How to Iron a Graduation Gown

Ironing a graduation gown is an important part of looking your best before commencement exercises. It's a tough assignment because gowns hold wrinkles and creases from shipping for the very same reason they are lightweight, satin-looking and flowing: Most are 100 percent polyester (see the label).

Step 1 - Iron Setting

The secrets to pressing a gown are patience, persistence and temperature of the iron. Keep the steam iron setting low to moderate–3 or 4 on a scale of 10 if your iron doesn't have its own polyester setting. Polyester essentially is plastic and too much heat will irreparably damage the lightweight fabric.

Step 2 - Damp Cloth

Use a damp (not soaking wet) ironing cloth over the gown. A solid-color cotton towel or dish towel will do. Iron with pressure, repeating as needed to rid the gown of wrinkles.

Step 3 - Options

For creases that won't budge, moisten the ironing cloth with white vinegar. An alternative is to mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water in a clean spray bottle and spray the crease.  The vinegar's acidity will react to the fabric to release the polyester's molecular memory for hard wrinkles from packaging. The vinegar aroma will evaporate with the heat of the iron.