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FEATURES
December 1, 2017
Panasonic | A Professional's Review of the Buzzworthy Panasonic Garment Steamer.
Panasonic
A Conversation with Fashion Designer Seiichi Kaga
The Advantages of the Panasonic Garment Steamer
Panasonic's "Garment Steamer" is a lifesaver for men who dislike ironing, as it easily tackles wrinkles and odors while clothes are still on the hanger. This time, we explore its benefits from the perspective of a fashion professional.
Photographs by NAGAO Masashi Text by NAGASAKI yoshitsugu
First, what are the advantages of the Panasonic Garment Steamer from the viewpoint of a fashion designer? We asked Seiichi Kaga, owner and designer of the popular men's brand "Hipihapa."
"First and foremost, it's compact. And it's not just compact; the size of the ironing surface is perfectly suited to the width of shirt sleeves, which is wonderful. It finishes sleeves beautifully in one go."
Was there a reason for its compactness that impressed even a professional?
"Also, samples come to us fashion designers folded. We usually hang them on a hanger or mannequin and steam them to smooth them out, but when I actually used it, I found the generous steam output very convenient."
As Kaga held up a shirt and began steaming, the wrinkles visibly smoothed out.
A Design Meticulously Crafted, Impressing Professionals
"This compactness allows the steam to reach even the smallest areas, and the quick finishing is surprising. Also, the trigger, or rather the steam button, is placed in a great spot. I was impressed that they really studied professional usability."
Garments were finished one after another on the spot. It was clear that a professional's touch makes a difference.
"As a fashion designer, I use a garment steamer daily. Professional models were usually large and heavy. However, when I used the Panasonic Garment Steamer, I found it to be light and compact, making it easy to handle and resulting in a beautiful finish. It heats up quickly, and the ample steam output is more than satisfactory. Even we professionals are fully satisfied. The flat ironing surface also allows for pressing, which is a nice bonus."
"Above all, cherish your clothes. With that mindset, I hope you'll incorporate a garment steamer into your daily routine. Some clothes look beautiful when simply washed, but others look better without wrinkles. I want people to master how to use it appropriately."
From a fashion designer's perspective, the focus was on its size and ease of use. So, what about practical application?
Seiichi Kaga, Designer for "Hipihapa"
Born and raised in Nippori, Tokyo. After working at Skip & Bee and Interior Exterior, he became the designer for Hipihapa in 1992.
Page02. Stylist's Guide to Using the Panasonic Garment Steamer
Panasonic
A Conversation with Stylist Kota Kawai
The Advantages of the Panasonic Garment Steamer (Part 2)
Stylist's Guide to Using the Panasonic Garment Steamer
With a remarkable heat-up time of approximately 24 seconds and its lightweight design, the Panasonic Garment Steamer NI-FS530 allows for easy wrinkle and odor removal. Fashion stylists, who expertly remove wrinkles, are professionals who often use this garment steamer on time-constrained photoshoots.
We asked Kota Kawai, a stylist active in fashion magazines, to share some tips for busy businessmen to easily and efficiently remove wrinkles using a garment steamer.
First, we asked about the appeal of the Panasonic Garment Steamer, which he also uses for work.
"It's lightweight and heats up quickly, which is appealing. It's great that I can use it easily whenever I need it." The speed of heat-up is a crucial requirement in fast-paced environments.
Just like a stylist's job, a businessman's morning is busy. While it's best to steam clothes the night before, a garment steamer that heats up quickly and can be used while hanging is useful for last-minute garment care discovered just before leaving the house.
Key Garment Steamer Techniques
Understanding the basic techniques for using a garment steamer can help you make better use of your valuable time. We asked Mr. Kawai to share key points for using the Panasonic Garment Steamer on three types of clothing that can be considered a businessman's power attire.
Shirts: Beware of Induced Wrinkles
For tops, the basic technique is to glide the garment steamer from top to bottom. For shirts, it's important to steam out wrinkles and then use the ironing surface to crisp up the shirt's fabric.
"By sandwiching the garment between a mitt and the garment steamer, and lightly pulling the fabric down as you glide, you can apply the ironing surface evenly to the shirt's fabric for a beautiful finish."
Achieving a beautiful finish is important, but he also shared some points to be careful about during application.
"When using a mitt with the garment steamer, do not fasten all the buttons. If you put your arm inside the shirt from the bottom with the buttons fastened, your upper arm will touch the shirt, and unseen areas can become wrinkled without you realizing it. Fasten only the first and second buttons, and insert your mitt-clad arm from the side to reduce the extra step."
This is a particularly important point to keep in mind when using a mitt.
Trousers: Press, Don't Glide
A key feature of the Panasonic Garment Steamer is its flat ironing surface.
This surface can be used to smooth even thick trousers. The technique here is to press down with the ironing surface, rather than gliding.
"By smoothing out the trousers one leg at a time and carefully applying the ironing surface, the finish will be different.
When using the ironing surface, be careful of uneven fabric layers or shifting that can cause unwanted wrinkles. While using your palm to smooth out the fabric of the trousers, press the ironing surface to shape them. If you're concerned about shine, using a pressing cloth is recommended."
Kawai explained, using his free hand to firmly stretch the fabric of the trousers. Similar to shirts, it's important to be mindful of wrinkles forming elsewhere while steaming. It seems best to let the steam dissipate for a few hours after application.
Coats: Add Dimension to Winter Coats with Powerful Steam
Thick winter coats can be difficult to send for dry cleaning during the season. However, the Panasonic Garment Steamer can be used to care for coats that you wear frequently.
"A garment steamer is a tool to use when you want to bring out the texture of the fabric. By steaming the surface and fluffing the fibers, you can create dimension. When using a garment steamer on outerwear, the key is not to touch the ironing surface to the fabric, as it can crush the fibers.
In addition to outerwear, it can also add dimension to knitwear such as sweaters and cardigans."
By holding the ironing surface away from the fabric and applying powerful steam, the texture of a coat that has faded from wear can be revived. Furthermore, the Panasonic Garment Steamer can also remove odors from clothing. It's ideal for caring for outerwear that cannot easily be dry-cleaned, such as food and drink smells from gatherings, cigarette smoke, sweat, or mothball odors.
With its simple and stylish design, available in dark blue and a pink gold tone, it's a product highly recommended for career women as well.
Stylist Kota Kawai
After working as an assistant to Tomoki Yusuke for about 5 years, he became an independent freelance stylist in 2014. He is active primarily in fashion magazines.
Panasonic Garment Steamer NI-FS530
Power Supply: 100V (50-60Hz)
Power Consumption: 950W
External Dimensions: Main Unit Approx. 7cm (W) x 15cm (H) x 15cm (D)
Weight: Main Unit Approx. 700g
Power Cord Length: Approx. 2.5m
Ironing Surface
Base Type: Flat Base
Material: Ceramic Coating
Number of Steam Holes: 6
Functions
Heat-up Time: Approx. 24 seconds
Steam: Continuous Powerful Steam / Wide Steam / 360° Steam
Continuous Steam Duration: Approx. 4 minutes
Steam Output: Average Approx. 11g/min
Water Tank Capacity: Approx. 50ml
Auto Heater Off Function
Accessories
Stand, Measuring Cup