How to Remove Tie Wrinkles
If your neckties are made with high quality silk, they’ll spring back to life even after repeated tying. But sometimes, you’ll get a stubborn wrinkle or crease caused by improper necktie storage. This can happen at home, but more often, wrinkles happen while traveling as your ties and other clothes get tossed around inside a suitcase.
Lots of people bring their wrinkled ties to a dry cleaner, which may work. However, the cleaners may also ruin your tie. Plus, you’ll be paying them money for a 5-minute task you can do in a hotel room. Ready to start de-wrinkling ties yourself? Just follow the advice below.
Ironing Neckties
An iron can remove necktie wrinkles very easily – but when done incorrectly – the iron can make your tie flat and lifeless, like a piece of cardboard or a dead fish. Here are my steps to properly iron a tie.
Start by setting your iron to a cooler temperature. Many modern irons even have a specific setting for silk. Use a cloth barrier, such as a t-shirt or fine towel. Turn the tie over and iron on the back. Don’t iron forcefully, as if you’re working on a dress shirt. Instead press gently and check the wrinkles as you go.
When to Use a Steamer
Although an iron usually works just fine, a steamer might be better when you have an expensive tie. Some luxury ties are adorned with metal or gemstone details, which make ironing difficult and risky. Steaming is the most gentle method and while it may take extra time, it usually works to remove stubborn tie creases.
Turn on the steam iron and let it warm up to operating temperature. When it’s hot, hold the steamer about 4 inches from the tie. Do not directly apply the steamer head to the fabric. With the device positioned below (to avoid drips), allow the steam to waft upward around the tie for 1-2 minutes. You should begin to see the wrinkles disappear.
Briefly allow the moisture to dissipate, then gently roll up your tie (small end to large end) and let it sit for a few hours. If you cannot remove the wrinkles after steaming once or twice, you probably need a new tie (and perhaps it’s time to reconsider your tie storage methods).
Step by Step Steaming Instructions
- Turn on your steam iron and let it warm up.
- Allow the steam to waft around the tie.
- Gently roll the tie from the small end to the large end.
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