How to Iron Cuffs

Why Cuffs Deserve Special Attention

Shirt cuffs are small but highly visible — they peek out from jacket sleeves and are constantly in view when you move your hands. A wrinkled or poorly ironed cuff undermines an otherwise well-dressed look. The good news is that cuffs are quick to iron once you know the right technique for each type.

What You'll Need

• A steam iron — the BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron with a pointed tip is ideal for working around buttons and into tight cuff areas
• An ironing board — the Amazon Basics Tabletop Ironing Board
• A spray bottle — the BeautifyBeauties Continuous Mister for dampening cuffs before ironing
• A sleeve ironing board — the Newhouse Padded Sleeve Ironing Board makes cuff and sleeve ironing significantly easier

General Rules for Ironing Cuffs

• Always unbutton cuffs completely before ironing — ironing over a closed button creates a permanent crease around it
• Iron the inside of the cuff first, then the outside
• Use the tip of the iron to work around buttons — never press directly over them
• Iron while slightly damp for the best result

How to Iron Standard Barrel Cuffs

Barrel cuffs are the most common type — a single layer of fabric that fastens with one or two buttons.

1. Unbutton the cuff completely.
2. Lay the cuff flat on the ironing board, opening it out fully.
3. Iron the inside (the side that touches your wrist) first. Work from the edges toward the center, using the tip of the iron around the buttonhole.
4. Flip and iron the outside. Use the tip of the iron to press right up to the button without going over it.
5. Fold the cuff back to its closed position and press the fold lightly.

How to Iron French Cuffs (Double Cuffs)

French cuffs are longer and fold back on themselves, fastened with cufflinks rather than buttons. They require a slightly different approach.

1. Unfold the cuff completely so it lies flat — it will be twice the length of a standard cuff.
2. Iron the entire length on both sides, working from the edges inward.
3. Pay special attention to the cufflink holes — use the tip of the iron to press right up to the edges of each hole.
4. Fold the cuff back to its wearing position (folded back on itself) and press the fold lightly.
5. The fold line should be crisp but not sharply creased — French cuffs have a soft, elegant fold rather than a hard crease.

How to Iron Cuffs on a Sleeve Board

A sleeve ironing board makes cuff ironing much easier, especially for fitted sleeves where it's hard to lay the cuff flat on a standard board without creating back creases.

1. Slide the sleeve over the Newhouse Padded Sleeve Ironing Board.
2. Position the cuff at the end of the board.
3. Iron the cuff all the way around without any back creases forming — the narrow board allows you to access all sides.
4. Work up the sleeve from the cuff toward the shoulder.

Common Cuff Ironing Problems and Fixes

• Crease around the button: Caused by ironing over a closed button. Always unbutton before ironing. To fix an existing crease: dampen, unbutton, and re-iron carefully around the button.
• Double crease on the cuff edge: Caused by the cuff not being laid flat before ironing. Dampen and re-iron with the cuff fully open and flat.
• Shine on the cuff: Caused by too much heat or pressure on synthetic or blended fabrics. Use a pressing cloth and reduce the temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I iron cuffs before or after sleeves?

Iron cuffs before sleeves. Start at the cuff and work up the sleeve toward the shoulder — this way you won't re-wrinkle the cuff while ironing the sleeve above it.

How do I iron around cuff buttons without damaging them?

Use the pointed tip of the iron to work right up to the edge of each button. Iron from both sides of the button rather than over it. For plastic buttons, be especially careful — direct heat can melt or warp them.

Can I use a steamer on cuffs?

A steamer removes wrinkles but won't give you the crisp, flat result that an iron produces. For a sharp, professional cuff finish, use an iron. The HiLIFE Handheld Steamer is useful for a quick refresh between wears.

How do I keep cuffs crisp all day?

Iron while slightly damp, use the correct heat for the fabric, and hang the shirt immediately after ironing. For extra crispness, a light spray of starch on the cuffs before ironing helps them hold their shape throughout the day.