Pocket Square to Match Red White and Blue

The Pocket Square - Your Ultimate Guide

Learn everything there is to know about the pocket square. From how to match your pocket square to selecting the perfect fabric. And even how to master classic pocket square folds.

The pocket square can make or break an outfit. While you don't have to be a rocket scientist to pull it off, there's an art to wearing a pocket square properly so that it matches and enhances the rest of your look, but still stands out enough to catch the eye.

What is a 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.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know to hit that sweet spot, and confidently pull off the pocket square no matter the occasion.

What's The Difference Between a Pocket Square and a Handkerchief?

First things first, a handkerchief is NOT a pocket square. But, the cleanest, crispest cotton handkerchief can be worn as a pocket square in emergency situations.

A pocket square is for showing and has no practical purpose besides making you look darn good. The handkerchief however, is meant for wiping sweat, blowing your nose, offering to a damsel in distress or an impromptu bull fight. In short, just remember: one for blow, one for show.

Generally, there are a few differences that mean you'll want to keep the distinction.

Pocket squares

Made of several fabrics, including cotton, silk and linen
Worn in outer breast pocket
Decorative function: not suitable to use for mopping or cleaning
Silk and linen need to be dry-cleaned and stain easily
Only practical use for silk squares: cleaning your glasses
Smaller than handkerchiefs

Handkerchiefs

Made of cotton
Stored in any pocket
Larger than pocket squares: watch for pocket bulge
Has a practical function, and can be used for almost anything including; Blowing your nose, wiping brow sweat and impromptu miniature bull fights

In short, remember: one for blow, one for show.

Basics of Colour Theory

For an outfit to look good, the colours have to go together.

This holds for your pocket square, every other item of clothing, as well as your skin and hair colour. Don't forget the main point of dressing well is to highlight your facial features, and the pocket square can be an elegant way to do so.

Note this means the pocket square shouldn't be too dominant. It's role is to enhance, not overpower, and when you see an outfit where you think "nice try, but tone it down", it's because physical qualities have been muted by loud items of clothing.

Making your colour wheel

Now that's clear, let's go back to primary school.

The easiest way to coordinate colours is to know of and use the colour wheel, formed of primary, secondary and tertiary colours, called hues.

Primary colours: Red, Blue, Yellow. These are base colours that can't be created by mixing other colours. Their natural hue is very bright, and they're best used to grab attention. They're often used as highlight colours in motifs and patterns, that contrast well with darker backgrounds.

Secondary colours: Green, Purple, Orange. These are colours that can be made by mixing primary colours with each other. Each one sits directly opposite a primary colour on the wheel, providing maximum contrast. We call these complementary colours, and they work to catch the viewer's eye.

Tertiary colours: Vermilion (red-orange), Amber (yellow-orange), Chartreuse (yellow-green), Teal (blue-green), Violet (blue-purple), Magenta (red-purple). These six colours are made by mixing a primary and a secondary colour together.

You should think of the tertiary colours as distinct hues in themselves as opposed to just 'shades' of primary and secondary colours. As such, they have their own complement on the opposite side of the colour wheel.

So by mixing colours above, we get 12 different colours, that constitute our colour wheel. You can play around with the wheel below. Go further down, to see an explanation of the colour schemes and how to use them to up your pocket square game.

Your interactive colour wheel

Colour schemes

Colour schemes are combinations of colours, from the colour wheel. A basic understanding is a must, if you want to master and enhance your style. Play around with our interactive colour wheel above to see which colours match in the various schemes. As a rule of thumb, the further apart colours are on the wheel, the harder they are to pull off in an outfit.

As a rule of thumb, the further apart colours are on the wheel, the harder they are to pull off in an outfit.

Neutral colour scheme: white, black or a mixture of the two
Monochromatic colour scheme: one single hue.
Adjacent colour scheme: formed by colours directly adjacent on the colour wheel, letting you create a nearly monochromatic ensemble with subtle contrast
Complementary colour scheme: mentioned above, these are colours that are directly opposite on the colour wheel, creating a bright and bold effect. These colours provide the strongest contrast, unfailing in grabbing the viewer's attention
Triadic colour scheme: formed of 3 colours which are equidistant on the colour wheel, triadic colour schemes give a clean and harmonious feel to your outfit, with less contrast than complementary colours

We mentioned that the colour of your outfit should also match your complexion for greatest impact.

