How to make a Pocket Square

The pocket square is an optional decoration for the tuxedo, but if it is colored and matched to the style of the jacket, it can add an extra touch to the ensemble. In fact, the first thing people see is the upper part, and using an elegant handkerchief folded in the right way can really make a good impression. They exist in any fabric and any color: satin, linen, silk, and cotton, red, gold, embroidered, etc... It is interesting to note how this accessory is making a comeback after a period of absence.

The history behind the pocket square is very interesting, but also knowing how to fold and position it is essential to give the tuxedo a small detail that can, in emergency cases, improve the style of the ensemble. Subsequently, you will be able to read some information on the history of the pocket square and the methods of folding it.

Pocket Square: Its History

The pocket handkerchief has very ancient origins. In the age of the Romans, there were two types of handkerchiefs, which had different purposes: the same distinction is made even today when wanting to distinguish the pocket handkerchief from the one used to blow one's nose. Over the years, the handkerchief will be used as an accessory first by women, who carried them between their fingers, showing their embroidery and details, as decorations were very important at that time. However, the real pocket handkerchief was born between the 1600s-1700s and was used as an accessory for flirting or even expressing one's mood: King Louis XVI of France, after taking care of his personal hygiene, chose from a wide selection of handkerchiefs the one that reflected the emotions he felt that day and wore it in his pocket. From that moment on, the handkerchief became a symbol of elegance and style, and many artisans began to produce more elaborate ones, embroidering decorations and colorful finishes, or giving them special shapes in addition to the square ones. However, in the past years, we have witnessed the disappearance of the pocket square trend, which no longer appeared in the pockets of tuxedos for a long time. Only recently has it returned to fashion, and the reason is not hard to understand, given its style and bright colors.

How to Fold and Wear a Pocket Square

After discussing the pocket square, it's time to tackle a rather delicate topic: how to fold and wear it. Many consider this step very simple and trivial, but in reality, it is not at all since the pocket handkerchief can take on many shapes and care must be taken when folding it. Also, it is necessary to choose a different material from that of the bow tie or tie: in this way, harmony is created between these elements and a pleasant optical effect.

Yes, even the fold of the pocket square can make a difference and demonstrate attention to detail.

There are, in fact, different ways of wearing it, from the most classic to the most theatrical.

Once the preferred mode is determined, it is necessary to remember that the handkerchief must not protrude from the pocket for more than two-three centimeters.

Triangle Fold (one corner up)

This is one of the simplest folds and makes only one corner of the handkerchief protrude from the pocket.

It ensures the maximum elegance on every occasion and is obtained by positioning the handkerchief like a diamond and folding it on itself, turning the tips upwards, thus creating a triangle with two layers of fabric, whose edges located at the base are folded again, as if wanting to create an envelope for letters to be inserted into the pocket with the tip pointing upwards.

Two or More Point Fold (two corner up)

This type of fold is very similar to the previous one, but highlights two or more overlapping corners of the handkerchief once it is inserted into the pocket.

Thanks to this, the oblique lines of the jacket will be accentuated, and shoulders and chest will be highlighted.

Puff Fold

Due to its softness and ability to give volume, the puff fold is particularly suitable for satin or silk pocket squares.

It is obtained by gripping the handkerchief in the center to make it fall downwards and fold the lower part upwards.

Square or Flat Fold

The square or flat fold is obtained by folding the pocket square into the aforementioned shape to make it protrude parallel from the jacket pocket.

It is one of the easiest to make, as it is enough to fold the handkerchief twice on itself, taking care to make the edges coincide.

Once this is done, insert it into the pocket, making only a tiny flap stick out, which must never exceed the height of the thumb.

Thanks to its extreme simplicity, it is perfect for giving a touch of class even to outfits without a tie or to match a bow tie.

An interesting fact: this fold, being practically without frills, is also called presidential.

Wallet Fold

It is obtained by positioning the handkerchief in a diamond shape to fold it once and bring the upper part over the lower one with the aim of creating an inverted triangle, whose coinciding tips are turned downwards and folded again on themselves, but without overlapping.

Before inserting the accessory into the pocket, however, fold and bring the remaining tips to the center.

In this way, a cone with a central fold will be created, which will resemble a wallet.

Usually, however, the handkerchief may sink into the pocket. If this happens, make sure the pocket square has a sufficient width for the pocket, otherwise just extend the longer side. If the fold is square, simply insert a cardboard behind the handkerchief to keep it firm or rigid, or use special supports. Finally, to store the pocket handkerchief, you can use various methods: you can put it in the sock drawer, in the jackets, or in a special wooden container, perhaps decorated.

The pocket square is not just a simple handkerchief but a real accessory to be used for those special occasions such as a wedding or an elegant party. Choosing the right fold based on your outfit can be helpful to give it that extra edge it needs. At first, folding the pocket square can be difficult, but once you get used to it, it becomes easier. One fundamental rule that must be remembered is the following: never use it to blow your nose!