steamer question

[DaveDr89]

I've heard that proper suit care involves brushing before/after use, using a steamer to remove wrinkles, minimizing dry cleaning, and storage in canvas. RE steaming, I was checking out the jiffy steamers (J-2000 = $189 @ jiffysteamer.com). If they are so good and fast at removing wrinkles, should they also be used on shirts instead of ironing? Is there a risk of them causing shrinkage?
comments appreciated.

 

[jefferson]

Although I have used a steamer on occasion on shirts, in my experience, they are not very effective. I believe the idea of a steamer is to relax the woolen fibers of a suit. Cotton does not seem to behave as favorably.

I have not had any problems with shrinkage.

 

[DaveDr89]

thanks. Do many people out there use steamers on their suits? Would the steam option on a high quality iron be advisable for a suit? My guess is no due to the potential for heaet application on the suit ....

 

[j]

I steam suits with an iron. If you are worried about touching the fabric, you can steam through a thin cloth like a cotton handkerchief or piece of a sheet. With it set to wool, you don't need to worry too much, though. You could also consider getting one of those fabric iron plate covers, which would probably accomplish the same thing.

Steamers are also useful for sweaters, heavier cotton shirts, pants, etc. But with some creativity you can get away with an iron for all of that. It helps to have a rack or some way to hang items free out in the open so that you can move the iron around them. It could be as simple as a robe hook or even a big nail that you can hang a hanger on.

 

[arrrrffff]

I'm way to lazy to iron, so I do steam both shirts and suits. I wouldn't iron a suit because clumsy me might burn it. It's faster to steam a suit and iron a shirt. Ironed shirts look immaculate. Steaming just cannot get rid of all the wrinkles in a shirt.

 

[a tailor]

Originally Posted by DaveDr89

I've heard that proper suit care involves brushing before/after use, using a steamer to remove wrinkles, minimizing dry cleaning, and storage in canvas. RE steaming, I was checking out the jiffy steamers (J-2000 = $189 @ jiffysteamer.com). If they are so good and fast at removing wrinkles, should they also be used on shirts instead of ironing? Is there a risk of them causing shrinkage?
comments appreciated.

steam will not harm wool or cotton.
"allbrands.com" lists jiffy garment steamers starting at 149.00 .
shipped free in the usa.

 

[DaveDr89]

thanks for the link go allbrands.com. I'll think I'll get the J-2000. It seems that there are a few options for the J-2000 ... anyone that have it have any particular recommandation on those configuarations at allbrands.com?

 

[Drowningintheburbs]

I have a jiffy steamer. I don't recall the model number, but it's the commercial version. Overall, I highly recommend it as it works quite well. However, it is not a miracle worker and cannot replace a good iron. It gets out roughly 85% of the wrinkles a good iron would get out. If a wrinkle is deeply embedded into a fabric, regardless of type, the steamer will not get it out. For example, the wrinkles from sitting on a tucked-in cotton shirt will not come out, but those on the sleeves from daily wear will come out no problem.

I've had mine for close to ten years and it works like new. Other downside is that it takes 10-15 minutes from start up to actual steam, which can be a problem in a rush.

Hope this helps.

 

[horton]

FWIW: I don't remember my brand, but I have a small travel steamer and while it's fine for wool, I wouldn't recommend it for cotton. It would take so long you'd be better off with an iron in terms of quality and time. Maybe things are different with those larger floor model steamers

 

[DaveDr89]

okay, thanks for all the comments!

 

[JayJay]

I use my Rowenta "Advancer" iron which allows for vertical steaming.

 

[hermes]

i like the rowenta professional steamer (it's called professional steamer but actually made for home use) - it's the same price range as the jiffy but you can usually find it on sale, especially this time of the year

i've tried steaming with the iron but find it too clumsy (props to j for being able to do this .... ) and thus bought a separate steamer for this purpose