High contrast aka complimentary colours in the necktie and pocket square, work well here, because the model has light skin and dark hair.

So for example men with high contrast complexions, e.g. light skin and dark hair, tend to look better with high contrast colours such as complementary, or near-complementary, palettes.

Men with low contrast complexions, e.g. light skin and light hair, or dark skin and dark hair, look good with low contrast outfits, such as monochromatic, adjacent or even triadic if they want to play with multiple colours.

6 Levels to pocket square colour mastery

Level 1: The classic white pocket square. Goes with everything, always looks great.

Level 2: Neutral colours - think greys, browns and whites. With a neutral tie, your pocket square can be any of these colours depending on your jacket.

Level 3: Monochromatic schemes - pair different shades of the same colour for an easy, subtle contrast. , E.g tan with beige.

Level 4: Use adjacent colour schemes to give your outfit a certain feel.. E.g yellow, amber, and orange. Pairing two or more cool or warm hues for an overall harmony.

Level 5: A triadic colour scheme balances warm and cool colours to give your look some character, without making as strong an impact as complementary colours.

Level 6: Now you're rollin' with the big boys. You're finally ready for complementary colours - the boldest of them all. A solid choice is an orange pocket square with a navy jacket, or go all out and mix a green piece with a deep red blazer to really make your mark.

Choosing the Right Fabric For Your Pocket Square

When it comes to pocket squares, fabric matters. The big three are silk, cotton and linen, but you can also find squares in wool and polyester.

Each fabric has different properties, but your main focus will be on texture. Just as with patterns and motifs, you're aiming for a calculated contrast when choosing which pocket square fabric would be best suited to your outfit. You want to coordinate every piece of your outfit so they go well together, however they need to each stand alone as well.

Here the smooth silk pocket square works well with the rougher wool necktie, because it provides texture contrast.

So if you're wearing a fine smooth tie, go for a rougher cotton or wool pocket square. And if your tie is quite textured, go for a nice silk square. The same applies regarding jackets and shirts.

Pocket square fabrics - Their pros and cons

Below you'll find the most common pocket square fabrics as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

SILK POCKET SQUARES

Pro: Easy to store
Pro: Smooth, luxurious, shimmering
Pro: Contrasts well with wool suit/jacket
Pro: Most common pocket square material
Pro: Versatile, suitable for most occasions
Pro: Soft edges make it perfect for unstructured puff folds
Pro: Usually ultra thin, so won't bulge your jacket pocket
Con: Expensive
Con: Doesn't work well for structured folds
Con: Damaged by perspiration and bleach
Con: Difficult to care for: dry clean only
Con: Quick to crease, tricky to iron
Con: Not abrasion resistant
Con: Easily ruins when wet

COTTON POCKET SQUARES

Pro: Cheaper than silk
Pro: Easy to iron
Pro: Easy to store
Pro: Machine washable
Pro: Stiff edges allow for structured folds
Pro: Strong, durable, resistant to abrasion
Pro: Blends into shirt/jacket, puts attention on tie
Con: Can shrink with hot water washes
Con: Easily creases, needs ironing
Con: Risk of mildew when damp
Con: Dyes can fade over time

LINEN POCKET SQUARES

Pro: Extremely versatile
Pro: Rigid edges allow for structured folds
Pro: Supple fabric allows for unstructured folds
Pro: Adds attractive textural variation to almost any jacket
Con: Tends to be more expensive than cotton
Con: Damaged if washed in hard (high mineral content) water
Con: Can be machine washed, but detergent/chemicals can damage
Con: Creases easily, so needs ironing

WOOL POCKET SQUARES

Pro: Best for winter months
Pro: Uncommon, interesting texture for pocket squares
Pro: Choice of different types of wool:
Pro: Alpaca wool – silky, lightweight with lustre
Pro: Angora wool – very soft with the best heat retaining properties
Pro: Cashmere – delicate and luxurious
Pro: Camel hair – known for its golden brown colour, soft texture and shine
Con: Large price variation depending on wool type
Con: Difficult to wash and care for
Con: Affected by moths and other insects when stored
Con: Shrinks significantly with heat and moisture
Con: Dry clean only with mild detergents
Con: Thick fabric can mean a bulging jacket pocket

POLYESTER POCKET SQUARES

Pro: Very cheap
Pro: Lightweight
Pro: Quick to dry
Pro: Strong fabric
Pro: Crease-resistant
Pro: Easy to store, low risk of mildew
Pro: Keeps its shape and size over time
Con: Can have artificial sheen in light
Con: Hard to remove stains

Pocket Square Edge Types

The edge of your pocket square is the biggest differentiator between different pocket squares, both in terms of fabric, and in terms of quality.

