Iron vs. Steamer: Which is Best for Your Menswear Wardrobe?

Just because you might be able to afford designer labels, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to look good on you, if the fit is poor or if the garments are improperly cared for. We’ve covered fit in a number of other guides, but today’s guide is another installment in our long-running garment care series, covering two appliances designed to eliminate unsightly wrinkles from your clothing. Which is a better appliance for garment care, an iron or a steamer?
Find out here: gentl.mn/iron-vs-steamer
WATCH MORE
Know how to take care of your garments: • How to Remove Stains F...
Life Hacks for Gentlemen: • 34 Incredible Men's Li...
GUIDES YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS:
→How to Iron Your Tuxedo: gentl.mn/3cF5n1p
→ Essential Ironing Tools - Part I The Complete Guide to Ironing: gentl.mn/2XX7r0B
→ How To Iron A Dress Shirt - Part II Complete Guide To Ironing: gentl.mn/2x47lsV
→ How to Iron Dress Pants - Part III The Complete Guide to Ironing: gentl.mn/2KwfAB2
→How to Iron a Suit Jacket Part IV - The Complete Guide to Ironing: gentl.mn/3azLEPg
VIDEO CREDITS:
→Script: Preston Schlueter
→Camera: Chris Dummer
→Editing: Jonathan Oster
SHOP THE VIDEO:
1. Dark Grey Socks with Burgundy and White Clocks in Cotton - Fort Belvedere: gentl.mn/2Vuicpw
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For distinguished gentlemen, neat and properly cared for articles of clothing are key to looking well-dressed and how they are worn is just as important, if not, more so than the clothing itself. Just because you might be able to afford designer labels, that doesn't mean that they're going to look good on you if the fit is poor or if the garments are improperly cared for.
This guide is another installment in our long-running garment care series, covering two appliances designed to eliminate unsightly wrinkles from your clothing -- the iron, and the garment steamer.
0:00 Why you need them
01:12 History of the iron
03:23 History of the steamer
04:21 How does the iron work?
05:21 How does the steamer work?
06:50 Iron - Pros
07:55 Iron - Cons
08:34 Steamer - Pros
10:13 Steamer - Cons
10:37 General safety tips
11:47 Iron vs. Steamer: Which is Better?
12:42 Outfit Rundown
#GarmentCare #Clothingcare #ironing #steaming
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[@jediaero]

You guys explain the things others fail to explain...

[@briannawilliams7370]

Robot Preston aka CP3O shows some of his favorite electrical contraptions

[@MartinParnham]

Yes. Never a huge sales pitch or “word from our sponsors “ either, which I find distracting in other videos!

[@tonyogrady1616]

I guess to clothes peg the pillow to a clothes hanger the garment can spread.Ill try it

[@arkaprabhomukherjee7859]

Upps

[@abztraktt6403]

Why I subbed years ago

[@noxplum]

this guys jaw line is c h i s e l e d

[@user-jx1vt6sr7d]

؟

[@7meekah]

Bro that’s the forest thing I noticed. I’m like this guy is a natural Chad 👂 open

[@camogang]

Reptilian

[@kennymccormick8295]

Too bad your grammar isn't.

[@noxplum]

@@kennymccormick8295 ooh burn 🔥

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

One use of steam that you didn't mention is that it kills germs and fungi. A lot of disagreeable smells come from wee beasties we can't see. I know more than a few people take all of their clothes to a dry cleaner before the start of a season. If you notice funky smells on clothing that has been in the closet for a few months a steamer can help. Start steaming your clothes in the off-season. Take your winter clothes out of your closet in mid-summer, give them a good steaming, hang them in a well ventilated area to dry, then put them back in the closet. When late fall rolls around they should still be fresh. A friend had a closet that had a bad smell of it's own. He took everything out and steamed the walls, floor and ceiling. Worked like a charm.

[@powerhouse884]

Great Point!! 👍🏻 I am buying a steamer for sure now. I do have this problem as i have a lot of Jackets and Suit pants in my closet that I don’t use very often but i love and when i do need to put them on they may have a closet smell.

[@suem6004]

Whatever you do, do not use steam on knitted wool. Will cause felting which is disastrous. Happened when I trusted ‘professional’ dry cleaners who should have known better. If needed, I mist knitted item with cool water then block to dry. Professional fiber artist here.

