https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:37:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2408746 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:43:47 +0000 Carol 2408746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone. I see that the gist of it is that both are useful, but steamers more for casual looks, and irons for a crisper look. I imagine I will get a steamer at some point.&nbsp;</p> <p>I forgot also about the "shower steam" method--thanks, Ket. Also like the idea of quick fixes with a spray bottle and manual labor--thanks, J'Aileen!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2408141 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 03:23:14 +0000 Carol 2408141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been so busy, but I appreciate all the thoughts on this thread, so I will try to get back to it tomorrow.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407978 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:24:22 +0000 Jonesy 2407978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use both all the time--multiple times per week, typically! I enjoy it, TBH, which makes me some sort of freak!</p> <p>I use the steamer for items that are hard to press, e.g., wool blazers and pants, corduroys, knitwear, fabrics that have a sheen (so the concern is that the iron will scorch them). I also use the steamer exclusively when I travel.</p> <p>I use an iron for everything else, especially woven shirts and pants. We use linen sheets on our bed in the spring and summer, and I actually iron the pillowcases and flat sheet :).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407959 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:13:44 +0000 Sal 2407959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I iron, typically in front of the TV every second weekend.&nbsp; I iron a lot more in summer as I wear a fair amount of linen and cotton wovens.&nbsp; I iron dresses, shirts, shorts, skirts and some pants.&nbsp; I don't iron jeans or knits - or very rarely.</p> <p>I considered getting a steamer but I am a minimalist with appliances and decided I really would not get the use.</p> <p>However I did buy my first hair straightener last year....I have used it once only...... it was a waste of money for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407954 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:38:09 +0000 Val MN 2407954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I iron occasionally. I owned a travel steamer for awhile but found that I was rarely motivated to use it, so got rid of it. I think I find ironing more motivating simply because it’s more effective. The results are more dramatic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407950 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:52:29 +0000 AndiB 2407950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use both, not that often, but both can be useful.&nbsp; The steamer is best for lightweight blouses, and not much more, but I do use it for that.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have acquired a couple of crisp white, and blue and white stripe, button downs and there is NOTHING like an iron to crisp those up.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407949 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:19:31 +0000 bella 2407949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't use much of either, but I remember making a post about using steamers for hefty items like coats and jackets. It is not recommended.&nbsp;<br />Here it is:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-of-caution-about-garment-steamers">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....t-steamers</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407948 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:58:06 +0000 Star (Lise) 2407948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MSMARY really! Okay I will be doing it too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407936 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:50:49 +0000 MsMary 2407936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roberta, I absolutely use my hairstyling flat iron on collars and cuffs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407918 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:42:13 +0000 Star (Lise) 2407918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha ROBERTA though don't risk your hair iron on your cuffs and collars! GPs is a steamer. But if you do, let us know :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407917 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:12:36 +0000 Roberta 2407917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw <b>Goldenpig's</b> iron in Finds, and thought it was a peculiar hair straightener! Then I wondered if my flat iron would work for touching up collars and cuffs. I've never been tempted by a steamer because I find ironing very satisfying, but the idea of a mini iron for little details is intriguing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407907 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:27:54 +0000 Angie 2407907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm Team Iron, by a billion percent! Much more effective and satisfying for my style :)</p> <p>My moniker is <b>Urban Polish</b>. I iron many of my clothes to ensure a high level on polish. I am a style professional, and to my eye, it makes a difference. Steamer doesn't get it right for my needs. I also find it cumbersome, and hard to store. Like <b>Mary's </b>experience - steamers &nbsp;leak :(&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407889 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:46:15 +0000 RobinF 2407889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like to iron but I do prefer an iron over a steamer. Maybe my steamer just isn't a very good one but it seems to take just as long as ironing and water drips all over. I prefer clothes that look fine a little bit wrinkled :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407874 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:20:57 +0000 Indigoprint 2407874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still following this post. So interesting Faber's experiences.&nbsp;<br />Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407868 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:05:53 +0000 Lisa 2407868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've owned both. I liked the steamer when I had it, great for delicate materials but it took time to heat up and was bulky. When it broke I never replaced it. I've had the same iron for many years and it's my go to for anything I want to have a fresh pressed look. I like that an iron is smaller and easier to store than a steamer. And less water to fuss with.