up, we all took meticulous care of our uniforms, and any soldier will testify that this is the case as you go up higher in rank. Your uniform, or outfit, is an extension of yourself, and caring for it is a sign of pride in who you are. I spent many hours polishing my parade boots to a mirror shine, and that practice has come in handy as I've grown older and come to own many pairs of expensive dress shoes.
Ironing is no different. If you iron your shirts and slacks yourself, your going to start noticing things. A loose thread here, a button coming undone their, and noticing those things is going to allow you to prevent them from getting worse. Almost every time I've found something to mend in my wardrobe, it's while caring for it. By delegating that duty to someone else, whether a significant other or a drycleaner, it could get missed. Do it yourself, because you'll care for things like no one else will.
Ironing your shirts doesn't have to be a boring activity. Set up the board while the game is on , or something else you enjoy watching, and pour yourself a glass of your beverage of choice (whiskey on the rocks, for example). Enjoy the experience, the ritual, of taking care of your clothes, and they'll take care of you.
Do you iron your own clothes? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments and I'll see if I can offer any more advice.
- Mr. S
Resources
How to Iron a Dress Shirt and Pants
Any other resources that would be good for this post? Let me know inf the comments.
Now, I understand that a lot of guys think ironing something belongs in the feminine domain. I can think of many of my past clients who always made a crack or two about it. I think this is simply not the case. If guys want to own their style, they need to own their wardrobe too, and ironing is part of that ownership too.
To give an example: When I was involved in cadets as a kid growing up, we all took meticulous care of our uniforms, and any soldier will testify that this is the case as you go up higher in rank. Your uniform, or outfit, is an extension of yourself, and caring for it is a sign of pride in who you are. I spent many hours polishing my parade boots to a mirror shine, and that practice has come in handy as I've grown older and come to own many pairs of expensive dress shoes.
Ironing is no different. If you iron your shirts and slacks yourself, your going to start noticing things. A loose thread here, a button coming undone their, and noticing those things is going to allow you to prevent them from getting worse. Almost every time I've found something to mend in my wardrobe, it's while caring for it. By delegating that duty to someone else, whether a significant other or a drycleaner, it could get missed. Do it yourself, because you'll care for things like no one else will.
Ironing your shirts doesn't have to be a boring activity. Set up the board while the game is on , or something else you enjoy watching, and pour yourself a glass of your beverage of choice (whiskey on the rocks, for example). Enjoy the experience, the ritual, of taking care of your clothes, and they'll take care of you.
Do you iron your own clothes? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments and I'll see if I can offer any more advice.
- Mr. S
Resources
How to Iron a Dress Shirt and Pants
Any other resources that would be good for this post? Let me know inf the comments.
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