Roll fronts of coats to the inside, so that they will retain their proper shape, also to give to them that chesty effect, which is very essential, in the pressing of all kinds of coats, and vests. One will soon become familiar with the work by a little practice.
Place coats on hangers to dry before wearing or delivering. Sack overcoats, rain-coats and Tuxedos, are pressed in the same way.
How to clean and press cutaway dress, Prince Albert, military, clerical, uniforms, footman's liveries, Newmarket, Paddock and Palitot. The above garments are cleaned and pressed the same as other garments, but with this difference:—Coats with skirts are pressed from the collar or neck to the waist line or seam, then moved up to the waist line or seam, and pressed from that to the bottom of skirt, and around to the front, having the edge of the garment pointing toward the presser. All coats lined with silk are pressed very lightly, especially lapels and facings (as the mark of the iron shows easy; and on silks is difficult to remove.)
Silk should look fluffy in a garment, and therefore does not require much pressing. Great care must be taken when cleaning, pressing, and repairing dress suits, Tuxedos, Prince Alberts, and any garment that is silk lined. The price to charge for such work may only be figured by the amount of silk, and time required to do the work. Silk facings may be had by mailing samples to this office, and we will send price list.
How to clean and press ladies' jackets and coats: Brush thoroughly, and if necessary, whip with cane to remove all dust and dirt. Remove all spots with the cleaning fluid, place on hangers, and when dry, press as follows: Ladies' jackets and coats are pressed the same as men's, but with the following differences: Press around cuffs, sleeves and shoulders on the small end of the press-jack, then start at the center back seam and press forward to the front edge, having the collar or neck pointing to the right. Always have the edge of the garment facing the presser. Reverse the press-jack, coat or jacket, and commence pressing as before, down the back seam and around left side to front edge. Lay sleeves on the press-jack and press as before, being careful to have plaits in the right creases and the gatherings in their proper place. Do not allow more plaits or wrinkles to form on the top of the sleeves than is needed.
How to clean and press all kinds of skirts for ladies, Brush thoroughly and whip if necessary, turn the skirt inside out, and brush dust and dirt, from the seams and bottom. Clean all grease spots, if any, with the cleaning fluid, place on hangers, and when dry, press as follows: Draw skirt on press-jack with the waist band pointing to the left, on the small end of the press-jack; the skirt to be drawn on the press-jack to the left. Use the sponge cloths and iron the same as when pressing other garments. Press around the top of the skirt and as far below as the press-jack will allow. If skirt is plaited, be careful to have the plaits lying smooth on the press-jack, either pin or baste plaits in their proper creases before starting to press.
When pressing thin skirts, it is not necessary to press very hard, only until the steam arises, then slap with the back of the brush to keep steam in the goods, also to refreshen the garment. Place on skirt hangers to dry before wearing or delivering. Always look for gloss, and if any appears, remove as explained.
How to clean and press single and double breasted vests, clerical, with or without collar: Brush thoroughly and whip with cane, if necessary, to remove dust and dirt, being careful not to break the buttons on the garment. Turn all pockets inside out to remove all dust and dirt from them. Then remove all spots with the cleaning fluid as explained. Place on coat hanger, and when dry, press as follows: Place the right forepart of the vest smooth on the press-jack, with the edge facing the presser, and the neck or the collar pointing to the right. Cover with sponge cloths and apply the iron until the cloth shows signs of drying. Remove and slap with the back of the brush, then brush the nap of the cloth to refreshen and make it look like new, being careful not to stretch the opening when pressing the forepart and shoulders.
When pressing the foreparts of vests, start at the side seams, and press forward to the front edge. Now reverse the press-jack and vest and press left side in the same manner, around the shoulders and arm holes. Now smooth the wrinkles from the back, starting from the center and pressing forward to the right side seam; then press the left side in the same manner. This removes the wrinkles, and may be done with almost dry sponge cloth and medium warm iron.
All vests are pressed in the same way, with the exception of fancy or white vests. With these use a plain white cotton cloth, and wet sponge with clean water.