Wrinkled shirts can be a real problem. It is especially difficult to keep track of your clothes when traveling and after a long day at work.
You don’t always have an iron at hand to iron a shirt, but you need to look your best. For such cases, fabrics are made that almost do not wrinkle.
In particular, they are used for sewing men's shirts. Such clothes look stylish and beautiful.
What technologies are used to make men's and women's shirts that do not require ironing and how to distinguish a wrinkle-free shirt from a regular one?
What are the products?
Shirts that do not need to be ironed - these products have gained immense popularity all over the world . The non-standard characteristics of such shirts have given rise to a lot of myths and speculation. One of them is to use only synthetics or crinkled fabrics.
To sew clothes that do not wrinkle, we use high-quality natural materials with a beautiful, smooth surface.
Another misconception is that all fabrics are rough and the product does not fit well on the figure. In fact, high-quality clothes made in Europe can be tailored to suit any body type. The fabric is beautiful and pleasant to the touch.
Both plain shirts of different colors and products with beautiful prints are produced. The fabrics used “breathe”, absorb sweat well , which means they will be comfortable even for those with sensitive skin.
Features of non iron technology
It is the use of special technologies in the manufacture of fabric that makes it resistant to creasing. High-quality fabric samples are obtained using natural materials.
These are strong twisted cotton threads about 1.4 cm long , which are woven into double threads in a special way. They are miniature “ropes” that, after being crushed, easily return to their original position.
This type of production is used in Europe. Fabrics are marked accordingly:
- two-fold,
- two-ply cotton.
They are absolutely safe for health . Wrinkles will appear on these shirts, but not to the same extent as on regular shirts.
To reduce the cost of production, other methods are also used. For example, fabrics are treated with special chemicals. They are called "apprets".
They contain formaldehyde. This chemical is a dangerous carcinogen that enters the body through the pores of the skin and causes severe allergies.
After several washes, the effect of impregnation noticeably decreases, and the shirt begins to wrinkle a lot.
Natural and synthetic fibers are also often mixed . Polyamide or polyester is added to cotton. Fewer creases form on this fabric. But there are also disadvantages.
The texture of the material becomes rough, acquires an unaesthetic shine, and the fibers themselves do not allow air to pass through and practically do not absorb sweat. When worn, a greenhouse effect is created.
What should be the composition so that they do not wrinkle?
High-quality branded products are made from 100% cotton with a special weave of threads. In cheaper shirts, a combination of natural and synthetic fibers is acceptable.
The optimal proportion is: 65% cotton + 35% polyester. Other variations are also possible.
Viscose with wool, linen or elastane wrinkles the least . Wool and viscose are often combined with acrylic. Elastane and nylon are added to cotton threads.
Predecessor of high technology
Experienced housewives used to solve the problem by starching shirts, as well as bed linen and tablecloths. Only white items could be processed this way. But the procedure made them more wear-resistant. Starched items were also less likely to get dirty. Starch is a kind of barrier to dirt.
The procedure is even more complex than simple ironing, which is why manufacturers have begun to offer products made from specially treated material that do not leave creases.
Advantages and disadvantages
The undeniable advantages of non iron products are:
the ability of the product to maintain a fresh and attractive appearance throughout the day (the shirt remains aesthetically pleasing even if it spends a day in a suitcase);- no need to spend a lot of time caring for clothes;
- Such products are convenient to take on a business trip or vacation;
- a wide range of models, as well as a price range, make such shirts affordable.
The disadvantages include:
- the danger of buying low-quality goods treated with harmful chemicals;
- some models may not seem as elegant as regular shirts;
- quality products are expensive.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shirts that do not need to be ironed?
Among the advantages it should be noted:
- maintaining a presentable appearance throughout the day;
- saving time due to the absence of the need for careful ironing;
- ease of use while traveling;
- relatively low prices from a number of manufacturers.
The disadvantages are the following:
- reduced service life due to chemical treatment of the fabric;
- some shirts have a less solid appearance compared to regular cotton ones;
- a number of processing chemicals (sometimes formaldehyde) can cause an allergic reaction;
- The price is too high for a quality product.
How to properly care for things that do not require ironing?
The washing process must be approached responsibly. The most optimal mode is considered to be one intended for hand washing at a speed of 400 revolutions per minute.
The rinse and spin functions are not used. Detergents that do not contain phosphates are best. Rinse aids and other additives can damage fabrics.
A wet shirt should be shaken, the fabric should be carefully straightened and dried only on a trempel. In some cases, clothes can be steamed. It does not take a lot of time.
