How to Wear a Pocket Square
Sheridan Grant
Table of Contents
If you’re ready to take the plunge into some of the coolest menswear trends or are simply interested in expanding your collection of accessories, you may be interested in learning more about how to wear a pocket square.
There’s a lot of etiquette involved in wearing pocket squares, from what to do and what not to do, and we’ve got you covered.
From outfit ideas to fashion no-nos, as well as a history of the accessory and deets on all the options out there, we’ll be your guide on how to wear a pocket square.
After reading this guide, you’ll understand:
- How to wear a pocket square
- When to wear a pocket square
- How to fold a pocket square
- All the different styles available
- What to avoid when styling a pocket square
What Is a Pocket Square?
A pocket square is a square cloth that doubles as a handkerchief. It fits into the breast pocket of a jacket, adding a colorful or patterned flair to any stylish look.
It’s a simple way to upgrade a jacket or outfit, adding a more unique and thoughtful finishing touch to your ensemble.
Plus, they’re available in plenty of different fabrics, patterns, and colors to pair perfectly with what you’ve already got in your wardrobe.
History of Pocket Squares
Pocket squares have long been known as a fashionable, formal accessory worn by guests attending special events and occasions. The style has since expanded to be worn anywhere and everywhere, the history goes back a bit further than that.
While there is little evidence to support it, pocket squares can be dated back to ancient times, worn by Egyptians as a status of wealth and by Greeks who would spray perfume on cloth and carry it around to expel a pleasant aroma.
Like all things, the style has changed and become more refined over the years. Considering how pocket squares are worn now, it’s easy to say that the simple, flat folds and quality fabrics were worn as a fancier, elegant finishing touch to a suit or tuxedo.
And while they still definitely exude a sense of class and sophistication, there’s plenty of room for fun and experimentation with unique folds, bright colors, and bold patterns.
With all that being said, you may be wondering when the best time is to wear a pocket square. Stay tuned! We’ll share more below.
When to Wear a Pocket Square
In short, there really isn’t a “bad time” to wear a pocket square. If you’ve got on a nice suit, blazer, or sport jacket that has a breast pocket, you’re good to go. Plus, it’s a convenient and functional piece if you’ve got a cold or tend to be a klutz with your coffee.
Regardless, we’ve compiled a list of the best time to wear a pocket square, and we’ll get into the how-tos later on:
- To add a festive touch to your suit or tux
A suit or tuxedo can feel a bit uptight and formal around the holiday season. If you’re attending something like a bridal shower or birthday party and still want to wear a jacket, it can be somewhat over-the-top.
The simple answer? Lose the tie, undo the first few buttons of your shirt, roll up your sleeves, and add a brightly colored or appropriately-patterned pocket square to the breast pocket of your jacket.
- For a more formal look
On the other side of things, your cufflinks and tie may simply not be doing the trick for a more formal event, such as a wedding or fancy dinner. This is where a pocket square comes into play, adding a decorative, put-together touch that ties the look together for a more traditional look.
- When you’re not in the mood for a tie
If you’re looking for a sophisticated and thoughtful outfit sans tie, try opting for a pocket square instead. It still creates the same sort of vibe without that choking feeling around your neck and is just as easy to transform into a more laid-back look at the end of the day.
How to Wear a Pocket Square
Now that we’ve shared all our tips for when to wear a pocket square, you may be on the hunt for some tricks when it comes to how to wear a pocket square.
While there are numerous pocket square folds—which we’ll get into later—there’s also a few things to remember when it comes to styling your accessory. The first thing to consider is the color palette.
A pocket square is all about coordinating with your outfit, and it wouldn’t make much sense to opt for something that goes in the complete opposite direction. Try to play with shades and tones, as well as complementary colors to a look you’ve already decided on.
Some people like to wear a matching tie or bow-tie and pocket square, others don’t–it’s really all personal preference. That being said, if you opt for a patterned tie it’s best to go for a solid pocket square and vice versa.
As we’ve already mentioned, there’s plenty of different ways to style your pocket square for a more formal, laid-back, or in-between look. Try adding different accessories and taking others away until you’ve found the ensemble you’re going for.
