How to Iron a Collar

Why the Collar Is the Most Important Part to Iron

The collar is the first thing people notice on a shirt. A crisp, flat collar signals a well-dressed, put-together appearance. A wrinkled or poorly ironed collar — especially one with creased or curled collar points — undermines the whole outfit, even if the rest of the shirt is perfectly pressed.

The good news is that ironing a collar correctly takes less than two minutes once you know the technique.

What You'll Need

• A steam iron — the BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron with a pointed tip is ideal for getting into collar points precisely
• An ironing board — the Amazon Basics Tabletop Ironing Board
• A spray bottle — the BeautifyBeauties Continuous Mister for dampening the collar before ironing

The Most Common Collar Ironing Mistake

Ironing from the center of the collar outward toward the points. This pushes fabric toward the tips and creates a small crease or pucker right at the collar point — the most visible spot. Always iron from the points inward toward the center.

Step-by-Step: How to Iron a Collar

Step 1: Unfold the Collar

Unfold the collar completely so it lies flat. If the collar has collar stays (small metal or plastic strips in the collar points), remove them before ironing.

Step 2: Lightly Mist the Collar

Spray the collar lightly with the spray bottle. Damp fabric irons much more smoothly than dry fabric, and the collar will hold its shape better.

Step 3: Iron the Underside First

Lay the collar flat on the ironing board with the underside (the side that faces your neck) facing up. Starting at one collar point, iron toward the center. Repeat from the other collar point toward the center. Use the tip of the iron to press right into the collar points — this is where precision matters most.

Step 4: Iron the Outside

Flip the collar over so the outside (the visible side) faces up. Repeat the same process — from each collar point toward the center. Press firmly and use steam.

Step 5: Press the Collar Stand

The collar stand is the band of fabric that connects the collar to the shirt body. Iron this section carefully, working around the button and buttonhole. Use the tip of the iron to get into the curved areas.

Step 6: Fold and Press

Fold the collar back down into its wearing position and press the fold lightly. Don't press too hard — the fold should be neat but not sharply creased.

Tips for Different Collar Types

• Spread collar (wide points): Standard technique works well. The wider points are easier to iron without creasing.
• Point collar (narrow points): Use the very tip of the iron and work carefully into the narrow points. Take your time.
• Button-down collar: Unbutton the collar points before ironing. Iron the points flat, then re-button.
• Mandarin / band collar: No fold — just iron the band flat all the way around.
• Polo shirt collar: Iron flat with medium heat. Polo collars are usually pique cotton and respond well to steam.

How to Keep a Collar Crisp All Day

• Use collar stays — small metal strips that slot into the collar points and keep them flat throughout the day
• Use a light spray of starch before ironing for extra crispness that lasts longer
• Hang shirts immediately after ironing — don't fold them
• Store shirts on proper hangers with the collar buttoned to maintain its shape

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my collar points curl up after ironing?

Usually because the collar wasn't ironed damp enough, or the iron temperature was too low. Mist the collar thoroughly, use the correct heat for the fabric, and press firmly from the points inward. Collar stays also help keep points flat after ironing.

How do I iron a collar without an ironing board?

Use a rolled-up towel on a flat surface — the rounded shape mimics the narrow end of an ironing board and works well for collars. Alternatively, use the Gorilla Grip Ironing Board Cover laid flat on a table as a heat-resistant ironing surface.

Should I iron the collar before or after the rest of the shirt?

Always iron the collar first. It's the most detailed area and requires the most precision. Ironing it first means you won't accidentally re-wrinkle it while working on the rest of the shirt.

Can I use a steamer on a collar?

A steamer removes wrinkles but won't give you the crisp, flat result that an iron produces. For a truly sharp collar, use an iron. A steamer is useful for a quick refresh between wears.