Ironing a police uniform shirt presents a few challenges that ordinary ironing does not. As with any uniform item, the goal is a look that is both crisp and unobtrusive. Since a police uniform shirt is worn by someone in an active profession, comfort is also a consideration, which means starching is a technique best reserved for dress-uniform occasions. A crisp, appropriate appearance can be obtained with regular ironing and a few tips.
What makes a police uniform shirt unique
The major challenge of a police uniform shirt is the extra seaming that produces its close fit. In European countries for many years, uniform shirts were called blouses. In terms of ironing, a fitted woman's blouse is the best analogy for producing a good job. Making certain seams are smooth and unpuckered is the essential task.
Initial techniques
Check fabric content for the correct iron setting, and dampen the police uniform shirt lightly, even if it is wash-and-wear material. Turn the shirt inside out, and press all the seams in the body of the shirt flat with a dry iron. This means both on the sleeves and the body of the shirt. Press the backs of the pockets, cuffs and collar. Getting these seams smooth is critical to the overall look.
Finishing up
Carefully turn the shirt right-side out. Iron the back side of pocket flaps and epaulette straps. Using light steam where needed, iron the shirt, beginning with the body and ending with cuffs and collar. Remember that, whether the shirt is worn by a man or a woman police officer, sleeves need to be finished flat, with a crisp seam on the outer arm. This is the point at which you can lightly spray-starch the cuffs and collar if you wish. Hang the shirt and check it half an hour later. In particularly humid weather or if you have used too much steam, you may have to make one more pass with a dry iron to remove any remaining puckers. You're done.