To properly iron a Lacoste polo, prepare it by checking the care label and ensuring it's slightly damp, then iron it inside out on a low to medium heat setting to achieve a crisp, wrinkle-free finish without damaging the fabric.
Preparing Your Lacoste Polo for Ironing
Before you even plug in your iron, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your polo and making the ironing process smoother.
1. Check the Care Label
Always refer to the care label inside your Lacoste polo shirt. This label provides specific instructions for ironing temperature and other care details tailored to the fabric composition (typically 100% cotton petit piqué).
2. Ensure Cleanliness
Only iron a clean shirt. Ironing a dirty polo can set stains, making them much harder to remove later.
3. Dampen the Fabric Slightly
A slightly damp shirt irons much more easily than a bone-dry one. You can:
- Use a spray bottle filled with clean water.
- Use your iron's steam function.
- Remove the polo from the dryer while it's still a little damp.
Ironing Your Lacoste Polo Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for the best results, ensuring your polo looks sharp without risk of damage.
1. Set Up Your Iron and Board
- Ironing Board: Ensure your ironing board is clean and has a smooth, padded cover.
- Heat Setting: Set your iron to a low to medium heat, ideal for cotton, wool, and viscose. This temperature range is crucial for preventing scorch marks or damage to the fabric. If your iron has a specific "cotton" setting, use that.
- Steam: Utilize the steam function if available, as it helps relax fabric fibers, making wrinkles easier to smooth out.
2. The Ironing Process
To protect the signature petit piqué fabric and prevent any potential white marks or shininess, it's essential to iron your Lacoste polo inside out.
- Collar: Start with the collar. Lay it flat, inside out, and iron from the center outwards, ensuring both sides are smooth.
- Shoulder Yoke: Place the shoulder area over the narrow end of the ironing board and iron carefully.
- Placket: Lay the placket (the buttoned front) flat and iron gently around the buttons. Be careful not to iron directly over the buttons as this can damage them or create imprints.
- Sleeves: Iron each sleeve individually. For a crisp look, you can create a gentle crease along the top, or iron them flat without a sharp crease for a softer appearance.
- Body: Lay the main body of the polo flat on the ironing board. Iron in sections, moving the fabric as you go. Work from the bottom up, or in continuous movements to avoid creating new wrinkles. Remember to keep it inside out!
3. Tips for a Crisp Finish
- Avoid Stretching: Do not pull or stretch the fabric while ironing, especially around the placket and collar, to maintain the polo's shape.
- Smooth Motions: Use smooth, even strokes. Don't let the iron sit in one spot for too long.
- Check Regularly: Occasionally flip the polo right side out to check your progress and ensure there are no missed spots or unwanted creases.
Post-Ironing Care
Once your Lacoste polo is perfectly ironed, proper handling will keep it looking great.
- Cool Down: Allow the polo to cool completely before hanging or folding it. This helps set the fabric and prevents new wrinkles from forming.
- Proper Storage: Hang your polo on a good quality hanger to maintain its shape, or fold it neatly. For more on fabric care, consider resources like those from reputable textile care associations like the International Fabricare Institute.
Following these steps will help you keep your Lacoste polo looking its best, ready for any occasion.
| Feature | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Setting | Low to Medium heat (specifically "Cotton" if available) | Prevents scorching and damage to cotton petit piqué fabric |
| Ironing Side | Inside Out | Limits potential white traces, shininess, and protects the exterior |
| Dampness | Slightly damp | Makes ironing easier and more effective at removing wrinkles |
| Ironing Tools | Clean iron with steam function, padded ironing board | Ensures smooth, efficient, and safe ironing |
| Post-Ironing | Allow to cool, hang or fold neatly | Helps fabric set, maintains shape, and prevents new wrinkles |
