How To Iron A Football (Soccer) Shirt [Without Damaging It].

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As a soccer player or fanatic, you know how crucial it is to keep your football (soccer) shirt in pristine condition, especially if you’re wearing it on game day or supporting your favorite team during a match.

But it’s not always easy to maintain your jersey as it’s prone to wrinkles and creases.

learning how to iron a football or soccer shirt properly could save you a lot of stress, time, money, and ensure your jersey stays in great condition for a long time – they can be expensive after all!

Knowing how to iron your soccer shirt properly can really enhance its lifespan as well as your appearance.

Here are the best tips and tricks to iron your football (soccer) shirt effectively without causing any damage.

How To Iron A Football (Soccer) Shirt Without Ruining It Step-By-Step

Ironing a soccer shirt can be challenging, especially if you don’t know the techniques to do it right.

But with a few helpful tips and tricks, you can easily iron your soccer shirt to look neat, tidy, and ready for the game.

Here’s what to do.

Step 1. Check the label

Before ironing any clothing item, it’s crucial to check the care label instructions.

Soccer shirts are often made with materials that are sensitive to heat, so you should always check the label on your shirt to find the best ironing temperature.

Some jerseys may want you to use steam while others may state not to iron them at all!

If it does tell you not to iron it, it’s best to follow the instructions and avoid ironing altogether. 

Step 2. Turn it inside out

Whether you’re washing or ironing a soccer shirt, always turn it inside out.

This will help prevent any fading or damage to the printed numbers, names, logos, decals or accidentally removing your sponsor names! It also helps to protect the fabric from direct iron heat.

You can dampen your shirt first using a spray bottle of water, so it’s easier to iron.

Step 3. Use a low heat

Set your iron to a low heat temperature. You don’t want to overheat the jersey as it may cause the fabric to scorch or melt.

Gently press the iron onto the shirt from the collar down to the hemline, avoiding lingering too long on any printed areas as much as possible.

Press down gently as you go, using just enough pressure to smooth out any wrinkles.

How to iron a soccer shirt TOP TIP! infographic

If your creases are particularly stubborn and ironing them inside out isn't cutting it, you can place a sheet of baking paper on top of the right-way-around shirt to protect it from the heat of the iron.

Step 4. Avoid using spray starch

Using spray starch isn’t a good idea for soccer jerseys as it can cause the fabric to become stiff, and the logos may stick onto the iron.

Spraying a small amount of water before ironing is a better option to keep the fabric damp and easy to press.

If there are any wrinkles left after ironing, you can use the steam function on your iron or a handheld steamer to help remove them. Steaming helps to make the soccer shirt look more crease-free.

Step 5. Hang it properly

Once you’re done ironing, hang the jersey on a hanger or fold it neatly. Avoid stuffing it into a drawer or closet as it may result in wrinkles and creases in the fabric!

Hanging the shirt also allows it to cool down and maintain its shape for a polished look. It’s best to hang the shirt on a non-metal hanger and in a manner that will not create creases such as a rounded hanger that will mimic your shoulder shape.

Watch and learn: How to wash and iron your soccer jersey

Here’s a great video shows you the best way to wash, iron and care for your football or soccer jersey step-by-step without damaging any logos and decals.

YouTube player

Why are football (soccer) shirts tricky to iron?

Football (soccer) shirts may look simple and straightforward, but when it comes to ironing, things can get a bit tricky.

It’s all down to the fabric. Football shirts tend to be made of lightweight, synthetic materials like mesh, nylon and polyester, which can easily melt, scorch or stick to the iron if the heat is too high.

Those pesky numbers, names, logos and crests can sometimes cause bumps and ridges that make it tough to get a smooth finish. They can also crack or peel if your shirt is not ironed or washed in the right way.

It’s a good idea to place a thin cotton cloth, like a pillowcase or tea towel, over the top of the shirt, to act as a barrier between the iron and the shirt.

Use only mild pressure when ironing mesh or nylon, and always keep the iron moving, to prevent any fabric from melting.

With a bit of patience and a gentle touch, you can easily conquer the ironing challenge and keep your favourite team’s shirt looking fresh and crisp all season long.

How to iron a signed football (soccer) shirt without damaging it.

A signed football shirt is not just a piece of cloth; it’s a cherished memory of a game, a player, or even a milestone.

And when it comes to ironing it, we get scared. But fear not, fellow jersey keepers! Here’s a simple and quick way to iron a signed football shirt without damaging it.

Firstly, turn the shirt inside out and place it on an ironing board.

Secondly, put a piece of thin cloth, like a cotton tea towel, on top of the shirt.

This keeps the signature from smudging or getting damaged, should the iron get too hot.

Thirdly, gently iron the shirt on a low heat setting, making sure to avoid the signature area and keep the iron moving around.

And voila, your signed football shirt is now wrinkle-free, without any harm done. Just don’t wash it!

The final score.

Ironing a soccer shirt can be daunting, but with the above tips, you can easily do it without ruining your favorite jersey.

Remember to be gentle when ironing and avoid any prints or logos.

And always check the label to find the best ironing temperature.

With these tips, you’ll have a crisp, clean-looking soccer shirt effortlessly.

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...