Depending on the fold, the edge is the most visible part of your square, and poor-quality edges are quick to fray, making it unwearable.

There's an inherent difference between edge types, depending on your fabric choice. Silk squares have supple, soft edges that are perfect for puff folds, but make structured folds almost impossible.

Conversely, linen and cotton pocket squares tend to have more rigid edges, making them suitable for structured folds.

But regardless of fabric, there are some things you need to know about the quality of edges so your new piece doesn't fray on the second outing.

The vast majority of known brand's pocket squares are machine stitched. This type of square will do for all but the most discerning, and comes with a variety of edge types. However, for those looking for the very best, they can opt for a hand-rolled model.

See below for an overview of the various types of edge and stitching.

The hand rolled pocket square edge

The best quality pocket squares that money can buy have edges that are hand rolled into a tight tubular shape, with hand stitching, roughly 5 or 6 stitches per inch.

Handmade, the edge is slightly uneven, giving it a uniquely crafted finish. Such attention to detail does come with a price tag of course, so depending on your needs and budget you might want to consider the next step down.

The imitation hand-rolled edge

Machine stitched, this edge is straighter than hand-rolled, but the stitching is more visible and rolls over the edge.

The Parallel edge

This type of edge is flatter, with a simple single line of stitching. This type of edge is also machine stitched.

The Z-shaped edge

This edge is made with a machine, and similar to the parallel edge, the Z-shaped is flat but with a wave stitch pattern.

The embroidery edge

The embroidered edge is made with a machine. It is a tight hard spiral that adds some rigidity to your square, making it better suited for structured folds with 2 or more points.

Final word about edges

A final word of warning about pocket square quality. It's common, especially with polyester models, to find mass-produced pieces with sloppy corners and loose, irregular stitching. These pieces will quickly fray, and aren't worth buying.

What Size Should Your Pocket Square be?

The size of your pocket square will depend on your jackets and the material you choose. Here are a few things to bear in mind.

Pocket squares range in size from 25 to 45 cm.
The ideal size is between bulging out of your pocket and falling into it.
American and English brands tend to make larger squares for lined breast pockets.
Italian brands tend to make smaller pocket squares for patch pockets with less depth.
Thicker fabrics like linen, cotton and wool need to be smaller while lighter fabrics like silk come in bigger sizes.
Too small (especially with silk) and the fold loses its shape. A decent pocket square shouldn't be smaller than 25cm.
Compare the dimensions of the pocket square (length and width) and the pocket it'll be housed in to see if it'll work
Consider the weight of a pocket square to see if it'll be just right.

How to Wear a Pocket Square

Now that you know the basics, which incidentally apply to your overall style and aren't pocket square specific, you need to know how to wear a pocket square.

There are two main factors in wearing a pocket square correctly;

Choose the right pocket square, this is where the above section comes in handy.
Choose the right fold for the occasion, your outfit and your pocket square. More on that later.

Now that you know everything you need to (you DID read the first section right?), here are some tips on picking the right pocket square, followed by an overview of the most important folds.

Choosing the right pocket square

The cardinal sin of dressing is looking TOO coordinated and studied. It looks try-hard and kills your flair. This applies to pocket squares as to everything else.
Your outfit should work as a whole, but each piece should contrast and complement, not match perfectly, with the others
Choose your fold and square depending on your mood for extra impact
Stick to one 'loud' piece per outfit. A bright, boldly patterned pocket square overwhelms when paired with equally bold neckwear, but enhances a simpler
tie worn with solid colours.
Beyond colours and motif, consider different fabrics and when they're most suitable. Silk and cotton are the most versatile, and always look good.
Look at the colours in your current wardrobe and start thinking about what you could match them with. The more comfortable you feel, the more flamboyant you can be with colours, patterns and materials.
Solid colours are always your safest option, especially for formal or business wear. The darker the colour, the more formal it is. Plain white's the exception - it's always appropriate.
Prints make your pocket square less formal. The more flamboyant the print, the less serious the square.
No more than 3 patterns in your outfit
Coordinate colours with other accessories, e.g. earthy tones with brown shoes
Don't have the product label or brand logo on show

