Why do we need a pocket square, and are they just to be ruffled up and placed in the pocket of your jacket, or is there a certain way to fold them?
Pocket squares are used to adorn the top pocket of a gentleman’s coat and adds a significant amount of personality to the entire look.
Decorative silk pocket squares with vibrant prints showcase the innate personality of the wearer and add a studied playfulness to an otherwise conservative formal look.
Linen white pocket squares or cotton ones are also used for its true gentlemanly purpose: service. Presented at the most opportune time, it displays a man’s true gentility. When taking a lady out for dinner, if she accidentally spills her beverage on her dress, it is this gesture of a gentleman offering his white linen or cotton pocket square to the lady that will be appreciated.
There are plenty of ways to fold a pocket square, depending on the occasion for which it is to be worn. The most classic one is a square fold with the folded-up bottom edge tucked into the pocket, the top peeking 2cm above the edge of the pocket.
Then there’s the puff fold, which is tucked in a semi ball and then pulled to showcase 5cm of it. Balance is important here as a well-balanced fold shows attention to detail.
Various other folds can be done depending on whether it’s to be worn for official purposes or for leisure.
You must also note: never match the pocket square with the tie. One must take care to complement it in a manner that makes it subtly different, never the same.
Pocket squares can also be hemmed with a piping border of a contrasting colour and this is often done in white pocket squares to give it more character. A pocket square worn appropriately displays the true sartorial taste of a gentleman.
