How to Iron Denim / Jeans

Can You Iron Denim?

Yes — denim irons well and responds to heat effectively. Denim is a sturdy cotton-based fabric that can handle medium to high heat, making it one of the more forgiving fabrics to iron. The main considerations are ironing inside out to protect the color, using steam for stubborn wrinkles, and being careful with stretch denim that contains elastane.

The Right Iron Settings for Denim

• Temperature: Medium to high heat — two to three dots on the iron dial. Standard denim handles high heat well. Stretch denim (containing elastane/spandex) should be ironed at medium heat only.
• Steam: Yes — steam helps penetrate denim's thick weave and releases wrinkles more effectively than dry heat alone.
• Fabric condition: Slightly damp is ideal. Remove from the dryer while still slightly damp, or mist with a spray bottle before ironing.

The BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron (1200W) produces strong steam at medium-high temperatures — well-suited for denim's thick weave. Use the BeautifyBeauties Continuous Mister to keep denim damp during ironing.

Step-by-Step: How to Iron Jeans

1. Check the care label. Standard denim: two to three dots. Stretch denim: two dots maximum.
2. Turn the jeans inside out. This protects the outer surface from shine and preserves the color of dark-wash denim.
3. Set the iron to medium-high heat with steam on. Allow to heat up fully.
4. Iron the waistband first. Slide the waistband over the narrow end of the ironing board and iron all the way around, including around belt loops.
5. Iron the pockets. Turn pockets inside out and iron flat before turning back in.
6. Iron the legs. Lay one leg flat on the ironing board, aligning the inseam with the outseam. Iron from the waistband to the hem, then flip and repeat on the other side.
7. Create the front crease (optional). For a sharp front crease, align the leg seams carefully and press firmly along the center front of the leg from knee to hem, then knee to waistband. Use the steam burst function for extra crispness.
8. Repeat for the second leg.
9. Hang immediately on a trouser hanger.

Ironing Dark Denim

Dark-wash denim is prone to shine marks from direct iron contact. Always iron dark denim inside out. If you need to iron the outside (for the front crease), use a pressing cloth between the iron and the denim to prevent shine.

Ironing Stretch Denim

Stretch denim contains elastane or spandex fibers that give it its stretch. These fibers degrade with heat over time. Use medium heat (two dots) rather than high heat, and avoid prolonged heat exposure in any one area. A steamer is a good alternative for stretch denim — the HiLIFE Handheld Steamer removes wrinkles without the heat risk to elastane fibers.

Ironing Denim Jackets and Shirts

Follow the same principles as jeans — inside out, medium-high heat, steam. For denim jackets, iron the collar and cuffs first, then the sleeves, then the body panels. Use the Newhouse Padded Sleeve Ironing Board for sleeves to avoid back creases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I iron jeans inside out?

Yes — always iron denim inside out. This prevents shine marks on the outer surface and preserves the color of dark-wash denim. The inside of denim is lighter and more heat-tolerant.

How do I get a sharp crease in jeans?

Align the leg seams carefully (inseam to outseam), mist lightly with a spray bottle, and press firmly along the center front of the leg with high heat and steam. Denim holds a crease well when ironed correctly while slightly damp.

Can I iron raw denim?

Raw denim (unwashed, untreated denim) should be ironed inside out on medium heat. Raw denim is more prone to color transfer and shrinkage than washed denim — be conservative with heat and moisture.

Why does my denim feel stiff after ironing?

Denim naturally stiffens when dried and ironed without moisture. Iron while slightly damp for a softer result. If the denim is still stiff after ironing, it may have been over-dried — a short tumble in the dryer with a damp towel can soften it before ironing.