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407852 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:02:08 +0000 goldenpig 2407852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never iron my clothes! Who has the time?! Not me! A few wrinkles never hurt anyone! I don't even own an ironing board. Recently I fell for the online ads and bought a Nori travel iron/steamer. Supposedly you won't need a regular iron and ironing board after this. After looking at the package, I realize that Nori is Iron spelled backwards, how clever. But I have to confess, I haven't used the Nori yet either, LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407814 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:42:18 +0000 Jaime 2407814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't use either often but I do think an iron is more satisfying to use. For me, the steamer is best for batches of hanging clothes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407801 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:20 +0000 elena 2407801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have both but use the iron more. I find the iron works better than the steamer to thoroughly get the wrinkles out of linen and linen blends. It’s a pain but I dislike wrinkly linen more than I dislike ironing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407780 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:41:08 +0000 kkards 2407780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t iron. Ever. &nbsp; But I love my steamer, and I love mt steamer setting on my dryer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407774 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:28:22 +0000 MsMary 2407774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly I hate my steamer because it spits drops of hot water on my clothes. Also I feel like if you don't want to get out the iron, you also aren't going to want to get out the steamer. ;)</p> <p>That said, I do probably use my steamer more than my iron, but if something needs to look really crisp I send it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407773 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:23:37 +0000 Kate 2407773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have both. Steamers are way easier to use (I have a cheap floor model), and do a good good on getting out wrinkles and generally making a garment look presentable.</p> <p>Irons do a much better job on heavier fabrics and isn't good on collars, and hems or on any garment that needs a crisp finish to look good.</p> <p>That said, my lifestyle is very casual, so a steamer works for me 95% of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407770 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:15:41 +0000 Indigoprint 2407770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting topic. I like ironing. I sew alot though, so my board is always up.But I do enjoy ironing especially cottons and linens. I don't iron everything as along with others who line dry I smooth most wrinkles out then.<br /> I have seen videos of steamers that appear to transform wrinkled items much like a magic wand. So I wonder if I would like a steamer as well? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407728 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:50:06 +0000 Star (Lise) 2407728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do the same as JAILEEN. I line dry everything and while hanging damp items I flatten hems, collars and cuffs, etc. it really helps and works for my casual lifestyle. I have not ironed in years! Never had a steamer (my iron releases steam but I assume that is different) and have also wondered about them so LJP's input is most helpful. Now I don't think I need one, As I only press if it is really necessary and sounds like the iron will do a better job in that instance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407723 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:11:30 +0000 LJP 2407723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have and use both - when I need to ,lol. A steamer is a whole lot easier and quicker than getting out the ironing board, setting it up , waiting for the iron to heat, then waiting for it to cool off to put away. &nbsp;The steamer is great for quick touch-ups but doesn't do shirt plackets, collars, hems, creases , or heavy fabrics etc well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407722 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:02:59 +0000 JAileen 2407722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an iron and use it periodically. &nbsp;The nonprofit I belong to uses steamers in the back room of the thrift store, to make things presentable. &nbsp;I think some members really enjoy using them. &nbsp;I&nbsp;hang lots of things to dry after washing, and I spend a little time on some things, like button up blouses. &nbsp;I &nbsp;straighten, pull and tug the fabric, smoothing it, and often it looks pretty good when dry. &nbsp;The other thing I do with something already dry, is to spray it with a spray bottle, and then do the same thing. &nbsp;It’s not as good as ironing, but okay. &nbsp;This is one reason I like knitted tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407720 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:14:49 +0000 Ket 2407720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t use either one with any consistency. (I still prefer the old hot steamy shower and bathroom to dewrinkle haha!) I haven’t used a steamer much because the last couple years I have worn more viscose, and I’m worried even steaming wrinkles out would cause some shrinkage. (There’s a pair of pants I washed on cold delicate that shrunk an entire size!) I only iron when it’s a special occasion.</p> <p> I should try steaming clothes again and see what I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407718 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:09:41 +0000 Cookie 2407718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, a steamer is 100% easier to cope with, in my ironing-incompetent opinion. Of course, I also rarely if ever wear anything “crisp.” I just want it unwrinkled. My steamer is not great quality and I could use a better one and I don’t use it too much, but I do it more often than I iron, which is never.</p> <p>(I don’t think I’d iron OR steam denim, though? Unless it got some weird persistent crease from storage.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/steamers-versus-irons#post-2407700 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:58:24 +0000 Carol 2407700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember when gummy multivitamins first came out, I thought they were kind of dumb. A regular capsule has better absorption and less sugar. Then I did a training where the vitamin company said gummies are great for those who just will not take a regular vitamin, or avoid it. Not quite as good, but getting some vitamins into your body!</p> <p>I wonder if steamers and irons are similar. I never did develop an ironing habit, growing up in a very casual place and wearing a lot of jeans and tees. Today when I iron, I only manage to do it once in a while.</p> <p>But I have heard people say steamers are much more convenient, and I am wondering if they would be good for someone like me...most of my clothes are not very luxe or formal, but I do have a few thicker materials, like denim.</p> <p>Basically I am asking is it easier to make yourself use a steamer than an iron? How about for someone who never got an ironing habit?&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>