Why, outside the studio, have I become increasingly unable to live without a cloth steamer?
If you only saw me on TV, you might think that my job was just reading the teleprompter, facing the camera, and clocking out on time. But anyone who has worked in the news industry knows that those three minutes in front of the camera are often the result of countless details behind the scenes.
One of the most overlooked — yet most consequential — details is clothing.
I have been a news anchor in the United States for over a decade, working from local stations to national programs. I have witnessed too many excellent colleagues being penalized for "minor mistakes in image management". Wrinkles on clothes, sagging collars, and uneven lines of the suit — all of these are magnified under high-definition cameras.
It was precisely in this highly pressured, fast-paced, and error-intolerant environment that I truly grasped the value of the cloth steamer.
In high-pressure occupations, why are traditional irons becoming increasingly impractical?
In the past, I also used a traditional iron. On weekends, I would iron all the shirts and suits for the entire week and then hang them in the closet. It looked very "professional".
But reality soon taught me several things:
- News is unpredictable.
- The business trip is temporary.
- The program schedule changes can occur at any time.
- The dressing room is always a place where time is precious and every second counts.
The problem with traditional irons is not that they are "difficult to use", but rather that they require you to have time, space and a complete process.
In real work, what we need is:
- Available at any time
- Quickly restore the clothing to its original state
- No damage to the fabric
- No additional pressure is created
This is precisely the purpose for which the cloth steamer was invented.
The first time I used the Cloth Steamer seriously
That was a live broadcast in the morning in New York.
At 4 o'clock in the morning, I went to the dressing room. The coat had just been taken out of the suitcase and the creases were as distinct as a map. The assistant handed me a handheld steam iron. At that moment, I didn't have too many expectations.
But within just two minutes, the wrinkles of the wool suit completely disappeared, and the shoulder line became naturally smooth and firm.
There are no indentations, no reflections, and no risk of failed ironing.
At that moment, I realized:
The cloth steamer is not a "lazy person's choice", but rather a "rational choice made in a highly demanding professional environment".
Why is the Cloth Steamer particularly suitable for high-exposure occupations?
In my professional circle, more and more hosts, producers and spokespersons are turning to steam ironing, and the reasons are very practical.
1.More friendly to fabrics
Under high-definition cameras, the "texture" of the clothes is more important than their "flatness". Steam can restore the elasticity of the fibers, rather than killing it.
2.More suitable for three-dimensional tailoring
The three-dimensional structures of suits, dresses and formal gowns can easily be distorted by traditional irons.
3.Travel Reliability
You'll never know what has happened to the hotel's iron, but a reliable cloth steamer can give you a sense of security.
4.High fault tolerance rate
Even if you are not fully alert at five o'clock in the morning, your clothes are unlikely to be wrinkled.
How can I determine whether a Cloth Steamer is "reliable"?
Over the years, I have used many different models, and I have also witnessed colleagues making mistakes. The criteria for judgment are actually quite simple:
✔ Is the steam stable and continuous?
The intermittent steam will leave areas looking uneven or partially pressed.
✔ Is the water tank easy to control?
If it's too small, it will need to be refilled frequently; if it's too large, it will affect portability.
✔ Is it suitable for different fabrics?
From silk to wool, and then to blends, adaptability is crucial.
✔ Is it intuitive to use?
Backstage, you don't have time to study the manual.
An unexpected impression that Nesugar left on me
My first encounter with Nesugar was not through an advertisement, but during a chat in the back office. A costume coordinator casually took it out and used it.
What caught my attention at that time was not the appearance, but the delicacy of the steam.
The steam wasn’t “sprayed” — it was gently distributed.
For the clothes shown in the camera shots, these differences in details are quite obvious.
Later, I also used it in my daily life, especially when on business trips or when I had a tight schedule in the morning. It didn't change my working style, but it reduced my anxiety about the details.
For me, this is more important than any technical specifications.
The cloth steamer is not merely a professional necessity; it is also a lifestyle choice.
Interestingly, after I got used to steam ironing, I no longer pursued "absolutely straight" clothes at home.
What I care more about is:
- Does the clothing hang naturally and smoothly?
- Is it comfortable to wear?
- Does it reflect personal style?
This also made me realize that image management is not about "perfect control", but about "making one's appearance look relaxed yet professional".
This is precisely the change that the cloth steamer has brought to me.
Final Note: On Professionalism, Trust, and Details
Those who work in news know best how trust is gradually built.
It is not achieved through exaggeration or packaging, but through long-term stability and details that can withstand scrutiny.
Clothing is just one small aspect, but it affects my demeanor in front of the camera every single day.
If you are like me:
- Need to frequently make public appearances
- The work pace is fast.
- There are basic requirements for appearance.
- Also, one doesn't want to waste energy on trivial matters.
Then, understanding and making good use of a cloth steamer is itself a mature choice.
It's not to make oneself look more perfect,
but to focus one's attention on the truly important matters during crucial moments.