How to Fold a Pocket Square

Below you'll find a few of the most popular folds, if that's not enough, check out: Trendhim's 50 Ways to Fold a Pocket Square

The presidential fold

The 1 peak fold

The 3 point crown fold

52 Ways to fold a pocket square

There are almost no unspoken rules regarding the folds of pocket squares, so even though we offer suggestions, you can fold however which way you please. Just in case you didn't fancy any of the ones above, and still need inspiration, we've made, what might be the most comprehensive library of pocket square folds with instructions here:

Trendhim's 52 Ways to Fold a Pocket Square

Dressing for the Occasion - Different Styles

We've given you the lowdown on etiquette, colours, fabric and how they all work (and shouldn't work) together. With this in mind, here are a few social scenarios with hints and tips to ensure you're at the top of your game.

Pocket squares for weddings

Key fabrics: Silk, velvet, cashmere, wool, tweed, cotton, and linen if you're attending a beach or more 'relaxed' wedding.
Neck gear: Always -
Necktie or
bow tie
Colours: Depends on the timing of the wedding. An evening reception tends to be more formal than a day - go dark. If it's a day wedding, go light - neutral and pastel colours.
Rules:Don't match with the wedding party, don't overshadow the bride or groom, adhere to the dress code - a beach or a more relaxed wedding will have a more relaxed aesthetic. A tuxedo is an option if the dress code permits. No monochrome looks.
Types of folds:One tip,
The puff,
The Presidential

Pocket squares for businessmen

Key fabrics: Cotton, linen, tweed and wool (take the weather into consideration too)
Neck gear: Necktie
Colours: Anything dark - navy, burgundy, green, burnt orange. As long as it's a dark hue, you're good to go. White for the pocket square is a great option too
Rules: Generally, keep it simple and demure, especially in a conservative work environment. If you're a creative, you can loosen the reins and be, well, creative
Types of folds: The one tip, The two tip, The three point crown, The Cagney, The double winged puff or The presidential. You could also try two separate folds that complement each other (in one breast pocket)

Pocket squares for sunday lunch

Key fabrics: Linen, cotton, tweed, silk - but only for the pocket square
Neck gear: None! Leave the two top buttons of your cotton shirt undone, throw on a jacket with a contrasting texture. You can also opt for a simple crew neck top
Colours: You have free reign here. Absolutely anything you like! Just make sure the colour palette is harmonious
Rules: Keep it casual. Chinos or linen blend trousers are a safe bet. This look is a lot more simple because you don't have to worry about contrasting with the tie - use the pocket square to pick up colour from your shirt and/or jacket.
Types of folds: We encourage you to have some fun here with the more extravagant folds -
The fan,
The bird of paradise,
The fleur de lis,
The twisted rose or
The double rose

Storing Your Pocket Squares

Once your collection of pocket squares starts to grow, you'll want to find a good way to store them so that they're easy to find and protected from damage.

Luckily for all of us, pocket squares are generally made from pretty resistant fabrics: silk, cotton or polyester. This is good news, as you don't have to worry about insects when storing your pocket squares for long periods of time as you would with wool.

However, the main damage to worry about, regardless of material, is mildew growing on wet pocket squares that aren't able to dry out. Your pocket squares shouldn't be getting too wet, but it can happen from spillage or rainfall. Know that if you store a damp pocket square with others that they are all at risk of mildew. So, and this is a key point because some people will tell you to do so, never store your pocket squares in plastic containers. These are airtight and mildew is almost guaranteed to build up.

Store your pocket squares as you would wear them. If going for cleaner folds, keep them neatly folded and pre-ironed so as not to crumple them. If going for a puff fold, you can be less careful about folding, but don't scrunch them up tightly or they'll crease. Another option is to lay them flat one on top of the other, but this quickly becomes impractical and only works with smaller collections.

So how should you store them?