Men's Noniron shirts and their care:
How to choose the right quality shirt based on fabric
When buying a men's shirt, you always have the question of choosing the material. First of all, the fabric for a men's shirt should be of the highest quality, dense and smooth. In most cases, it is better to choose cotton items. The best option would be a two-woven material, which is silkier and more expressive than standard single-woven cotton. Thanks to this, the shirt becomes denser and more durable. In addition, cotton products have a high-quality texture. They do not stretch or lose shape. When choosing material for a men's shirt, you need to take into account the length of the fiber, which is the most important quality criterion. The length of the fibers must be at least 16 mm. It is best for it to be between 20 and 30 mm. It is believed that using longer fibers makes the fabric softer and more comfortable on the skin. At the same time, it is not necessary to choose products made from 100% cotton. If there is a little synthetic in the shirt, it will only make it more elastic and practical.
How much are?
The cost of the product depends on various factors . The main one is the composition of the fabric. Even in the middle price segment you can find quite high-quality products.
But shirts that are too cheap may turn out to be of poor quality. By chasing a cheap product, you can buy a short-lived item that will also harm your health.
In this case, after the first wash, the necessary characteristics of the fabric disappear. You should be smart about choosing non-iron shirts. All costs will quickly pay off.
You can buy them either in a regular clothing store or order them online . In the first case, it is easier to choose a good thing. In the second, you will have to rely on the honesty of the owners of the online store. It is better to use the services of trusted sites.
The best manufacturers of non iron shirts:
Tommy Hilfiger . Excellent quality casual wear. Comfortable and practical to wear. Things belong to the average price category.- Seidensticker . This brand will be appreciated by adherents of a strict business style.
- Mark & Spencer . They produce high-quality clothes of various styles and styles using wrinkle-resistant materials.
- Hugo Boss . Elite, stylish clothing, which is distinguished by its impeccable cut. An excellent gift for the demanding business man.
Development of non-iron technology
In the mid-twentieth century there was a breakthrough in fabric manufacturing technology. Shirts made of polyester with special processing of the material began to go on sale. This technology is called wash and wear. Wardrobe elements made from fabrics made using this technology can still be found on the market today. Doctors do not recommend wearing such things every day, because polyester is very poorly breathable. The chemical industry rapidly grew and improved, and clothes with wash&go, wrinkle-free labels appeared on the market. They also began to use impregnation of fabrics with formaldehydes, methanol, and aldehydes. It would be a stretch to call such clothing safe. Some chemicals are approved for use. But again, you should not abuse wearing such shirts.
Buyers' opinion
On forums, people are happy to discuss the benefits of wrinkle-resistant shirts. Women no longer spend a lot of time carefully ironing every detail. Ironing is either not required at all or takes just seconds.
Clothes can be chosen according to your figure: there are fitted models, as well as with a straight cut . Men also leave reviews, noting the practicality and durability of such shirts.
Mostly positive reviews prevail. However, some buyers have encountered counterfeits. Such products wrinkle quickly, and there are complaints about the seams.
Customer reviews can be found here and here.
High quality Egyptian cotton
Egyptian cotton is one of the highest quality. The main advantage of this material is the high fiber length, which reaches 35-44 mm. Therefore, the threads of Egyptian cotton yarn are thinner and stronger than those of ordinary cotton. As a result, shirts made from this material are lighter and more durable. They also provide good air exchange.
Positive qualities of Egyptian cotton:
- High breathability, making you feel cozy and comfortable.
- High hydrophilicity, due to which products made from this material absorb moisture well.
- Increased thermal conductivity, so things made of Egyptian cotton do not heat up and are simply irreplaceable in the heat.
- Heat resistance, due to which Egyptian cotton can withstand high temperatures up to 150 °C.
- Softness.
- Strength - A single fiber can support up to 8g of weight.
- Practicality - the material does not require any special care.
Usage
Ironing using a dummy is carried out in the following sequence. Place the clothes on the inflatable doll and secure them with the clasps. Turn on the inflation mode and wait until the inflatable element stretches the clothing. Use additional fasteners to create even stretch on the front and back of your shirt or pants. Turn on the heating mode on the device. After waiting for the process to complete (usually a signal is given), be sure to switch the equipment to cold air supply mode for 30 seconds. Unplug the mannequin and remove its clothes. When ironing shirts, make sure that the cuffs and collar are tightly fastened.
