The invention relates to a garment steaming appliance comprising a sole plate assembly (1) comprising a steam channel (6) for receiving a flow of steam, an ironing plate (3) comprising an ironing surface (4) and an opposing upper surface, wherein the steam channel (6) extends along the upper surface of the ironing plate (3), and a vent (7) extending through said ironing plate (3) from said steam channel (6) to said ironing surface (4). The steam channel (6) is configured to divide the flow of steam into multiple flow paths that reconverge above said vent (7) from different directions to control the direction of the resultant flow of steam out of said vent (7) relative to said ironing surface (4).