It's definitely a personal choice....I press everything...and I use steam...Be careful to "press" (up and down) and not "iron" (back and forth) the fabric as you can really stretch your fabric out of shape. I also use Best Press on my fabric, which if you've never used it, is a wonderful product..You can spray it on your black slacks and it will not leave a white residue...Great product!! Quilt shops will usually carry it.....