[@sonny5087]

A combination of any good iron and a portable steamer is-in my opinion-ideal for most households. I use my iron to remove wrinkles from washed shirts and jeans, and I use my portable steamer to freshen up any shirts, suits or trousers I have worn. I usually steam my worn clothes at the end of the day, leave them to air out and then I either wear them or store them in my wardrobe the next morning. Steaming works wonders when it comes to getting rid of bacteria and unpleasant odors, which can save a ton of money on dry cleaning and washing-especially when you tend to wear suits often.

[@gmr2gnr]

This! Exactly 👌

[@MattGarcyaDC]

you wear your worn clothes the next day?

[@user-03-gsa3]

Hmm interesting

[@201hastings]

⁠@@MattGarcyaDClight jackets and pants

[@utubefreak7167]

@@MattGarcyaDCif I haven’t sweat a lot, why not?I sit in Air Conditioning all day in car and office so my clothes don’t get dirty

[@JohnBrown-go1ro]

You gentlemen always do an excellent job with the history/background of the topic your discussing. Always entertaining and educational and I love your socks!

[@tarotahro5350]

4:20 may your life become easy

[@marcellarodero1749]

Bless you dude

[@nomaan8255]

You’re doing gods work

[@davidbrown9458]

Both. Also found out that trying to de-wrinkle window curtains is next to impossible, but a steamer works great

[@Ro53mary]

Here's the short answer: BOTH. You're welcome.

[@tamirajohnelle4700]

EXACTYLY!!!!! It depends on what it is...

[@Check0Point]

Thank you for saving my time

[@ogresimping3246]

Not really, that’s simplifying the video a lot. Skip the history part of the video if you want a quicker summary.

[@duhazuhair]

I had to skip after 3 minutes of watching to get to that conclusion

[@estuchedepeluche2212]

Once I bought a steamer, I stopped using my iron. The trick is to insert a pillow or towel inside the garment so that the plastic actually presses the fabric. This method even worked on a leather jacket that had traveled in a suitcase, gotten wet, and looked terrible.

[@Himerosteam]

That must be a bigass pillow

[@estuchedepeluche2212]

Himerosteam I never thought about that, but you are right in the sense that my pillows completely fill my buttoned up shirt, I guess my torso is smaller and less fluffy than an pillow.

[@estuchedepeluche2212]

Lou Cipher What a great idea!!

[@timmyssweet]

@@estuchedepeluche2212 You should probably draw the curtains before carrying out such a procedure. It just wouldn't be a good look.

[@estuchedepeluche2212]

@@timmyssweet Good one!

[@juanfigueroa-serville2465]

Well spoken gentleman. Words are concise, well detailed, and clear.

[@Larry-qz3es]

I have both an iron and a steamer. I use the steamer for my blazers and suits while I use the iron for my shirts and recommend when ironing and steaming, use distilled water, and set on low steam pressure. A steamer is also great to use when traveling.

[@rinkusekhon4386]

I have so many silk clothes with embroidery on it. Can you please tell is steamer good for unwrinkled the clothes between embroidery spaces.if you can tell please.

[@Tru_lie13]

Way more information than I wanted however, I enjoyed the journey. Thank You for the great video.

[@eberthzorzi1965]

You gave all the necessary informations in the right moments. Bravo

[@adrianna1289]

Great historical info on how the iron was created. I am currently looking for reviews on irons vs steamers. I only ever used iron but it’s such a hassle to prepare the ironing station if I just want a quick fix for couple of creases my on dresses. I think after watching your video, I might treat myself to a steamer. Thank you for the prons and cons 😃

[@kittytrail]

don't forget to use distilled water with that steamer! 😉

[@d14551]

Very good information, I'm going to look into one of the small, portable steamers.

[@lgphone9272]

That jawline tho.

[@AleTheDLT]

How have I never come across this channel?! This is great

[@omarcortes5754]

I switched my iron for a steamer after I burnt a Hugo Boss shirt.

[@jenniferschmitzer299]

ouch

[@pop9340]

My sympathies

[@diegomaldonado5068]

I felt that

[@rolandjones9250]

I’m sorry for your lost.

[@omarcortes5754]

@@angelinalyl4686 thank you. I'm currently using a steamer. I don't want more accidents.

[@dv9239]

This man should be a news reporter

[@jamesbaker9342]

Happy this dude exists out there, doing his thing.

[@KibatheMalinois]

This video is very informative and worthwhile to watch however I myself am rough and rugged guy that wears cargos, denims, casual shirts and heavy duty wear items so can't really relate to the gentlemans dress code lol however I do believe in being neat and having tidy looking clothes on the occasions that call for a non hard work day such as a meeting, date etc. so I guess I am the garment steamer guy because I would never aim for perfect but I will always strive for presentable.

