How to Iron Dress Blues

Dress blues are a dress uniform worn on formal occasions. They are traditionally associated with the blue uniforms of the Marines and other military service units. Dress blues are termed such because they comprise a blue pant set. They are often worn adorned with metals and other service-related military honors. As etiquette dictates, they are always worn freshly and perfectly pressed.

Stand up the ironing board, and ensure you provide yourself with enough room to iron.

Pour water into the iron using a measuring cup with a pouring spout, and plug the iron into an electrical outlet. Turn the selector of the iron to the cotton, also known as the “high,” power setting.

Turn the shirt of the uniform inside out and lay it lengthwise on the ironing board. Iron the sleeves first by applying two strokes of the iron to each, and then spray a bit of starch on them before applying two more strokes to both.

Divide the rear flap of the shirt into three equal parts, and iron the creases in the flap, making them crisp and defined.

Iron the remaining rear of the blouse around the creases, misting starch on the material as you iron to make the shirt crisp.

Flip the shirt over and fold the flap directly in the middle, positioning the shirt perfectly straight and even, and then proceed to iron the front of the shirt, again using sprays of starch to achieve the proper effect.

Hang the shirt on a hanger to ensure that it stays wrinkle-free.

Turn the trousers inside out and place one leg onto the ironing board sideways so as to create a crease when ironing. Iron each leg one at a time, starching them while you do so.

Iron the front and rear of the material of the trousers directly above the pant legs by hanging them on the edge of the ironing board to smooth them out before you apply the iron.

Fold the pants along their crease and hang them on the straight rod of the hanger beneath the dress shirt.