There is nothing so fine as a finely ironed shirt

Posted at 12:05 on Friday August 26, 2005 | Filed Under Miscellaneous

Apart from my love of Ramen noodles, pens, personal finance, and viral marketing, I have a not-so-secret love of ironing.

My goal is to iron the creases so sharply that they'll cut your face.

I have been searching for a business model for this skill of mine. Some of my friends suggested putting together a quick Web site showing people how to iron a shirt. Good idea, I replied, EXCEPT...

1. No one knows how to iron a shirt
2. Nobody cares about learning how to iron
3. Nobody pays for anything related to this (except to have a laundromat do it for them)
4. I don't know how much positive personal branding I could receive from this

If I were Rowenta (they are like the Rolls Royce of irons), I would launch a massive ironing-education program in America. Maybe this is why I'm not the CEO of Rowenta, though.

Maybe I'll just keep this as a hobby of mine.

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Comments (16)

1.: Make a website that shows how to:

1. Iron a shirt.
2. Tie a necktie (with dimple).
3. Some color coordination tips.
4. A downloadable guide for business travelers.

Put some google ads.

Then drop the link on:

http://www.styleforum.net
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Forum/default.asp

You will get some clicks.

I will print and carry the guide.

Posted by Jose Anes at August 26, 2005 05:53 AM

2.: "2. Nobody cares about learning how to iron". This statement is clearly false. I have lately been striving for a more perfect ironing technique.

Posted by Josh at August 26, 2005 07:17 AM

3.: Interesting. If there's enough demand, maybe I'll do something to teach this...

Posted by Ramit Sethi at August 26, 2005 08:57 AM

4.: Consider marketing it towards computer types --- there are lots of engineers at Stanford who have no clue how to dress for interviews. One of my housemates has to have hotel clerks tie his tie for him, and he's 25 years old!

Posted by anonymous at August 26, 2005 09:22 AM

5.: For an added effect, use wood hangers :)

Posted by Tom at August 26, 2005 11:45 AM

6.: I'll sign my girlfriend up pronto!

Posted by brandon at August 26, 2005 05:27 PM

7.: Dude, forget the ironing, teach America how to get the hangers so evenly spaced!

Posted by Reality Bites at August 27, 2005 12:44 PM

8.: You could also provide reviews of different irons, as well as the ironing chemicals/products that are like starch...I think one of them is called Magic Sizing.

Posted by Financial Fruition at August 28, 2005 08:29 AM

9.: I have two brothers-in-law who are so meticulous abut their apperances that they insist on doing all of their own ironing. They are also passionate about shoe polishing and various other points of wardrobe maintenance. The "Ask Andy" posters seem to be similarly passionate about the care of their clothes. The website about ironing, et al would be great and probably very popular!

Posted by Sydney at August 28, 2005 11:50 AM

10.: A guide to packing a suitcase so that your clothes don't come out looking like a wadded up mess would also be great. Amazing how few people really pack well, or efficiently. Most people overpack and take the wrong stuff with them. A smart packer can be gone for weeks at a time with hand luggage only (I do it all the time).

Posted by Sydney at August 28, 2005 04:53 PM

11.: Take up Extreme Ironing. It's the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt. http://www.extremeironing.com/

Posted by Surajit Bose at August 30, 2005 12:06 PM

12.: Pretty funny post. I personally hate ironing and have made it a personal goal never to have to iron again. In a comic book, would I be your nemesis?

Posted by kristen at September 1, 2005 01:05 PM

13.: You already are.

Posted by Ramit Sethi at September 1, 2005 01:08 PM

14.: that is an awesome idea & gear it towards women. My hubby does all the ironing for us hehe ;) I would definitely go there.

Posted by Anonymous at October 3, 2005 03:43 PM

15.: I was given this site by my son and needless to say that you are extremely interesting. You just about cover the world withyour insight.

About the ironing, I too have an obsession for ironing and I too love to have my shirts with the crease very sharp, and heavily starched. I learned the art and I say art because ironing is an art, my sister as a youngster would iron our clothes and when I got them they were not to my satisfaction, so what happened? my sister would thrown them at me after I complaint and was told to do them myself. Well I'm now 58 and since the age of 12 I have been ironing all my clothes and will not allow anyone else do them for me.
So my friend I think I have met someone who enjoys ironing as much as I do. So if you have information regarding ironing so ahead and put it down. Never too old to learn different techniques.

Posted by Rafael Olmeda at October 25, 2005 08:02 AM

16.: I think an ironing websiteis a great idea. I don't know how to iron a shirt or pants with starch without creating little white flakes. Very annoying - I have settled for using a spray bottle of water.

Posted by kim at November 23, 2006 07:15 PM

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