What does school uniform need ironing? Why does it crease and look rubbish if it’s not ironed? And therefore, why am I ironing regularly for the first time in … well, for the first time in my life, to be honest?
I did everything right. I bought shirts, trousers and skirts – all of it – from the named suppliers. I bought the non-iron/easy care options. I pull uniform clothes immediately out the dryer and hang them up. I cleared space in the wardrobe to avoid items getting crumpled. And yet I find myself ironing. Twice a week. Sometimes three times a week.
The iron lived, until recently, at the bottom of a cupboard next to the washing machine while the ironing board was homeless. It moved around, trying to find itself a spot where it could not be seen, wasn’t in the way and wouldn’t fall over. But it also had to be a spot that was easy to remember (it has been lost, unfindable more than once) and retrievable (unlike the time it was wedged underneath several layers of garden furniture) when needed, and fast (who doesn’t iron last minute?).
But now the iron stands proud and permanent in plain sight. It is part of the furniture. And while my clothes don’t get any warm love, the girls’ uniform is creaseless. Secondary school was supposed to free up time for me. What is happening in my life? I need to consult the What’s App Year Group Parents hive mind.
