The graduation gown is an integral part of the graduation ceremony for most of us who feel that a graduation ceremony is quite incomplete without it. While there are many other things that make the graduation ceremony special, such as graduation cakes, graduation dresses, cards and songs, it is, after all, the graduation gown and cap that make a graduate look and feel like one. It is a common practice for high school and college students to rent in their graduation caps and gowns instead of buying them. The reason is that graduation apparel, especially the graduation gown, can seldom be used again (unless you want your kids to wear the same one for their convocation ceremony!). Renting garments is hassle free because all you need to do is keep it clean and in a good shape till the time you return it back, without having to worry about keeping it safe for years. You just need to get the gown dry cleaned before you wear it and once more before you return it back. However, if you like the feel of a brand new graduation gown, then you can go for a graduation kit that consists of a gown, a graduation cap and a tassel. Have you ever wondered what to do if you find that your gown has developed some fine creases? And that too just a few hours before your graduation ceremony? Well, in that case, all you can do is manage things yourself as it would be too short a notice to call a laundry service for help. At first thought, it might seem to you that ironing a graduation gown is no big deal as it is not the first time that you would be using the iron. But wait! Ironing delicate fabrics isn't as easy as ironing a cotton shirt. You need to be a little more careful and patient. How to Iron a Graduation Gown If you were always curious to know exactly what those black colored robes are made of, then let me tell you that they are mostly made from synthetic polyester fabrics. While these fabrics are preferred because of the glossy texture, on the downside, they are inflammable which means that they catch fire pretty easily. So, in case you need to iron these yourself, you must be very very careful. Here are a few steps you need to follow to iron your graduation gown. Just have a look! Materials Required

• Iron
• A piece of thick cloth or towel
• Spray bottle
• Vinegar

Step 1: Set the Temperature Before you begin ironing your graduation gown, don't forget to set your iron to a suitable temperature setting. If your iron has a setting for polyester or nylon fabric, then fine, otherwise set it to the minimum temperature level. Step 2: Wet the Cloth Once you have set the temperature on your iron and switched it on, it will be a while before it gets warm. In the meantime, fill the spray bottle with clean water and spray it on the piece of towel cloth till the cloth becomes moderately damp. Note that it should not be completely wet. Step 3: Using the Iron Now, fold the damp cloth once and place it on the gown. Take the iron and gradually press it over the towel cloth. The purpose of using the damp cloth is to protect the delicate nylon or polyester fabric of the gown from direct heat. Begin from one end of the apparel and once done, move the towel cloth further and spray some more water on it when necessary. This way you can safely iron your gown without the least risk of burning it. This method is effective because the moisture from the damp cloth turns to steam due to the heat of the iron and this steam is responsible for quick disappearance of wrinkles and creases from the gown. In case the creases are stubborn and refuse to go, add a few drops of vinegar to the water in the spray bottle. It is widely believed that prevention is always better than cure and so I present to you some tips that can go a long way in keeping your gown from developing creases and wrinkles on the "big" day. Whether you have purchased a gown or planning to get one on rent, the first thing you need is to know is how to store it. The best way to do so is to let it hang from a coat hanger inside your wardrobe. Also, it is preferable to use wooden or plastic hangers instead of the metal ones. Here's another useful tip: on the day of your graduation ceremony, don't step out of your home wearing it. Instead, carry it carefully till you reach the venue. Avoid steam ironing your graduation gown as the excessive heat may damage the delicate fabric. However, exposing the gown to indirect steam might work wonders in removing the wrinkles for good! So, put it on a hanger and place it somewhere in the vicinity of the hot shower in your bathroom, but not dangerously close. This will cause the creases to vanish without you having to take the trouble of ironing it!