A folded pocket square gives you an elegant and sophisticated edge to your look. Rocking the pocket square is back in trend and is something that every stylish man should consider.
Follow this simple, easy guide for those formal, black-tie events and boardroom meetings when nothing but the best will do for your breast pocket.
Pocket Square in the Past
The pocket square (or handkerchief) goes all the way back to 500 B.C when wealthy Greeks carried around perfumed hankies. English lords carried perfumed hankies to cover their noses from the unpleasant pong of the streets and other people. Originally used as a practical accessory, in the modern era, the pocket square is mainly worn for decorative purposes.
Choosing a Pocket Square
Color co-coordinating is important when selecting a pocket square. The general rule is that the color of your pocket square should complement some color in your tie. So if your tie has a bit of blue, then wear a solid blue pocket square or a patterned pocket square with some blue in it. Never match the colors exactly as it just looks over the top. A white pocket square can be worn with any colored tie, so to start your pocket square collection, make the white colored pocket square your first choice.
Selecting Your Fold
There are many different ways of folding a pocket square. Just like with neckties, you’ll find variety of options available. Below is a selection of four simple folds with instructions that you should master.
The Puff Fold
The puff fold is probably the easiest when compared to the other folds. The aim is to have a small puff of fabric coming out of the suit pocket. Here’s how to fold it:
- Lay your square out flat on the table.
- Pinch the centre of the square and lift, allowing the folds to form naturally.
- Fold the pointed end up to the ruffled end.
- Gather up the bottom of the pocket square.
- Neatly tuck it into your suit pocket. Play around with it until you get the desired puffiness.
The Straight Fold
A timeless classic. What you’ll end up with is a small rectangle peeking out of your suit pocket. Here’s how to fold it:
- Lay your square flat on the table.
- Fold the left side over to the right side.
- Bring the bottom towards the top, but only fold up to three quarters in length.
- Tuck into your suit pocket leaving half an inch exposed.
The Point Fold
A simple, stylish fold that peaks out of your jacket pocket. Here’s how to fold it:
- Lay your square flat on the table and position the square so it appears diamond shaped.
- Bring the bottom point to the top point, forming a triangle.
- Bring the left corner of the triangle to the right corner and the left corner to the right corner.
- Bring the bottom towards the top, but only fold up to three quarters in length.
- Tuck into your pocket, exposing the top half of the design.
The Multipoint Fold
A decorative fold that isn’t as hard as it looks. Reserve this fold for special occasions. Here’s how to fold it:
- Lay your square flat on the table.
- Roughly fold it in half along the diagonal, so the points don’t quite meet.
- Bring the two ends up and over far enough to make four points.
- Fold the edges in to match the width of your suit pocket.
- Bring up the bottom and tuck neatly into your pocket.
Other Pocket Square Tips
Make sure that your pocket square is clean. A crumpled, crusty square poking out of your suit pocket isn’t a good look. If you haven’t worn your pocket square for a while, be sure to give it a quick wash to freshen it up.
Fold once and wear once. After you’ve worn your pocket square, don’t reuse it without washing it first. Never refold and tuck back in your suit pocket once unfolded. You won’t be able to get the crisp lines back again without ironing it.
