Abstract: A shield for the inflatable side bags of both shirt and sleeve presser bag assemblies to substantially prevent the folding or pinching of the inflatable side bags during pressing. The shields are preferably fabricated from the same material as the body bag which is stiffer and less prone to folding than the side bag material. Folding and pinching of the inflatable side bags can be prevented when the shields extend to the point just past the point of maximum ballooning of the inflatable side bags.