Dear Readers,
I recently came across a quote that made me pause: "One of the many great things that Gen Z taught is to collectively abandon ironing of clothes."
We live in an era of abundance, where many people own more clothes than they can possibly need. This has increased the demand for affordable, low-quality fashion, often made from synthetic materials like polyester. While these fabrics may not crease as much as silk or linen, that’s pretty much where the benefits end.
I won’t lie - this ‘boycott of the iron’ trend is not my favourite. Is it because I’m a grumpy millennial? Maybe! 😊 But also because I take great pride in caring for my wardrobe. Carefully preparing my outfit for the day, ensuring it’s clean, intact, and properly ironed or steamed, adds order to my life and boosts my confidence. There’s nothing quite like a well-put-together outfit that says: Game on!
When I attend meetings, represent my business, or even meet friends casually, I see it as an opportunity to show respect- to the people I’m meeting, to the venue, and most importantly, to myself. Taking the time to present ourselves well is a reflection of self-respect and consideration for others. In a world that is moving faster than ever, where casual attire is becoming the norm even in professional settings, making the effort to look polished can set you apart. It signals attention to detail, a strong personal brand, and a sense of discipline that tells a story before you even say a word.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wearing wrinkled casual clothes when lounging at home or hitting the gym. But what saddens me about this trend is that it prioritises convenience over respect - and we sugarcoat it by calling it a generational trait. The decline of ironing is more than just a shift in habits; it reflects a broader change in attitudes towards self-presentation and effort. And while effortless style is appealing, true elegance often requires a little effort.
So, will I continue ironing my clothes? Absolutely. And if you find joy in a crisp, polished look, I encourage you to do the same. Because if Gen Z are the trend setters now, their attention span is still around 8 seconds and that gives us enough time to make a good first impression - perhaps while dressed in well-pressed clothes.
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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