Alternatives
For most housewives, ironing is associated exclusively with the iron, which every family has.
However, progress does not stand still, and today in the household appliances market you can find many alternatives to a conventional iron, which can greatly simplify life.
These alternative options include:
- steamers,
- steam generators,
- ironing mannequins.
Steamer
One such alternative is a steamer. A high-quality steamer will cost at least 15 thousand rubles, simpler models can be purchased for 10 thousand rubles. A manual steamer can be purchased for a more modest amount - from 2 thousand rubles.
Its advantages include:
- more gentle effect on fabric;
- high speed ironing;
- can disinfect things with steam;
- It is impossible to burn or damage the item with a steamer.
Disadvantages of the steamer:
- high price;
- the device is quite large in size (if it is not a manual version);
- In any case, you will have to iron the small details of the shirt: collar, cuffs.
Steam generator
Another alternative option for manual ironing is a home steam generator. Their prices vary from 5 to 40 thousand rubles. (depending on the brand and power of the model).
The advantages of a steam generator include:
- You can iron thick fabrics and even folded items quickly and efficiently;
- ironing with such a device is quick and efficient thanks to the large amount of steam;
- fabrics retain their original appearance longer.
Disadvantages of the steam generator:
- you need a place to store it;
- the device is quite noisy;
- steam generators are not cordless.
Dummy
The most expensive alternative to an iron is an ironing dummy.
A household appliance costs at least 70 tr, and the price for a professional model reaches 200 tr.
You can iron a shirt using such a device very quickly, however, due to the high cost and large size of the device, this is not the most popular “replacement” for an iron.
Step by step instructions
When ironing, it is important to maintain consistency so that the finished parts of the shirt do not wrinkle again. They always start with the hardest and smallest parts; they are the ones that cause the most trouble, but require the highest quality ironing
Collar
The collar is ironed from the bottom (wrong) side, having previously removed the clamps from the corners. Before starting work, stretch the collar and try to remove all sagging and folds of the material with your hands.
Having laid it out on the board, move the fully heated iron from the corners to the center of the collar with the tip of the iron. Try to avoid small folds and fabric pinches. Steam if necessary. Carefully smooth out the post, carefully trace the button, and iron the buttonhole.
Cuffs
The cuffs are ironed from the inside out, having first unbuttoned all the buttons.
When ironing, it is important not to touch them, and to smooth the place of the loops well. The iron is moved from the edge to the center. Then the cuffs are steamed from the front side
Then the cuffs are steamed from the front side.
Sleeves
The greatest difficulty is smoothing the main part of the sleeve without an arrow in the center.
The sleeve must be folded, fixing the seam, and align the central part. Iron the sleeve, moving the iron from the collar to the cuff. The iron is not brought close to the fold in the center so as not to smooth out the arrow. Having ironed the sleeve on both sides, proceed to ironing the central part in one of 2 ways:
- put the sleeve on a small board or roll of fabric;
- unfold, placing the seam not on the side, but at the bottom.
Iron the central part of the sleeve on a board or roller, then return it to its previous position with the seam on the side and remove possible folds and errors.
If the sleeves are wide enough, it is easy to iron the central part without an arrow directly on the board. It is better not to move the iron over the fabric at the location of the bottom of the seam, so as not to create new folds from thickening.
Shelves
The shelves are ironed by placing them on the edge of the ironing board up to the shoulder and side seams. The ironing sequence does not matter
It is important to iron the edge of the shelf where the buttons are sewn, carefully passing between them with the nose of the iron. The pocket is ironed from bottom to top, you also need to go with the nose inward so that the fabric does not puff up and there are no wrinkles
The bar is ironed first from the inside, then from the front side
When ironing, all seams must be slightly stretched so that the product does not wrinkle
The bar is ironed first from the inside, then from the front side. When ironing, all seams should be slightly stretched so that the product does not wrinkle.
Back
The back is ironed from the front side. When ironing the back, only the yoke can cause difficulty. If available, the shirt is put on the edge of the board and ironed, smoothing out the bottom and shoulder seams.
After ironing is completed, the shirt is immediately hung on hangers, giving the collar a natural shape, straightening the shoulders and shoulders. It must cool completely before you can put the shirt away or put it on.
Alternatives
For most housewives, ironing is associated exclusively with the iron, which every family has.
These alternative options include:
- steamers,
- steam generators,
- ironing mannequins.
Steamer
One such alternative is a steamer. A high-quality steamer will cost at least 15 thousand rubles, simpler models can be purchased for 10 thousand rubles. A manual steamer can be purchased for a more modest amount - from 2 thousand rubles.
