In the garment industry, ironing (sometimes also called pressing depending on the stage) is the process of applying heat, pressure, and sometimes steam to fabrics or finished garments to:
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Remove wrinkles and creases created during stitching, handling, or packaging.
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Shape the garment according to the design, helping seams, collars, pleats, and hems lie properly.
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Set and finish seams so they stay flat and neat.
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Improve appearance and presentation, making the garment look smooth, polished, and ready for sale.
Key Points:
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Stages of Ironing:
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Under-pressing: Done during garment construction (e.g., after sewing seams, darts, collars) to give shape.
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Top-pressing/Final pressing: Done after the garment is fully stitched, to give the final finished look before packing.
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Equipment:
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Traditional hand irons.
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Steam irons and steam presses.
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Vacuum tables, steam tunnels, and automated pressing machines in large-scale production.
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Importance:
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Enhances the quality and durability of the garment.
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Plays a big role in customer perception, since a crisp, well-pressed garment appears higher quality.
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In some fabrics (like wool or polyester blends), ironing/pressing also helps in heat-setting the shape permanently.
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In short, ironing in the garment industry isn’t just about removing wrinkles like at home—it’s a critical step in garment finishing and quality control.
