Ironing Ties?

[Rugger]

I purchased a few ties from a known SF entity. They were shipped from overseas, long journey in a box lightly folded into thirds as is commonly done. Two of the three ties came out with significant ripples near the lower fold over point, which are at the height or just above the back loop.

Vendor advised to me that these large singular ripples would fall out quickly when hung. They have been hung in my bathroom for two weeks through many shower/steam cycles and the ripples remain. Last effort before returning is to gently iron them. They are silk with a layer of wool and a layer of cotton as interlining.

Can anyone offer tips on ironing them? Simply low heat with maybe an undershirt over the silk? Any other weird tips or tricks? What about using a steamer instead of an iron?

Thank you kindly for your insight.

 

[papado]

I purchased a few ties from a known SF entity. They were shipped from overseas, long journey in a box lightly folded into thirds as is commonly done. Two of the three ties came out with significant ripples near the lower fold over point, which are at the height or just above the back loop.

Vendor advised to me that these large singular ripples would fall out quickly when hung. They have been hung in my bathroom for two weeks through many shower/steam cycles and the ripples remain. Last effort before returning is to gently iron them. They are silk with a layer of wool and a layer of cotton as interlining.

Can anyone offer tips on ironing them? Simply low heat with maybe an undershirt over the silk? Any other weird tips or tricks? What about using a steamer instead of an iron?

Thank you kindly for your insight.

That sounds unfortunate because that's likely the only way you'll get terrible creases on a tie [barring any major accidents].

I would highly recommend NOT ironing the ties as you would be in a world of hurt because you'll fundamentally alter the whole thing if you do it wrong. Unless you're putting pressure only on that one spot and not pressing the sides (or any other part) of the tie where the folds are, you will press the folds in and it will alter the drape/look. I'm sure some makers could press a tie properly but I wouldn't venture it as a non-maker/amateur.

Your best bet would be to try the steamer and see if you can either hold it taut or smoothe it out/stretch it after each pass to get rid of that memory.

 

[circumspice]

I wouldn't try ironing myself. I might try rolling the tie for a few days, then hanging it

 

[manowar]

I've tried carefully ironing ties a couple times using all the "recommended" techniques and they ended up worse than when I started.

 

[Bromley]

I don't know, man, I'd say wear them. They're just ties.

 

[dieworkwear]

I've had that happen with a couple of shipped ties. I just wore them. The wrinkles fell out later, but I have no idea when.

Most of what makes a good CM outfit is about how you combine things and the cut of the coat. Really small stuff like this just doesn't make a difference.

 

[Rugger]

They're just unsightly. The ripples aren't exactly small, they're the width of the tie but then about an inch or more vertically. When being worn the tie doesn't visually appear to be laying flat. It is of course laying flat, but the ripple in the top layer of silk makes it appear to have a big kink.

 

[Mr G from SD]

I've had luck with a blow-dryer. Aim it into the large end, sort of inflating the tie, if you will.

 

[Count de Monet]

I once received a very nice tie with a big wrinkle in it. Since we don’t have a steamer I got a pot of water boiling on the stove and suspended the wrinkled portion over the pot with a couple of long handled kitchen utensils, taking care to not let the tie get too close. With patience the wrinkle began to disappear. I then placed it on a big towel on the kitchen table to “rest” and dry. Worked.

Under no circumstances would I iron a good tie nor would I take one to a dry cleaner.

 

[Waldo Jeffers]

Put the tie inside a folded (thick) bath towel and then iron over the towel

 

[manowar]

I did have a tie come back magically from a dry cleaner in pristine condition after removing a stain. I assume it was steamed, not pressed. I rarely send one off, only if it has a stain I can't fix.

Ironing, even through a towel, will cause more wrinkles from the folded parts of silk fabric. If you must iron, don't run down the middle but do the left side and the right separately so as not to press a center crease into the front face.

As I said, I didn't have much luck ironing mine.

 

[dieworkwear]

Sam Hober's website suggests steaming from the back.

Sam Hober Necktie Care

www.samhober.com

 

[Waldo Jeffers]

I’ve done a bunch of ties with the towel method and it always worked for me

you won’t see all of the creases come out immediately after ironing-you still have to let it hang for a day or two

I’m sure there are other methods

 

[Sam Hober]

Removing wrinkles is more of an art than a science.

Hanging a tie in a bathroom while taking a hot shower will fix most wrinkles. Wearing the tie will also fix most wrinkles.

Ironing lightly at the correct fabric setting silk or wool etc is a stronger action to take.

Be careful to not iron the edges of your tie as the rolled edges will be damaged.

On very rare occasions the maker can remake your tie by opening the tie and ironing the silk flat then remaking the tie.

 

[Rugger]

Removing wrinkles is more of an art than a science.

Hanging a tie in a bathroom while taking a hot shower will fix most wrinkles. Wearing the tie will also fix most wrinkles.

Ironing lightly at the correct fabric setting silk or wool etc is a stronger action to take.

Be careful to not iron the edges of your tie as the rolled edges will be damaged.

On very rare occasions the maker can remake your tie by opening the tie and ironing the silk flat then remaking the tie.

Thanks for the reply! Straight from the legend(s) himself. I wish I was skilled enough to open it up and iron flatten it out...that would probably fix it very quickly. @Sam Hober

PS - since you're in here....when will Grenadine Grossa be back in stock for burgundy and dark navy?