Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Garment Presser
What garment pressers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a garment presser?
Start steam equipment. From there, the day usually includes press garments, use steam presses, and hand-iron details. Full or part time, often early hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a garment presser working full time.
- Start steam equipment.
- Press shirts.
- Press suits.
- Hand-iron pleats.
- Check for stains.
- Bag and tag orders.
- Clean equipment.
Where garment pressers work
Pressers work at dry cleaners, laundries and garment plants.
Hours and schedule
Full or part time, often early hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Press garments
- Use steam presses
- Hand-iron details
- Check for stains
- Fold and hang
- Tag items
- Maintain equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Steam presses
- Irons
- Shirt units
- Pressing forms
- Spotting boards
- Baggers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Short training
- Steady pace
- Quick results
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Heat and steam
- Standing
- Low pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like neat results
- I don’t mind heat
- I can stand
- I work quickly
- I want short training
- I like steady work
Not sure? Take the free Garment Presser fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Avoid steam burns
- Keep hands clear of presses
- Take breaks
- Stay hydrated