Grown men—the world over—struggle with how to iron a shirt. Many were blessed with moms in possession of industrial-grade steam iron skills. Many have partners or dry cleaners who carry that banner now. How did we become so helpless? Today we say, “enough!” No more shall you rely on someone else’s good graces in the face of unwrinkled dishevellry.

This is where you learn how to properly iron a dress shirt:

1. The Right Stuff

Invest in a good iron. Look for one with a well-built sole plate, high heat capacity and effective steam delivery.

Ergonomic ironing board. Set yours up at the right height for you. Make sure it’s sturdy, easy to clean, padded, and heatproof. This is your work surface. Give it the respect it deserves with a quality cover and pad.

All purpose towel. Get a light-coloured, clean towel to blot up excess water, protect you from heat, and to act as a makeshift sleeve board.

Spray it, don’t say it. You need a for-ironing-only spray bottle. Your steam might be good, but your spray bottle will fill in the blanks and make ironing easier.

Spray starch. Using it takes practice, but it makes a difference. Get it just right and you’ve got the crisp collars of a man in charge.

2. Be Prepared

First, read your shirt’s label and laundry instructions. It’s your map to the treasure of a well-maintained garment.

Set your ironing board up close to an outlet within easy reach of your closet. Fill your spray bottle and iron. Plug in and set your iron on its safe end. Let it heat up. You’ll be ready to press in less than five minutes.

Pro tip: With a spritz, make sure your shirts are a bit damp before you begin.

3. Iron your collar first

Stop and pop it. Then start from the underside. Press the iron slowly from one point to the other. Work out the wrinkles, flip it over and do the same on the other side. Never iron over buttons. It leaves marks.

4. Next, the cuffs

Unbutton them. Lay them flat. Iron from the inside, then the outside. Go around the buttons, or pad them from beneath. French cuffs should be fully open and ironed flat. Don’t press the fold. It’s one step too far and it shows.

5. Iron the front

Start with the button side. Smooth out the wrinkles top to bottom. Carefully work the point of your iron around the buttons. Then do the other side. Always iron pockets from bottom to top.

6. Iron the back, half and half

Lay your shirt out on the square end of the board with one corner tucked into one shoulder. Again, go top to bottom. If you have a centre-box pleat, spread out the fabric and work the tip of the iron in. When the first side’s done, slide your shirt over to the other corner of the board, and hit the other half.

7. Iron your sleeves

Sleeves are the final boss of ironing shirts. They’re tricky because you’re working two layers of cloth. But you can win this. Pick your first sleeve. Flatten the fabric before you begin. Start at the shoulder and work your way to the cuff. Turn it over, do it again. Repeat on the other sleeve.

If you’d rather no creases, roll up that nice, clean towel and shove it down your sleeve. The padding lets you smooth things out without leaving a mark.

8. Inspect your work

Look upon your majesty. Inspect for imperfections. Spot iron patches you might’ve missed. Either hang it up or put it on.

Now call your mom and let her know she’s off the hook.

Job well done.

You ARE Iron Man: How to iron your dress shirts