[@shawnz241]

Excellent video and brilliant delivery from Preston!

[@sachimourya1431]

Wow, I love it. I was thinking about buying a steam iron recently. Thank you for this video. Also, I don't mean to inappropriate but the way you talk is so adorable. 🌸

[@daniellantos26]

I use the steamer first on my shirts and then I use the iron+starch. Perfect result.

[@ecozcelik]

I really love your channel. Thank you!

[@doctorx0079]

Now I would like to see a video about shoe care.

[@mharmaansheikh6388]

This is much more intresting than previous videos

[@neilhay2155]

Thank you, that was a very good video for the information that I wanted to know on steamers. The history and comparision was good too as it gives a very well rounded information on both for a better desision on what suits what I need.

[@MehdiScent]

Another useful, fully watching worthy video 🤜🤛

[@jayeye4798]

Cufflinks and a cardigan for a casual day of clothes care. Love it!

[@trenton8998]

I actually thoroughly enjoy this video. Good show 🙌🏽

[@connordennis2585]

So much love for Preston! We’re both really slim built, love classic men’s styling, were in a speech and debate society. We also both love the show Frasier as well as DC and Marvel. Keep up the good work Preston!

[@schiesser38]

Frasier show is just awesome!

[@Commentator541]

My mind takes me places it shouldn’t ahahhaha

[@christineroberts4018]

✌

[@naomotocorporation8542]

A good video that is very concise and organized.

[@gega9979]

This guy is awesome I’m so glad I found this channel. Top shelf

[@bradferguson9840]

Fantastic content. Thank you Preston.

[@lgphone9272]

This is one of the most underrated channels on youtube.

[@anutash8037]

It has over 1M subs ? I do not think it is.

[@jorgecasadob]

I love this channel, I’m here to stay! Thanks 👍🏻

[@JohnSmith-pz3ni]

This guy is an alien. Great video! Thanks for the tips!

[@SHAWFUI]

Very nice video...I learn a lot from your video... Knowledgeable..Keep up the good work

[@stndrdnz]

That was a well done video. Cheers for that.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Great video, Preston 👍🏽

[@inthezone4123]

Fantastic video. Much appreciated, Preston!

[@link2442]

I have always used an iron for my casual wear pants and shirts, saying that I don't have the confidence to use it on my dress blue uniforms and business suits. I have not used a steamer before but this seems quite a take

[@RyanSheppard]

Thanks bro, banging video

[@fabien6198]

Thank you so much for your video. Good, easy to understand, and give the info we are looking for

[@Sciayam]

Great info, thanks :)

[@idarwin]

Nice video! Minor correction at 5:53: 400 F is not 104 C it's 204 C.

[@anyangosasha]

Perfect content..very precise and elaborate ✅

[@Dr.Osterman]

Im a seafarer and I do travel a lot so its the Steamer for me, Will be ordering one now

[@AzureFides]

Really well informative video 👏

[@seanmb._]

No idea how the algorithm got me here, but I’ve learnt a lot - thank you 🙏

[@tgc1427]

I love your style. Thanks for a great video.

[@captocie]

the way you speak is so soothing and educational, i appreciate it!

[@TailsMPrower]

Modern steam irons have built in steamers with a large water tank. One device for both. Also has a strong we steam jet and doesn't sputter water all the time.

[@MrSprinkles1F369]

But it's well known that irons seem to mysteriously break way faster when you fill their water tank with water. A lot of people just leave a water spray bottle near their ironing board because keeping the iron dry makes it last way longer.

[@jbeanahaw974]

Very nice explanation...💖👍Actually I was thinking of buying this stand steamer...from Riyadh KSA

[@ipineaplezs2070]

Informative as always!

[@amilyaimma1727]

Well before you said it i decided to use both of them knowing that I'm a bride moving to my own house soon Thank you for the great video

[@PK-vs5km]

Well presented with a presentation as precise as the pristine person presenting

[@tonijalonen6299]

Both? Both. Both is good. 👌

[@47thdarkdimension]

Good advice and well spoken.

[@rodolfomora2380]

Right now I'm going to buy one, you have a new mexican greetings follower

[@matteopisanello7787]

I'm still learning English, and i understand you better than the subtitles

[@flytheskymyway]

This just might be the best quality video I have ever seen. So well done. Who knew the history would be so fascinating. Great tips! Thanks

[@jessp1535]

Excellent review all covered 😎👍

[@gracielasosapulido8578]

Came here only to send to my boyfriend a video of how a steamer looks, how it's used, and went out with video-shaped gold in my hands. Thank you!!

