Off the cuff

There’s nothing worse than having creased trousers, even if your jacket is pristine, having scruffy trousers will make you look completely dishevelled.

It’s actually really easy and simple to press your trousers, although lots of people seem to be scared because they believe it will add shine to the garment. The main thing to remember is that you iron shirts, but you press trousers.

At this time of year being able to press your trousers is a very useful skill to master, as the weather worsens it’s possible that your trousers may lose their crease and you will need to re-establish it. Also, it’s party season – it’s likely that at some point you will have to take a suit to work to change in to at some point. For example, if it’s your office Christmas party and you’ve brought in your dinner suit on the train, it’s a good idea to press your trousers to keep them looking fresh for the night ahead.

In the video below you can see me demonstrate how best to press your trousers:

Here's a summary of those tips:

• Lay trousers on a good sized ironing board.

• Locate the centre crease by lining up the seams at the bottom of the trouser.

• Mark this position by pressing at the bottom of the trouser leg.

• Repeat the process at the top of the trousers by lining up the seams and press marking the front crease.

• Lay the trouser leg flat and press-in the front crease joining up with the press marks made earlier

• If you have flat fronted trousers, stop about 6 inches from the waistband on the front crease.

• If you have pleated trousers, run the crease right into the pleat.

• Press along the crease – rather than ironing to avoid ‘shine’.

• At the top, pull back the internal pocket-bag – this avoids leaving an impression.

• Next, press the back crease of the trousers by smoothing out the leg from the front crease, working from the hem upwards.

• If you’re worried about shine – press over a damp press-cloth or tea towel.

• ‘Bang in’ the front crease, preferably using something with an unvarnished wooden surface.

• Finally, hang the trousers up to dry off.

Image: