How to Get Wrinkles Out of Your Under-Armor Shirts
Wrinkled Under Armour and Dri-Fit shirts respond best to low-heat steaming or ironing at temperatures between 275-300°F (135-150°C). High heat damages synthetic fibers and causes permanent pilling or melting. The fastest wrinkle-free method: turn the shirt inside out, set your iron or steamer to the synthetic setting, and apply steam for 10-15 seconds per wrinkle.
Under Armour, Dri-Fit, and similar synthetic athletic shirts are made of polyester microfibers that wick moisture and dry quickly—but they wrinkle easily and require specific care. Never use high heat. Turn the shirt inside out before applying any heat treatment to protect the fabric’s moisture-wicking coating.
Keep reading for proven methods that safely remove wrinkles from your synthetic shirts without damaging the fabric.
The Hanging Technique
After taking your Under Armour shirt off, gently shake it out and hang it by the waistband on a sturdy hanger. Leave it hanging for 24-48 hours in a well-humidified bathroom or near a window. The natural weight of the fabric (approximately 4-6 oz per square yard for typical performance polyester) pulls wrinkles straight over time. This method works best for light wrinkling and is completely risk-free.
Using a Vacuum Cleaner
Place the shirt inside-out on a hard, flat surface. Run a vacuum with an upholstery attachment over the fabric for 2-3 minutes per section. The suction stretches the fibers and releases set-in creases. Repeat on the front side. This method works through direct fiber manipulation—no heat required—making it completely safe for performance fabrics.
Using a Clothes Steamer
Fill a steamer with distilled water and allow it to heat for 3-5 minutes until steam flows continuously. Hang the shirt on a shower rod or door. Hold the steamer 2-3 inches from the fabric and move it slowly from top to bottom. Steam relaxes polyester fibers at temperatures between 212-300°F, effectively releasing wrinkles without direct contact pressure. Steam each section for 10-15 seconds.
Washing Then Drying
The wash-and-dry cycle resets synthetic fibers. Use cold water (86°F / 30°C maximum) and a small amount of detergent—1-2 tablespoons for a standard load. Avoid fabric softener entirely as it coats polyester fibers and causes stiffness. Tumble dry on low heat for 15-20 minutes with 2-3 dryer balls to bounce out wrinkles.
What Is a Dri-Fit Shirt?
A Dri-Fit shirt is Nike’s moisture-wicking performance fabric made of 100% polyester microfiber (or polyester blends in some versions). The microfiber structure features capillary channels that pull sweat away from skin to the outer surface where it evaporates. This technology keeps athletes cool and dry during workouts. Dri-Fit and similar performance fabrics (Under Armour HeatGear, Adidas Climalite) all require the same low-heat wrinkle removal approach.
How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Dri-Fit Shirt
Dri-Fit shirts require gentle wrinkle removal. Standard ironing with high heat damages the polyester microfiber structure and melts the capillary channels that make the fabric moisture-wicking. Use one of the methods below instead.
Release Wrinkles in the Dryer
Place the shirt in the dryer with 2-3 damp washcloths (not wet—damp). Set to low heat (275°F / 135°C) and run for 15 minutes. The damp cloths create steam inside the dryer, which relaxes the polyester fibers. The shirt emerges wrinkle-free without direct heat contact.
Ironing Dri-Fit Safely
If you must use an iron, follow these exact specifications to prevent damage:
- Turn the shirt inside out—this protects the moisture-wicking surface treatment
- Set iron to synthetic or low heat: 275-300°F (135-150°C)
- Use the steam function—dry heat alone requires higher temperatures that risk scorching
- Move the iron continuously—never leave it in one spot for more than 5 seconds
- Avoid the printed logos—heat damages screen-printed designs
Warning: Polyester melts at approximately 445°F (230°C). Even brief contact above this temperature causes permanent fiber damage, shiny patches, or holes.
Wrinkle-Release Spray
Spray wrinkle-release spray directly onto the shirt from 8-10 inches away. Allow the fabric to dampen fully (approximately 30 seconds). Gently tug the fabric to stretch out remaining wrinkles. Hang to air dry. Wrinkle-release sprays contain a small amount of polymer that relaxes polyester fibers temporarily—results last until the next wash.
Hanging Method
Hang the shirt in a steamy bathroom while showering. The ambient humidity at 80-90% relative humidity combined with room temperature (68-72°F / 20-22°C) relaxes synthetic fibers over 15-20 minutes. For stubborn wrinkles, drape a damp (not wet) towel over the wrinkled area for 10 minutes, then hang freely.
Can You Iron an Under Armour Shirt?
Yes—but only on low heat with steam. Under Armour shirts are constructed of polyester microfiber (100% or blends) with a moisture-wicking finish. The fabric’s structure remains stable up to approximately 390°F (200°C), but the WR (water repellent) coating degrades above 300°F (150°C). Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Can You Iron a Dry Fit Shirt?
Yes, with caution—never on high heat. Dry Fit shirts (and all Nike Dri-Fit variants) are 85-100% polyester. The fabric can withstand brief iron contact at low temperatures, but sustained heat above 350°F (175°C) causes shrinkage and fiber melting. Use the synthetic setting exclusively.
How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Shirt Without an Iron
These methods work without any iron or steamer—useful when traveling or in a hurry.
Using a Hair Dryer
Set your hair dryer to high heat (maximum 200°F / 93°C—well below polyester’s damage threshold). Hold the dryer 6-12 inches from the shirt. Move continuously in circular motions. The combination of heat and air movement relaxes surface wrinkles in 3-5 minutes per shirt. This method works best on light wrinkling.
Using a Flat Iron
A flat iron (hair straightener) reaches temperatures between 350-450°F (175-230°C)—use only on the lowest setting for synthetic fabrics. Place the shirt on a flat surface. Close the flat iron on the wrinkled section for 3-5 seconds maximum. Lift and move to the next section. This method works well for small areas like collar wrinkles.
Using a Tea Kettle
Boil water in a tea kettle (produces steam at 212°F / 100°C). Hold the wrinkled shirt 12-18 inches above the kettle spout while steam flows. Alternatively, pour boiling water from 12 inches height directly onto the wrinkled areas. Allow the shirt to air dry flat. The steam method is effective but requires 5-10 minutes of exposure per section.
Wrinkle-Release Spray
Shake the bottle and mist the wrinkled shirt from 8-10 inches away until the fabric is visibly damp. Smooth wrinkles with your hands and hang to dry. Most commercial wrinkle sprays work in 30 seconds on light wrinkling. For synthetic fabrics, look for sprays containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the active wrinkle-releasing agent.
Using a Mattress
Lay the shirt flat on the floor, fold it in half lengthwise with sleeves together, then roll it tightly like a sleeping bag. Place the rolled shirt under a mattress for 10-30 minutes. The weight and pressure (approximately 30-50 lbs of compression from a standard mattress) squeezes out surface wrinkles. This method works through compression, not heat—completely safe for all synthetic fabrics.
Using Dryer Sheets
Fold the edges of a dryer sheet over the shirt edges and place the shirt on a flat surface. Weigh down the sheet corners with heavy objects (books, dumbbells). The cationic surfactants in dryer sheets (typically ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride) slightly lubricate fabric fibers, allowing wrinkles to fall out over 15-30 minutes. Less effective than the mattress method but convenient.
Using Vinegar
Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Mist the wrinkled areas until slightly damp. The acetic acid (5-8% concentration) relaxes polyester fibers. Let sit for 5 minutes, then gently stretch the fabric and hang to dry. Vinegar also removes any residue buildup from fabric softener or detergent.
Using a Damp Towel
Dampen a clean towel with warm water (approximately 105-115°F / 40-46°C). Wring out excess water so it’s damp but not dripping. Place the towel flat on the wrinkled area of the shirt. Apply firm pressure for 30-45 seconds. Lift and move to the next section. The combination of moisture, warmth, and pressure relaxes wrinkles without excessive heat.
Using a Cloth Steamer
A dedicated handheld steamer produces steam at 200-212°F (93-100°C)—well within the safe range for polyester. Hold the steamer 2-3 inches from the fabric and move slowly vertically. Steam each section for 10-15 seconds. A quality steamer (such as the Conair Turbo Extreme or J-2000) takes 2-3 minutes to heat up and works on a full tank for 15-20 minutes.
Quick-Reference: Wrinkle Removal Methods Compared
| Method | Time | Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hang in humid bathroom | 15-20 min | 68-72°F (20-22°C) | Light wrinkles, no tools needed |
| Clothes steamer | 10-15 min | 212°F (100°C) steam | Best results, all wrinkle types |
| Dryer with damp cloths | 15 min | 275°F (135°C) | Full shirt, convenient |
| Iron (synthetic setting) | 5-10 min | 275-300°F (135-150°C) | Stubborn wrinkles, collar/ cuffs |
| Hair dryer | 3-5 min | 200°F (93°C) max | Quick touch-ups |
| Wrinkle-release spray | 30 sec | Room temp | Light wrinkles, travel |
| Vinegar solution | 5 min + dry | Room temp | Residue removal + wrinkles |
| Mattress compression | 10-30 min | Room temp | No tools needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a hair straightener to iron clothes?
No—a hair straightener is designed for hair, not fabric. Hair straighteners reach 350-450°F (175-230°C), which exceeds the safe range for most synthetic fabrics. Use an iron on its synthetic/low-heat setting (275-300°F / 135-150°C) instead, or use a clothes steamer.
Is steaming better than ironing for synthetic shirts?
Yes—steaming is safer and often more effective for synthetic fabrics like Under Armour and Dri-Fit. Steam relaxes polyester fibers at 212°F (100°C), well below the damage threshold, while ironing requires careful temperature control to avoid scorching. Steaming also preserves the fabric’s moisture-wicking coating better than direct iron contact.
How do you get fusible glue off an iron?
First, unplug the iron and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a wooden spatula or credit card to scrape off the loosened glue. For stubborn residue, apply a small amount of acetone-free nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol to a cloth and gently rub the soleplate. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. For detailed instructions, see our guide on removing Wonder Under from fabric.
Will Sweat Smell Removal Methods Also Remove Wrinkles?
The techniques for removing sweat smell from clothes (such as vinegar soaks, enzyme-based detergents, and proper drying) do help reduce wrinkles as a secondary benefit. However, these methods focus on odor elimination rather than wrinkle removal. For best results on Under Armour and Dri-Fit shirts, use the specific methods in this guide for wrinkle-free results while maintaining the fabric’s performance properties.
Conclusion
Remove wrinkles from Under Armour and Dri-Fit shirts safely using low-heat methods—steaming at 212°F (100°C), ironing at 275-300°F (135-150°C), or no-heat methods like compression or damp towel pressing. Always turn shirts inside out, avoid fabric softener, and never use high heat above 350°F (175°C). With proper care, your synthetic athletic shirts stay wrinkle-free and maintain their moisture-wicking performance through hundreds of wears.