10 Outfit Ideas With Pocket Squares
With all that being said, it’s time to delve into our top 10 outfit ideas with pocket squares. Check out our list below.
1. Color coordinated
This outfit features a playful yet sophisticated color palette, pairing an aubergine jacket and pants with a peachy pink dress shirt. The solid colors are complemented by the pattern in the bowtie and pocket square, which pull colors from the ensemble for a cohesive look.
2. Pop of color
Featuring plenty of fun colors, this look boasts a more casual option. With hues of pink and blue, a green and orange pocket square is the ideal choice since the colors contrast on the color wheel. Tucked into a jean jacket and paired with a dress shirt, this ‘fit is sure to catch a gaze!
3. Sophisticated
Wondering how to wear a pocket square with a suit? Keep things sleek and simple with an all-black ensemble. The waistcoat and suede black loafers add an elegant touch, while the matte black patterned tie and pocket square add texture and detail for a sophisticated finish.
4. Business casual
Ideal for an office meeting or comfy work attire, this look features a patterned blazer layered over a simple tee that pulls a neutral shade from the pattern. The pocket square adds an elegant, refined touch, featuring the same hues of navy and beige in a floral pattern.
5. Classic patterns
A navy blue suit is a wardrobe essential, but this look takes things up a notch with a patterned jacket. Even more easy on the eyes? The cherry red accessories, adding a bright and fresh touch to the deep color palette.
6. Neutral suit
Your new go-to for any semi-formal occasion, this suit features a neutral, understated color palette. The tie and pocket square add some depth without veering from the shades of beige, featuring a warm brown floral pattern.
7. Pattern mixing
If you’ve got an eye for detail, you’ll be mesmerized by the idea of mixing patterns. This look features a black and beige pinstripe suit that feels luxe and sophisticated, paired with a warm brown paisley patterned matching tie and pocket square.
The neutral shades create a warm palette that is easy on the eyes, while the mixed patterns create juxtaposition against a white dress shirt.
8. Bold colors and patterns
If you’re going to go bold, do it well by opting for plenty of color. This look features playful patterns as well, opting for a striped jacket and paisley patterned tie and pocket square.
The blue in the accessories matches the pants while the orange matches the waistcoat, creating a harmonious look that mixes solids, patterns, colors, and neutrals.
9. Tuxedo
Now, you may also be wondering how to wear a pocket square with a tuxedo. Fortunately, keeping it simple is the best way to go!
Known as the penguin suit, a classic tux features contrasting shades of black and white–so opt for a white pocket square that will stand out against the black jacket, while keeping things clean and simple.
10. Fresh and summery
Whether you’ve got a wedding in Italy to attend or simply want to dress up for a formal event in a hot setting, a light blue suit will have your back. To keep things fresh and airy, we recommend white and burgundy accessories.
Opt for contrasting shades, with a burgundy tie against a white dress shirt and a white pocket square against a baby blue jacket.
What Type of Pocket Squares Can You Get?
From block colors to bold, unique patterns, pocket squares come in an abundance of different designs. That being said, there are usually three materials to choose from, each of which have a different look. Check them out below.
- Silk
A silk pocket square is the ideal addition to a collection of formal clothing and suave essentials. It adds a shiny, luxurious touch to any look, and pairs best with dark colors for a vibrant and bold look.
Silk tends to be softer and, well, silkier, making it ideal for puff folds that create an eccentric and eye-catching look.
- Cotton
Cotton pocket squares are another ideal option for more formal occasions, though they can seamlessly be used for a more laid-back look as well, making them the best versatile option.
They are a bit more stiff and can easily be manipulated into more intricate folds and finishes, as well as a soft and elegant style.
- Linen
Linen is another option that can easily be dressed up or down, but it’s a bit softer than cotton and therefore has a more natural yet luxurious finish. It’s also quick-drying and ideal for those hot summer days when you need to wipe a little sweat from your brow.
How to Choose the Best Pocket Square
Since you’re reading this guide to how to wear a pocket square, you may also be looking for some pointers when it comes to choosing the right one for you. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up a few of the top things to consider when shopping around.