Here are a variety of options:

Option 1 - Wooden containers

By far the most elegant, but also the bulkiest and most expensive, way to store your pocket squares is to keep them in a wooden container. Unlike plastic, wooden boxes aren't airtight and allow the contents to dry off if slightly wet.

This is a great option for guys with a large wardrobe, or space somewhere to display the box. Jewellery-style boxes are particularly useful as they come with separated compartments that would allow you to organise your pocket squares by colour, motif, fabric or however you want.

We like to use an old cigar box, or a nice cedar or oak box. These not only look great, but give your pocket squares a subtle earthy scent for an extra touch.

Option 2 - In your sock drawer

Similar to using a wooden box, you can reserve a section of your sock drawer for your pocket squares.

This depends on how much room you have in that drawer, but by neatly folding your pocket squares they don't take up too much space.

Option 3 - In your jackets

Another easy, more minimalist solution is to store them in your jacket pockets as they hang up. This allows you to store them as you're going to wear them, and won't have you rushing to perfect your pocket square at the last minute.

This is also the perfect solution for travelling when you have a jacket in your bag.

If you have too many pocket squares for your jacket, use the inside pockets as well to maximise storage space.

Option 4 - In an empty tissue box

A less elegant, but very practical, solution is to use an empty tissue box to keep your pocket squares, pulling them out one by one as you need them. This works best if you tend to go for a puff fold, as you won't need to store them folded.

How to match your pocket square and tie

Having trouble knowing what tie or bow tie matches your pocket square? Take a look at 5 of our favourite combinations.

Brodie & Bruno

Benito & Bart

Bruce & Brendan

Bert & Blair

Bjorn & Bernie

Should my pocket square match my tie?

We think it's best if your pocket square and tie are not an exact match.

Instead, choose patterns that look good together. The trick when matching patterns is to look for ones that are relatively the same size.

The colours in the combinations above also complement each other without fighting for attention, and they're subtle enough to wear to a variety of events.

Don't let the word subtle fool you – they're still eclectic enough to be interesting… and that's never a bad thing!

Combos for the adventurous

Our Most Popular Combos

Top Tips for Matching Pocket Squares and Ties

Avoid making the mistake of exactly matching your pocket square with your tie or bow tie (red tie with a red pocket square). It's not a good look and definitely a style nope!
Instead, use complementary colours and combine different textures and patterns.
And if you're still not sure what kind of pocket square to wear, go with a basic white cotton square in an envelope fold. It works every time.

Your Party Chatter Version Of Pocket Squares' History

From a mere handkerchief to a symbol of sartorial status, the debate over the origin of the pocket square is as heated as any you're likely to see in politics.

Here are the main points you need to know:

Some historians believe they date back to Ancient Greece. Wealthy Greeks used a perfumed cloth to ward off bad smells. Much later, English and French noblemen followed suit, wearing scented cloth with attractive embroidery.
Others say pocket squares originated with the Catholic Church
Officials who wore white handkerchiefs on their left arms to show their devotion to God.
The courtiers of British King Richard II claim he invented the handkerchief.
This would then have become the pocket square as men started to store them in their pockets.

Regardless of exact origin, there's little debate that the 15th century was the golden age of the pocket square, and they came in all shapes, sizes, and materials. The finest, often embroidered with silk and fine lace, were passed down as family heirlooms.

In the 18th century, French King Louis XVI brought some order to the reigning pocket square chaos: under strict instruction from his wife Marie Antoinette, he declared that 16 inches, or 40 cm, was the universal standard size for all pocket squares.

You Asked – We Answered

How do I stop a pocket square falling down into the pocket?

Droopy pocket squares are a pain, but all too common. Here are some simple fixes to keep your pocket square looking fresh and dapper all day long.

First, if you're using a clean fold, you can simply lengthen the pocket square at the end. For these folds you make your pocket square into a long rectangle, then fold it at the appropriate length so that it sticks out just the right amount. So if yours is falling back into your pocket, simply make it a bit longer so that its always showing.

Second, make sure your pocket square is as wide as possible, this goes for all fold styles. Widening your pocket square so it sits snugly in your breast pocket gives it that extra bit of friction to stop it falling down.

Third, if going for a rectangular structured fold like the Presidential fold, you can insert a piece of card into your pocket square to keep it rigid and shaped.

