Clothes pressers operate presses to remove wrinkles, flatten seams, and give shape to garments.

Clothes pressers use two methods for pressing.

Hand pressers smooth and shape fabric and place articles in position on an ironing board or work table. They push and pull hand irons over the surface of articles. They adjust the temperature of the iron according to the fabric type. If not using a steam iron, pressers spray water over the fabric to soften fibers. Clothes pressers pin, fold, and hang articles after pressing.

They may use covering cloths to prevent scorching or sheen on delicate fabrics. They fit odd-shaped pieces that cannot be pressed flat over a puff iron.

Machine pressers position garments on a table or the feeding mechanism of pressing machines. They adjust machine controls to regulate the temperature and pressure of rollers or plates. After pressing, they examine finished articles and stretch or block articles by hand. Clothes pressers clean and maintain their pressing machines.