Its advantages include:
- more gentle effect on fabric;
- high speed ironing;
- can disinfect things with steam;
- It is impossible to burn or damage the item with a steamer.
Disadvantages of the steamer:
- high price;
- the device is quite large in size (if it is not a manual version);
- In any case, you will have to iron the small details of the shirt: collar, cuffs.
Steam generator
Another alternative option for manual ironing is a home steam generator. Their prices vary from 5 to 40 thousand rubles. (depending on the brand and power of the model).
The advantages of a steam generator include:
- You can iron thick fabrics and even folded items quickly and efficiently;
- ironing with such a device is quick and efficient thanks to the large amount of steam;
- fabrics retain their original appearance longer.
Disadvantages of the steam generator:
- you need a place to store it;
- the device is quite noisy;
- steam generators are not cordless.
Dummy
A household appliance costs at least 70 tr, and the price for a professional model reaches 200 tr.
You can iron a shirt using such a device very quickly, however, due to the high cost and large size of the device, this is not the most popular “replacement” for an iron.
Read about special machines for ironing shirts in this article.
Peculiarities
An ironing mannequin is generally an inflatable polyurethane doll in the form of a specific item of clothing (usually a shirt or trousers) with a device connected to it for pumping and heating air. The principle of operation of the ironing mannequin is that the clothes put on it immediately after washing are first straightened with the help of an air flow, and then dried and ironed.
To do this, the air in the inflatable element is gradually heated according to a preset mode, which is usually selected in accordance with the material of the clothing. To carry out ironing with steam, such devices may have a built-in or external steamer, however, its presence is not necessary - clothes are ironed quite well even when interacting with only the heated surface of the inflatable element.
The use of an inflatable rather than a solid mannequin in such devices allows it to be used for both men's and women's shirts and trousers, as well as ironing items of different sizes. The quality of ironing using such systems is comparable to manual ironing with an electric steam iron.
Popular models^
Let's look at some models of ironing machines that can be used for working at home.
Battistella ZEUS A. This is a dummy machine designed for steaming and ironing outerwear. This model comes with a steam generator. The device has manual and electronic control; 16 programs are used.
The device is also equipped with sets of clamps and stretchers. The device operates in hot and cold blowing, as well as steaming modes.
Technical characteristics of Battistella ZEUS A:
- Manufacturer: Italy.
- Boiler volume - 10 l.
- Boost power - 1.75 liters. With.
- Power - 11.8 kW.
- Control - air, steam, air-steam.
- Steam pressure - 5 bar.
- The pump has a power of 0.7 l. With.
- Heating of the exhaust steam - 2 kW.
- Height - 160 cm.
- Width - 58 cm.
- Depth - 144 cm.
- Weight - 135 kg.
- Cost - $5600-5700.
IRONNETTE 85. This is a roller type device with a steam generator. The ironing roller has 5 temperature modes and 3 steam generator operating modes. There is an ironing speed adjustment.
There is an indicator of lack of water in the tank. The laundry is fed from below. The device can be folded very easily and stored in a vertical position.
Technical characteristics of IRONNETTE 85:
- Manufacturer: Czech Republic.
- Boiler capacity - 1.3 l.
- Productivity - 10 kg per hour.
- Shaft length - 85 cm.
- Shaft diameter - 18 cm.
- Ironing speed - adjustable within 2.4-6.8 m/min.
- Power 3.3 kW.
- Width - 94 cm.
- Height - 105 cm.
- Depth - 40 cm.
- The weight of the device is 46 kg.
- Cost - $1100-1400.
Miele HM 16-83. Roller type model. There is a smooth adjustment of temperature and shaft rotation speed (5 speeds). The device has a heating indicator on the control panel.
It is possible to unlock the ironing surface when the power is turned off. The shaft is coated with durable ARAMID material. The machine is controlled by switches on the front panel and pedals.
There is an emergency switch that stops the mechanism if the operator's fingers get under the safety bar.
Feeding and removal of laundry is carried out in the front part of the machine.
Technical characteristics of Miele HM 16-83:
- Manufacturer: Germany.
- The material of the ironing surface is aluminum.
- Shaft diameter - 16 cm.
- Shaft width 83 cm.
- Productivity - 15 kg per hour.
- Power consumption - 3 kW.
- Height - 96 cm.
- Width - 105 cm.
- Depth - 38 cm.
- Cost - $900-1000.
