How to Wear a Pocket Square: 6 Pocket Square Style Tips

A pocket square is a cotton, linen, or silk square cloth worn in the left-hand suit pocket. Pocket squares are often part of more formal looks and can be folded in many different ways. This fashion accessory comes in various materials, colors, and patterns to customize your outfit.

Pocket squares are similar to handkerchiefs. A handkerchief, or hanky, is more practical in use. These folded cotton pocket squares are kept in an internal breast pocket and are used for blowing your nose or wiping your hands and face. Pocket squares, on the other hand, are a fashion accessory to complement a tuxedo or suit.

As a rule of thumb, people wear pocket squares at more formal occasions, such as weddings, galas, balls, red carpets, black tie events, and work/professional gatherings. For black tuxedos, solid color pocket squares, like white or off-white, look best. You can wear patterned pocket squares with suits and experiment with unique folds, like the puff fold. Depending on the dress code, you can wear a pocket square with a sports coat for a more casual look.

Follow this pocket square guide to add flair to your suit, blazer, or sports jacket:

1. 1. Pocket squares should complement, not match. It may be tempting to match your necktie or bow tie to your pocket square, but this accessory complements the rest of your outfit and gives it a pop of color. If your suit and tie are a solid navy blue, try adding a pocket square with different colored polka dots or a paisley design. Or, if you have a colorful, patterned suit, wear a white pocket square with a plain dress shirt.
2. 2. Go simple with the presidential fold. The presidential is a classic pocket square fold. Place the pocket square on a flat surface, fold it in half vertically, and then fold it in half again the same way. Then fold it once more horizontally and place it in your suit pocket; just a little bit of the folded top of the square should jut out, sitting flat in your pocket. The presidential pocket square resembles a thin, horizontal strip.
3. 3. Try the one-point fold. This is another simple, classic fold. Start by folding the cloth in half upward along the diagonal, then take the bottom left and right of the triangle and fold them inward. Once in your jacket pocket, only the pointed top should stick out.
4. 4. Combine black and white. A white silk pocket handkerchief tucked into your suit jacket works best for formal wear such as tuxedos.
5. 5. Get creative with your folds. Part of the fun of pocket squares is to customize the fold to your liking. You can fold the square fabric in various ways to create pointed or puffy pocket squares. Get creative and make your own signature fold to adorn your outfit.
6. 6. Wear a seasonal material. You may want to opt for a lighter, silk pocket square in the winter and fall. Go with a cotton or linen pocket square for the summer and spring.

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