Can I Iron a Soccer Jersey?

Do not iron a soccer jersey directly. The heat melts heat-pressed numbers and names, scorches polyester, and can ruin moisture-wicking finishes. If the shirt is wrinkled, hang it in a steamy bathroom for ten minutes or use a garment steamer held a few inches away. Both relax wrinkles without direct heat.

What an Iron Does to a Jersey

A hot iron is far hotter than anything a jersey is designed to handle. Printed numbers and names will soften, stick to the iron, or peel right off. Even unprinted polyester can develop a shiny, melted patch where the iron sat too long. Once that damage happens, there is no undoing it.

Safe Ways to Remove Wrinkles

• Hang the jersey in the bathroom during a hot shower. The steam relaxes wrinkles in about ten minutes.
• Use a handheld garment steamer, keeping it a few inches from the fabric and away from printed areas.
• Spritz lightly with water, smooth the fabric by hand, and hang dry.
• Toss it in the dryer on low or no heat with a damp towel for ten minutes, then hang immediately.

Prevent Wrinkles in the First Place

Most wrinkles come from the jersey sitting crumpled in a bag or laundry pile. Hang it up right after washing, as our washing guide recommends, and it will usually come out smooth. If numbers are already lifting, the cause is almost always heat, so read how to keep jersey numbers from peeling before it gets worse.

This page is part of Soccer Jersey Fabrics and Care in the Complete Kids Soccer Jersey Guide.

Dealing with a heat-damaged jersey? Browse the collection for a fresh start or contact us for advice.