First thing is first, consider the quality of the product and the brand. If it’s got rave reviews and plenty of supporters, you’re probably good to go.
Check out the company’s details as well and what their manufacturing practices are–hand-rolled options are always a safe bet.
Second to that is the material, which should line up with your personal needs. As we detailed above, the different fabrics can affect the overall appearance of the pocket square and whether or not it pairs with your outfit.
Versatility is another key detail. If you’ve got an arsenal of pocket squares built up in your wardrobe for any and all occasions, that’s great. But if you need something you can wear whenever you’ve got a formal event, consider something more neutral and simple.
Finally, take the price into account. A pocket square is an accessory, not the main event. So if you’re looking for something affordable, it shouldn’t be impossible to find. And if you’re looking to splurge, check out local businesses and opt for a fancier material.
How to Style a Pocket Square
Now that we’ve covered a bunch of different outfit ideas, tips for finding the right pocket square, and more, you may be wondering about the final styling details. In other words, how do you fold a pocket square?
There are plenty of different ways to fold a pocket square, from a minimal square to a flamboyant cluster, or a unique, pointed fold. We can’t exactly share all the different methods here and now, and a video tutorial is probably the best way to go if you’re looking for guidance.
That being said, the most classic option is the square fold, which is simple, versatile, and works well with cotton or linen pocket squares. Casual, formal, and everything in between, here’s how to do a square fold:
- Lay the pocket square flat
- Fold the pocket square in half
- Fold it in half again
- Fold the bottom half of the square up about 3/4 of the way of the upper half of the square
- Fold until you have achieved the desired look
- Tuck into the breast pocket of your jacket at whichever angle you’d like
Consider if you’re looking for something more casual or formal, and then style and tuck your pocket square from there.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With a Pocket Square
Since we’ve shared plenty in terms of styling and outfit ideas, you may be wondering what you should avoid once you’ve finally got a pocket square in hand.
Before we get into it, here’s a quick disclaimer: fashion is subjective, and you can really do whatever you want if it feels right to you, so take this section with a grain of salt.
While you’re looking to coordinate your outfit and create a cohesive look, most people tend to avoid matching their pocket square to their tie or bow tie. It can sometimes feel a little matchy-matchy and take away from the formal, sophisticated vibe you’re going for.
Try to create a harmonious color palette or mix unique patterns instead. Play with color blocking and different shades for a more cohesive look.
In the same token, it’s important to avoid overdoing the patterns. If you’ve got a boldly printed tux and tie, maybe opt for a more simple pocket square. Switch out the materials and try to stick to two different patterns maximum.
Also, don’t choose colors that contrast too much. A pocket square is all about complementing your look and it can be awkward if you’ve got a simple, muted style with a bold pocket square.
Try opting for more than one bold color, such as a forest green tie and a lime green pocket square on a dark gray suit.
How to Take Care of a Pocket Square
When it comes to caring for your pocket square, things are pretty simple. Hand washing is usually best since the materials can be delicate, but follow the washing instructions on your specific piece.
Still here’s some general directions for how to take care of a pocket square:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mix in a gentle detergent
- Gently submerge the pocket squares, massaging them with your fingers to work out any dirt and debris
- Remove from the water and carefully roll in a dry towel, pressing to soak up the water
- Lay them flat to dry, avoiding direct heat or sunlight
Best Places to Buy Pocket Squares
While you can find pocket squares at your local menswear or suit retailer, as well as countless department stores, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to shop at all different price points:
- Nordstrom
- Amazon
- Walmart
- The Bay
- Bloomingdale’s
- The Tie Bar
Final Thoughts
A pocket square is a wearable, simple way to complement your outfit. It adds a classy touch without being too much, and is also a functional addition to the look.
Plus, you can switch up any classic suit or tux by opting for a different pattern or color.
All in all, there are plenty of different ways to style your pocket square to achieve the look you’re going for, and we hope that our tips and tricks for how to wear a pocket square serve as a guiding light as you delve into the world of menswear and fashion accessories.
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