[@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233]

Which is better um both... Me 😒😒😒 it's actually the steamer cause it can do the job faster, u can actually deodorize n freshen ur clothes, won't burn your clothes like an iron will and u will save so much time and it's actually quite fun can't say ironing is fun it's actually a hassle

[@HonyBadger7]

Very informative video. Thanks a lot.

[@saurabhsyndicate]

Very well explained, thanks

[@luisa146]

My family always used an iron, but personally I use it rarely because it's too much of an hassle. Also I don't like how the board looks and takes too much space. I try to take out most wrinkles from my clothes when I hang them to dry so that they don't need ironing. However some fabrics like linen and cotton shirts are really wrinkle prone and need to be ironed no matter what especially if you want to wear them more than once between washing. So I think a handheld steamer would be the best solution for me.

[@1k1ngst0n]

wow. very thorough. thank you

[@naveensharma4859]

Very awesome explanation

[@davygarcia363]

Great video lots of good facts and explained well

[@martinmoore8216]

Great stuff! Thank you.

[@UriahKiser]

Have you ever used a steamer press for shirts or pants? And is it a bad idea to use them?

[@AlanJWatkins]

bubbles is lookin sharp!

[@jojojovia2991]

I can't fail to subscribe thanks alot

[@shortcut101]

Wow I don't have to search for other videos. Every answer is here

[@CforChiTwo]

Thank you 🙏❤

[@vmbo]

Nobody: KZbinrs: let's start with the history of the iron.

[@emailbenbenson]

11:44 for the best part of the video

[@spacebar9733]

That puppy 🥺😭

[@daisiesandpandas1218]

Thank you! That was such a cute surprise 😄

[@bibicuriel5192]

What a great video, Thank you 4 sharing! 🇺🇸

[@autumnmoon198]

this was amazing .

[@djdonald243]

Can you use a steam cleaner for steaming clothes, or are the temp and humidity different?

[@sixtenjohansson4246]

Thank you for teaching me a new word - tailors ham 😊

[@nkaujnom1255]

Oh wow ! Good to know! Thanks !!!

[@wazclark]

The brown trousers being ironed looked pretty nice, what brand are those? Thanks :)

[@TheTyphoon365]

Thanks so micu for the video sir, very insightful! All lf you do a wonderful job with this channel and its helping me greatly in moving into adult fashion sense.

[@riggs20]

For my more casual clothes that aren’t terribly wrinkled, I put them in the dryer with a damp washcloth and high heat for a few minutes.

[@rundelhaus3378]

This was unexpectet informative. This pretty much leaves no wishes open, even time stemps are well used! Great job! But why does the presenter look so sad? I wanne give him a hug, but I'm not sure if that would'nd disturb his perfectly ironed suit.

[@sli8361]

I use a steam iron its very good.

[@Vincent_Napolitano]

Excellent video!

[@felipereyes1440]

Hi, I am 16 but I love to wear gentleman clothes (shirts, pants, dressing shoes, etc). A lot of people have told me I look like an old man, but I really like to dress like that. Do you have any advice on how I should dress to feel good and keep my style, but also be age apropiate?

[@karimmiller5441]

Always be true to who you are. Your style is classic so your peers just need time to catch up to you.

[@desmondding7405]

I started doing this when I was 16, too. Lol, just wear what you like, be yourself.

[@designdoctor247]

They are jealous of your style .... say ... everyone has an opinion. I feel good about how I look. I feel good :) 😃

[@f_m_3682]

I am, just like you are, 16 years old, and I love classic menswear. I use to dress nice with chinos or slacks with a nice pullover and a dress shirt or often with a turtleneck in the winter and, as often as I can, I use to dress up.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

They have a guide on "Dressing your age". Go check it out. It is nicely explained there.

[@elizabethmathewst]

Very informative. Thank you :)

[@soulbreeda]

Great video explaining aspects of both appliances.

[@springbokspringbok3249]

Thanks, this was a very helpful video. I have juvenile arthritis, and am left-handed. Using an iron is not really for me, my motor-skills are just really bad, because of my rheumatism. I have decided to go for a steamer. I'd like to learn ironing, but with my motor-skills it's just not doable. So thanks for the video!

[@beatricedangiri5625]

Such a helpful video

[@AshleySmith-ke7xv]

Great content thank you.

[@BILLI0NAIRE]

Great video i like you man

[@sudhirfate7901]

Thanks to solve my dought 🙏