Where the creases in a new garment come from

Short answer: The creases in a new garment come from it lying tightly folded under pressure for weeks or months. The weight of the boxes on top presses the folds into the fabric. They almost always disappear by themselves if the garment is allowed to hang.

Pressure over a long time

A stack of boxes in a container weighs a lot. The bottom garment in the bottom box carries the whole weight for the entire journey, and that can take weeks. The pressure never lets up, and so the creases set deeper than they would on an ordinary day in the wardrobe at home.

Moisture locks the creases

If there is moisture in the air during transport, the creases set even harder, because moisture and pressure work together. Moisture softens the fibres, and the pressure presses them into a new shape. When the fibres then dry, the shape is locked, and the crease stands sharp when you unpack the garment.

Folded to an instruction

The garments are folded to an instruction, so they take up as little space as possible and look alike in the box. That means the creases sit in the same places from garment to garment. It is not a fault in the fabric, but a result of how clothes are packed for a long journey.

They disappear by themselves

Hang the garment up, ideally in a damp bathroom, and the weight pulls the creases out. The moisture loosens the fibres again, and the weight does the rest. It often takes only a few hours, and for most garments the creases are gone the next day. See our bamboo shirt for men if you are looking for a shirt.

How to use the bathroom

Hang the garment on a hanger while you bathe, and close the door so the steam stays in the room. Leave it hanging until it is dry and aired through. Do not handle it more than necessary, so the creases are not pressed in again while the fabric is damp and soft.

Do I need to iron a new garment

Rarely. Hang it up for a day first and see how it looks. Most creases give way by themselves, and ironing is only needed for the few that stay. Read the care label before using an iron, so you know how much heat the fabric tolerates.

When a crease is stubborn

If a single hard crease cannot be straightened by weight alone, steam directly on the fabric can help. Hold the steam at a distance and let the fabric dry afterwards. An iron on low heat is the last resort. Always try heat on a hidden spot first when using it on a new garment.

Why the creases are so sharp

The creases are sharp because the garment was folded to an instruction and pressed for many weeks. The longer the journey and the heavier the load, the clearer the creases become. Sharp creases are therefore normal in a new garment and do not in themselves mean that anything is wrong.

Take it easy with new garments

If you bought several items on sale, you can hang them up at the same time and let them air. See offers and offers for men for current items. A little patience is often enough, and you save time and energy on an iron you do not need.