Steam vs. Iron? Here's What's Best for Every Type of Fabric

Nothing can turn a great outfit into a fashion disaster quite like wrinkles. Crumpled clothes can make you look and feel disheveled, leaving a less-than-stellar impression on anyone you encounter throughout the day. But the good news is that ironing or steaming your clothes can transform your entire look and make you feel like a million bucks.

Keep in mind, however, that not all fabrics are created equal. Knowing when to steam and when to iron is the key to keeping all of your pieces perfectly pressed. To help you feel your best as you walk out the door to greet the day, we’ve consulted fabric experts for the best practices. Keep reading to find out how to remove wrinkles from every type of material, from cotton to denim and everything in between.

The Difference Between Steaming and Ironing

According to Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer at Steamery, both steaming and ironing are effective methods for keeping clothes fresh and wrinkle-free; the only difference is how they work.

Ironing

“Ironing relies on direct contact with a heated metal plate that is pressed against the fabric, physically flattening the fibers and forcing wrinkles out through pressure and heat,” explains Lewenhaupt. “This creates a crisp, sharp press that is often desired for dress clothes.” According to fabric care expert Alicia Sokolowski, ironing is ideal for creating crisp creases, flattening heavy wrinkles, and shaping structured garments like dress shirts, cotton, linen, or denim.

Steaming

Steaming works indirectly, using hot steam to relax fibers, allowing them to swell and regain their natural shape without direct contact or pressure, according to Lewenhapt. This makes it the gentler, safer option for delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, and chiffon, as well as garments with pleats or additional embellishments, such as beading. “Steaming is often the quicker and easier process, as it doesn’t require a flat surface or as much space as ironing,” adds Lewenhaupt.

Ironing and Steaming Depending on Fabric Type

“In general, ironing presses and reshape fabric, while steaming relaxes and refreshes it,” says Sokolowski. When deciding whether to clean or steam your garment, consider its material first, as it can make all the difference.

Cotton

There’s nothing better than a soft and wrinkle-free cotton t-shirt. According to Sokolowski, ironing is the best method for cotton. “Cotton is a strong and durable fabric that responds well to high heat and holds crisp creases,” she says. “Steaming can relax minor wrinkles, but ironing gives the garments a sharper and long-lasting finish.”

Instructions:

1. Set the iron to the cotton/high heat setting.
2. Lightly dampen the fabric or use the steam function.
3. Lay the garment flat on an ironing board.
4. Iron in straight strokes with even and firm pressure.
5. Focus on collars, cuffs, and seams last.
6. Allow the garment to cool before folding or wearing.

Note: “Cotton can handle both ironing and steaming since it’s a durable natural fabric,” notes Lewenhaupt. As a result, it can tolerate heat well. However, excessive ironing over time can lead to unnecessary wear, he says.

Linen

If you’ve ever owned a linen blouse, you know how bad the wrinkles can get. “Linen wrinkles very easily and needs strong heat and moisture to smooth out completely,” says Sokolowski. “Steaming can help with minor touch-ups, but ironing gives an overall crisp, polished look.” She recommends ironing your linen garment while it is still slightly damp.

Instructions:

1. Set the iron to high heat with steam.
2. Work in small sections.
3. Apply firm, steady pressure.
4. Hang immediately after ironing.

According to Lewenhaupt, steaming is a good way to remove wrinkles from linen regularly without damaging the fabric.

Instructions:

1. Prepare your garment by placing it on a hanger and positioning it near the outlet that is currently heating your steamer.
2. Begin steaming by grabbing the bottom of the garment and holding it taut as you move the steamer over the fabric.
3. Press the steamer against the garment and move it in the direction that best suits its shape.

Note: “For collars and smaller areas, use a heat-protected tool like a glove and hold it behind the fabric as you steam to create a more pressed look,” advises Lewenhaupt.

Polyester

Your polyester activewear is washed often and needs consistent, careful wrinkle treatment. “Synthetic fibers like polyester are more heat sensitive and can melt or become shiny if exposed to high temperatures from an iron,” cautions Lewenhaupt. “Steaming is usually the safest option, as it removes wrinkles without direct contact and reduces the risk of heat damage,” he says.

Instructions:

1. Hang the garment on a hanger.
2. Set the steamer to low or medium.
3. Hold the steamer a few inches from the fabric.
4. Move from top to bottom slowly.
5. Let the garment dry completely before wearing, says Sokolowski.

Silk

You will want to be extra careful when handling your delicate silk garments, as too much heat and pressure could permanently damage them. According to Sokolowski, steaming is ideal, as it gently removes wrinkles while keeping the fabric smooth and safe. Additionally, “steaming reduces the risk of scorch marks and water stains and can help maintain the silk’s softness and natural sheen,” says Lewenhaupt.

Instructions:

1. Hang the garment away from the walls.
2. Use clean distilled water in the steamer.
3. Hold the steamer several inches away.
4. Lightly steam without soaking the fabric.
5. Allow your silk garment to air dry fully.

Wool

Those favorite winter wool pants of yours will stay in tip-top shape if you steam out their wrinkles. While wool items can be ironed, they are best preserved when steamed. “Wool fibers respond well to moisture and heat, but can flatten or scorch when ironed directly at high heat,” cautions Sokolowski. “Steaming refreshes the fabric, removes wrinkles, and preserves the texture way better,” she says.

Instructions:

1. Hang the garment or lay it flat.
2. Hold the steamer slightly away from the fabric.
3. Steam gently without pressing into the wool.
4. Let the wrinkles relax naturally.
5. Allow to dry before storing.

Denim

The next time you pull your wrinkly jeans out of the dryer, remember that ironing is your friend. Because denim is a thick, durable material, ironing with high heat and steam works best for removing deep wrinkles and maintaining its structure. “Steaming alone is usually not sufficient,” says Sokolowski.

Instructions:

1. Turn your denim inside out.
2. Set the iron to high heat.
3. Use steam generously.
4. Iron flat areas first, then seams.
5. Let the garments cool before folding.

Rayon (Viscose)

Rayon is a finicky fabric that calls for special care. According to Sokolowski, wrinkled rayon (viscose) garments are best steamed. Why? “Rayon is prone to shrinking, warping, or burning when exposed to direct heat,” she says. “Steaming safely removes wrinkles without risking damage.” 

Instructions:

1. Hang garments properly.
2. Hold the steamer a few inches away.
3. Steam gently from top to bottom.
4. Avoid soaking the fabric.
5. Let the clothes dry completely before wearing.

Note: If ironing is your only option, do it very carefully on a low setting with a pressing cloth. 

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Wrinkles

Before the steamer or iron even needs to make an appearance, you can prevent wrinkles in your clothing by following these expert tips.

• Remove your clothes from the dryer immediately.
• Shake out garments before hanging or folding.
• Use proper hangers.
• Don’t overcrowd your closet.
• Fold the knitwear instead of hanging it.
• Make sure to use the correct wash cycle and temperature.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Heat-Related Damage

Unfortunately, heat-related damage is common when it comes to clothing care. For this reason, you will want to bear in mind certain safety tips to keep your cherished garments in pristine condition.

• Always consult the care label first.
• Always start with the lowest heat setting.
• Use a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics.
• Keep the iron moving – never leave it resting in one spot.
• Turn your garments inside out when ironing.
• Use distilled water in irons and steamers to prevent mineral buildup.
• Let your garments cool first before folding or wearing.
• Always test on an inside seam first.