Method and apparatus for the ironing of articles of clothing, especially for the ironing of the bodies of outer shirts and overalls

In the method for the ironing of articles of clothing by means of inflatable swelling sleeves, the upper ends of the swelling sleeves are drawn inwards by spring force while the article to be ironed is being pulled on, and the swelling sleeves are tensioned by subjecting them to a pressure medium so as to overcome the spring force. The apparatus contains at least one form body (11) with lateral swelling sleeves (14, 15) which, in the non-inflated state, are pressed inwards against the basic body (13) by springs (16, 17). This ensures that the swelling sleeves (14, 15) are kept crease-free and, when swollen, adapt in a rolling movement to the contour of ironing press plates (40, 41).