Pocket Squares
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A pocket square is a fashion accessory, essentially for show: a small square of fabric placed in the jacket breast pocket so a portion stays visible, worn as a fashion statement and an expression of personal style. Pocket squares are normally made from silk, lightweight cotton or linen, small enough to fold without creating bulk. The color or colors should complement the wearer's shirt, tie or jacket — the traditional matching method — and few accessories spruce up a plain suit, blazer or sports jacket as quickly.
A pocket square is a fashion accessory utilized by men. The pocket square is essentially for show. However, it can technically be utilized for several purposes if needed (blowing your nose if you have no other options). The primary purpose of the pocket square is to be an accessory utilized as a fashion statement and expression of a man’s personal style. The pocket square is placed in the jacket breast pocket using a method so that portion stays visible. It is normally made from silk, a light-weight cotton or linen, and should be small enough to fold without creating bulk.
The color (or colors) of a pocket square should complement the wearers shirt, tie, or jacket. However, it is also debatable if it can be matched to ones pants, shoes, or socks. The traditional method is matching to a shirt, tie or jacket.
Pocket squares are one of the best way to spruce up a generic or possibly boring suit, blazer, or sports jacket.
There is a difference between a pocket square & handkerchief.
The pocket square is for style, and a handkerchief is for utility. In other words, the pocket square is meant to stay clean & tidy and the handkerchief can be used to blow your nose, clean your glasses, and so on.
There are several methods for folding a pocket square. Below is one general example of how to fold:
Instructions:
1. Lay the pocket square on a flat surface.
2. Fold one corner in so that you get two overlapping triangles.
3. Fold one side of the triangle in.
4. Do the same on the opposite side.
5. Carefully place the pocket square in your jacket's pocket.
For illustrations on folding techniques, you can try the following:
http://www.tie-a-tie.net/how-to-fold-a-pocket-square.html
http://hespokestyle.com/how-to-fold-a-pocket-square/
http://www.wikihow.com/fold-a-Pocket-Square
http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/pocket-square-infographic/
How to fold a pocket square videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeIBmRt_q1A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbKHkC_gQUA
We hope that this helps you better understand.
If you know any additional resources that help educate regarding this
subject, please let us know. The next time someone asks you, "What
is a pocket square?
You may also have interest in learning how to tie a necktie.
By the way, do you know the difference between a bandana and a handkerchief?
What are pocket squares? Now you know.
Matching the Square
The traditional method is to complement the shirt, tie or jacket — pick up a color from one of them rather than matching any of them exactly. Whether a square can also be matched to trousers, shoes or socks is debated, but the breast pocket sits in the chest's visual field, so the shirt, tie and jacket are the colors it will actually be read against. A plain suit or blazer gains the most: the square adds a point of color and finish without changing the outfit's structure.
An Accessory With One Job
Technically a pocket square could serve in an emergency, but its design intent is display. That single purpose is what separates it from the handkerchief and explains its fabrics: silk and fine cotton or linen are chosen for how they fold, catch light and hold a puff or points above the pocket, not for absorbency. Folded flat, in points, or in a loose puff, it remains one of the simplest ways to personalize tailored clothing.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a pocket square and a handkerchief?
Purpose. The pocket square is for style and is meant to stay clean and tidy in the breast pocket. A handkerchief is for utility — blowing your nose, cleaning your glasses and similar tasks — so the two should not be swapped.
How do you fold a pocket square?
One general method: lay the square flat; fold one corner in to form two overlapping triangles; fold one side of the triangle in; do the same on the opposite side; then place the folded square carefully in the jacket's breast pocket.
What are pocket squares made from?
Silk, lightweight cotton or linen are the normal fabrics. The square should be small and light enough to fold neatly without bulk in the pocket.