STEP 2:

Iron Top Sections

Iron wrong side out. Position top of pants around tapered end of ironing board. Start by ironing the placket as shown in photo. Rotate pants around the board toward you as you iron (top section, waistband, top section, waistband, etc.) Iron in the direction of the waistband, pressing each dart in the direction it is sewn down at the waistband (normally toward center of back / front).

STEP 3:

Iron Pant Legs. ***No Crease***

Seam Definitions
Photo at left is an overlock seam. It has a margin that you can grab.
Directly below the overlock seam is a flat-fell seam. These are sewn flat with no margin to grab. It is common to see an overlock seam on an outside pant leg and a flat-fell seam on the inner leg.

If one of the seams is a flat fell seam, iron next to it first. Lay pant leg on ironing board so that the flat fell seam is two or three inches from the edge of the pant leg as shown. This is so that it is not laying directly over the seam underneath. Iron a couple inches of fabric on both sides of the seam, nestling the iron up to the seam, but not on top of it. Be careful not to crease the edge, but if you cannot avoid this, you can iron it out when you iron the other seam.

For an overlock seam, position pant leg on ironing board with the overlock seam closest to you. Because pants are fuller in the back, it is necessary to smooth the extra fabric away from this seam so that you have a smooth surface to iron. Make sure there are no wrinkles underneath. Allow opposite leg to hang over the side. Iron as much fabric as possible without creasing opposite edge. If the other seam is also an overlock seam, flip pants over and repeat this step.

STEP 4:

Iron Pant Legs - *** Crease ***

In the construction of garments, many times several layers of sections are stacked and cut together. There can be a variance from the top piece and the bottom if matched together. When purchasing a quality pair of pants, they should measure the same amount across each leg. You can inspect this by folding legs together and then smoothing the fabric from one seam to the other. Any difference will cause problems in getting a nice center crease.

Pants which are purchased can also sometimes be improperly aligned at the time of setting that factory crease. When purchasing a quality pair of pants, align the seams at the hem and determine if the crease is symmetrical, that it leads to either a pleat, belt loop, or center back. There is no set guide because different styles have varying fullness. You likely will notice anything obviously wrong. Certain treatments are given to purchased clothing to give garments that crisp look. After a few washings, these properties can diminish. To make the most of your investment, follow care labels when laundering. Sizings and starches offer a great benefit. Follow their manufacturer directions.