What is the pocket square?

A pocket square is a decorative square of fabric that goes into the breast pocket of a jacket or blazer to add some flair to your look.

What is the point of a pocket square?

Simply put: a hanky is for blowing, while a pocket square is for showing! Less simply put: you use a handkerchief to blow your nose, mop up spills, or even just to dab the sweat off your brow.

What is a men's pocket square called?

In addition to carrying for practical purposes, handkerchiefs have long been displayed in the chest pocket of men's jackets. Used in this way, they are referred to as a pocket handkerchief or pocket square.

What does a pocket square say about you?

Wearing a pocket square is a way to give a message to those around you: you are not a conventional man in a suit, but a discriminating gentleman with a creative, dapper streak. The color you choose for your pocket square, as well as how you fold it, can send additional signals.

What's the difference between a handkerchief and a pocket square?

The pocket square is for show and belongs in your jacket breast pocket. It is normally made from silk, a light-weight cotton or linen, and should be small enough to fold without creating bulk. The handkerchief is for blow and goes in your back or front pants pocket or inside your jacket lower pockets/inside pockets.

How Important Is A Pocket Square? ? | Kirby Allison

Do men use pocket squares?

But men into tailoring have largely held onto it until recently. I began to wear a pocket square less about a year ago. This is a shame in some ways. As ties become less common, and are seen as a sign of dressing up, a pocket square can be a nice replacement.

Is pocket square necessary?

The short answer is no. Although it might seem like an easy way to coordinate your outfit, matching your pocket square and tie or bow tie is a definite no-no in modern dress.

Is pocket square formal?

A pocket square is part of formal attire that decorates in the pocket of a suit jacket. There are various ways to fold a pocket square, and this simple accessory can add personal style to your outfits.

Can I wear a pocket square to a wedding?

There is no rule that says pocket squares are for the wedding party only, so if you're serious about style, consider wearing a pocket square to every wedding. Wear a square and tie to all formal affairs, and opt for a blazer and square (sans tie) for your more casual celebrations.

Can you wear a pocket square to work?

"A pocket square can do the same job a tie does—of smartening up a suit or blazer and smart trousers. In fact, because pocket squares are far less of a go-to than ties are, they can make outfits more thought-through and style-conscious.

Why is it called a hankie?

Formal use of the word “handkerchief” evolved in 14th century France among the wealthy class as a fashion accessory. The term comes from the French words couvrir-chef meaning “to cover” and “head.” The English democratized the handkerchief, making it available to every socio-economic class.

What do you put in a breast pocket?

Some of the most common materials for pocket squares include cotton, linen and wool. While you can always wear a pocket square in one of these traditional materials, you should explore alternative materials as well.

Where did the pocket square come from?

The pocket square made its first appearance in Antiquity, when the Greeks and Egyptians used it as a white linen handkerchief. In the 14th century, French noblemen would perfume theirs to ward off unpleasant odours. It was adopted throughout Western Europe in the 18th century.

Is a pocket square too much?

A silk pocket square is just fine too, but make sure that it's not too distracting. For linen and cotton suits, chose a more textured pocket square fabric, like linen or cotton. Stay away from silk because it's going to look too refined for a more casual suit.

Why did handkerchiefs go out of style?

The pocket handkerchief went out of fashion in the 60's, a decade when many so-called ''new wave'' suits dispensed with chest pockets entirely. It was, in all likelihood, the darkest of days for the pocket handkerchief. Dig deeper into the moment.

Can I use a handkerchief as a pocket square?

Simply put, a handkerchief is useful, a pocket square is decorative. Both can look alike and can be made from the same fabric—both can be offered in the same dimensions, but both cannot be interchanged.

What color pocket square does the groom wear?

Pocket Squares.

The groom can wear a pocket square that matches the bride's gown or a feature of the brides dress, such as the style or material. Coordinate your pocket square to match the bride's white satin gown by opting for a white satin pocket square.

Does father of the bride wear a pocket square?

The father of the bride and the father of the groom don't necessarily have to match the groomsmen's accessories. Dad can wear a tie, bow tie, and/or pocket square that complements what the groomsmen are wearing, or he can choose to coordinate his accessories with his partner's attire.

Do you match bow tie and pocket square?

It is better to match a colour of your pocket square to a colour of your tie. Play around with fabrics. If you're wearing a silk tie, pick a cotton or linen pocket square. If you're wearing a cotton bow tie, choose a silk pocket square, a choice that will show that you know how to dress well.

Should I wear a pocket square to a funeral?

It is appropriate to wear a pocket square to a funeral, but remember funeral events call for a solemn, sophisticated style. You should aim to be formal and respectful. You may want to wear a black suit with a simple monochrome pocket square (usually white) folded in a simple straight edge.

Do you wear a pocket square with a dinner jacket?

Pocket squares are meant to be worn in the outer breast pocket of a suit, tuxedo, or blazer. They're purely decoration—not to be mistaken for the utility-oriented handkerchief.

How do you wear a pocket square casually?

The puff 'fold' is the easiest and most casual way to wear a pocket square. All you have to do is lay the pocket square flat out on a table and pinch it up from the center. Once you have achieved this gently tuck the corners of the pocket square into your jacket breast pocket.

What is your pocket square supposed to match?

There's no steadfast rule for choosing a pocket square. It should simply complement your shirt and tie, not match them. If it looks right and feels right, walk out the door.