Last, you can use a pocket square holder. These are small lightweight inserts that sit in your breast pocket and clasp the pocket square in place so it never falls down.

What should I do when the pocket is sewn shut?

Most jackets, whether tailor-made or off-the-rack, come with the pockets (and the back vents) sewn shut. This is known as tack stitching, and is used during the manufacturing process to maintain the jacket's shape. It's left in for the same reason, especially during transport.

There's a debate in the menswear world as to whether you should remove the tack stitching. The advantage of keeping it in is to keep the jacket in shape when wearing it. Disadvantages are you have no pockets, and it looks a bit silly if someone finds that out.

At any rate you'll need to remove the breast pocket stitching to wear a pocket square. To do this, use a knife or pair of scissors to cut one of the stitches, and then gently pull the thread through. Be VERY careful not to catch the jacket fabric when doing so, i.e. don't do this after a night on the town. Whatever you do, don't rip the pocket open, as this can damage the jacket fabric for good.

For the truly dedicated, the best tool for the job is a seam ripper, specifically designed to remove stitching without damaging the material.

Can I wear a pocket square without a tie?

Yes, and these days it's increasingly common.

Whereas a tie now feels formal, wearing a pocket square with your blazer and jeans or chinos adds a dapper finish to your outfit, while feeling more casual or suitable for hot weather.

How durable are pocket squares?

How long your pocket squares will last depends on how you treat them. The main killer is to use your pocket square as a handkerchief for wiping or cleaning up. This kills silk models without fail, but cotton pieces can easily stain and become unwearable.

Another killer is mildew which can form if pocket squares are improperly stored. See the 'Storing pocket squares' section above for detail on how to avoid this.

Are there certain materials that are best done in certain types of folds or puffs?

Yes. While cotton and linen look good in most folds, silk doesn't stay as rigid and is more suited for unstructured folds.

What materials go best together?

As a general rule, the sleeker the material, the more formal it is.

When matching a pocket square to your jacket, it's a good idea to contrast a rougher fabric with a smoother one. Think a high thread count jacket with a cotton handkerchief, or a silk pocket square with a rougher cotton blazer.

Are there any situations where I can mix patterns?

If you're just starting out, stick to one pattern to be safe.

When you're more comfortable, you can mix 2 or even 3 patterns, but note that 3 is very difficult to pull off. A prime example would be to vary the pattern on your pocket square, shirt and tie. The trick is that the patterns need to be different sizes.

You can get away with matching similar colours and patterns (just don't look too coordinated or you'll look unnatural). But the one golden rule in pattern matching is to vary the scale. If you have a fine polka dot pocket square, do not match it with a thinly striped tie, but with big thick stripes.

Matching patterns of a similar scale gives your look an unpleasant, dizzying effect on those around you and should be avoided at all costs.

Is there a uniform, go-to look that works for anyone and everyone?

You can never go wrong with a white linen pocket square, a dark blue blazer, and a crisp white shirt.

Where are the best places to buy pocket squares?

When buying a pocket square, the key is to not just see the pocket square, but to see what it looks like when worn.

Depending on your preference, we recommend either going to a brick-and-mortar shop where you can try them on yourself, or shopping online with a reputable vendor, but ensure you're able to get a good feel for the quality and style of a pocket square through the pictures.

What staple pocket squares would you recommend for any man's wardrobe?

The absolute minimum, that all men should wear, is the white linen pocket square. Most suit-wearing men have around 5 that they alternate so that one is always fresh and ready to go.

You can wear this in almost any fold, and it enhances every outfit. It will be the most versatile piece in your outfit, hands down.

Can I wear a pocket square with a three piece suit, or is it too much?

A 3-piece suit is already a statement these days, so make sure you don't seem too groomed. The key when dressing is to appear natural, as if such style came effortlessly to you.

That having been said, if you can pull it off, you'll definitely leave your mark.

What's the best pocket square for a groom?

This depends on the wedding. Where is it, what's the dress code etc.

As always context is king. But assuming the wedding is a traditional affair, a pure white silk pocket square catches the perfect balance of formality and flair.

Can I wear a pocket square in an overcoat?

It's an increasingly common sight to see pocket squares being worn in the breast pocket of an overcoat. But should you?

It's our opinion that this tends to look too over the top. There's no reason to have a handkerchief or pocket square in the breast pocket of your overcoat, and we'd recommend avoiding it.

But if you disagree, know that you won't be alone in doing so.

How can I customise a fold? E.g combining two different folds together.

There are folds for every occasion, and 95% of the time you'll want to stick to one of the classics.

For when you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can definitely experiment with combinations and inventing your own style. Just make sure it actually looks good.

Are there some colours that are better suited for casual occasions?

General colour theory holds that lighter tones are more casual. Think of a light grey suit vs a charcoal coloured one.

The important thing with colours however is you'll want to match the contrast of your outfit to your personal skin/hair contrast.

For example, pale skin and dark hair looks much better with strong contrasting clothes, whereas the same skin colour with blonde hair looks good in weaker contrasts.

How many pocket squares do I need?

This is completely up to you. The bare minimum is a single white linen pocket square, but beyond that it all depends on your taste, style and budget.

Start with 1 and build up as you see ones you like, or get inspiration from blogs / other people / your imagination.

One thing to note is that you don't need to spend a fortune on pocket squares to get beautiful designs on high-quality fabric.

Can I use a normal handkerchief as a pocket square?

The answer here is yes.

You can often use a linen or cotton handkerchief as a pocket square (make sure it's clean), but size can sometimes be a limiting factor.

In no way do you want a bulging breast pocket, and handkerchiefs can be significantly bigger than pocket squares, causing an unseemly bump when too big for the pocket. So a more correct answer is yes… but size matters.

What's the best way to iron a pocket square?

Pocket squares can be ironed on the inside flat area, being careful not to iron the hand rolled edges. To be safe use a press cloth to prevent a glossy shine from developing.

Patterned fabric should be ironed on the reverse side. For deep wrinkles a gentle steam from a steam iron or steamer can be used on the reverse side before ironing. Also, be very careful when steaming pocket squares as occasionally steamers "spit" water which can cause water spots.

What does my pocket square fold say about me?

Each fold has their time, place and mood.

The cleaner and more structured the fold, the more formal and reserved it looks. Note that with a particularly bold outfit, a reserved pocket square style can tone it down to a harmonious balance.

Unstructured folds, on the other hand, are more casual and expressive. So, as always, context is key and you should match your pocket square to the occasion and your mood.

Is it too risky to remove pocket square tags/labels?

This depends on how tightly they're sewn on. There's a risk they'll leave stitch marks, and so if you do want to remove a label, do so carefully with a seam ripper or a sharp thin blade.

Know that a pocket square is like an iceberg, 90% is hidden inside your pocket. So even if you don't remove the label, or you do and there are stitch marks, there's no reason this should ever be visible.

Does the type of pocket matter?

While the vast majority of jackets and blazers have besom style pockets, more casual (Italian) jackets can have patch pockets, which are sewn onto the exterior of the jacket as opposed to being sewn into the jacket's lining.

When choosing a patch pocket jacket, know that the breast pocket tends to be smaller, and cotton or linen pocket squares will generally be too bulky.

Should a pocket square have a bulge or lay flat?

You always want your pocket to be as flat as possible to not break up your silhouette. A bulging pocket is not an elegant look, which is why it's important to consider your pocket size when choosing the correct pocket square.

Can you get a pre-folded pocket square?

Pre-folded pocket squares exist, similar to pre-tied bow ties. They consist of a perfectly folded piece of fabric, attached to a rigid card that fits in your pocket. Note, that you cannot change the style with a pre-folded pocket square.

How to fold a handkerchief?

You fold a handkerchief as you would a pocket square; a clean cotton handkerchief is just as versatile as a pocket square.

Know that handkerchiefs can be significantly bigger than pocket squares, and can have thicker, rougher material depending on the quality. Both of these facts can lead to an unattractive pocket bulge, so choose your hanky well.

How do I fold a square pocket like James Bond?

The best Bonds, Sean Connery's and Daniel Craig's, are both fans of the pocket square.

Connery's Bond always wears white linen, while Craig's matches a cotton handkerchief to his white and pale blue shirts.

They both favour the Presidential fold, a simple and elegant rectangular fold.

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Source: https://www.trendhim.co.uk/articles/38/the-pocket-square-your-ultimate-guide