A simple piece of fabric that can lift up your style from plain to stylish- Yes, that is the pocket square, essential part of every man’s wardrobe. If you worn it at the appropriate time, it will show your sense of fashion. It is as important as the tie, if you want to add accent and personality to your outfit.

What is a pocket square?

According to wiki- “A handkerchief or hanky is a form of a kerchief, typically a square of fabric that can be carried in the pocket, for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one's hands or blowing one's nose, but also used as a decorative accessory in a suit pocket.

When used as an accessory to a suit, a handkerchief is known as a pocket square.”

The question is “Why should you wear a pocket square?”

It’s very simple because there are some occasions where your outfit could completely benefit from one. People will notice you by your that extra piece of pocket square. Even women will notice.

When added to an outfit, a pocket square allows a man to vary their look without having to buy different suits.

How to fold a pocket square

Now come to the point of “How to fold a pocket square”. There are a wide variety of ways to fold a pocket square, ranging from the austere to the flamboyant. Some folding techniques are very simple but others are complex. Simple is the best. In this hub, I’ll discuss three simple folding techniques that every man should know.

1. One Corner Fold pocket square

2. Straight Fold or Flat Pocket Square

3. Puff Fold Pocket Square

1. One Corner Fold pocket square

With the One Corner Fold pocket square, one corner of fabric will appear in your pocket. This pocket square is probably the most favorite among men.

How to fold it?

1. First lay your pocket square on a flat surface with one corner facing up and opposite corner facing down.

2. Take the bottom corner to the top corner. Now it looks like a triangle.

3. Fold the left corner of the triangle to the right corner.

4. And now the right corner to the left corner. It will helpful if you follow the image.

5. Put it in your suit’s pocket as appropriately fit in the pocket and adjust until a desired amount of corner coming out of the pocket.

2. Straight Fold or Flat Pocket Square

Flat Pocket Square is the simplest technique of the pocket square folds. Only a small and thin rectangle like cloth will peek out of your suit pocket. It is also called “the Presidential Fold”.

How to fold it?

1. Lay your pocket square on a flat surface with the two top corners horizontal.

2. Put the left side over the right side like the image.

3. In this step have a look at the image and fold the bottom up just short of the top.

4. Place the Pocket Square as needed in your suit’s pocket.

3. Puff Fold Pocket Square

This is one of the common folds that allow the square to have a small puff of fabric coming out of the pocket.

How to fold it?

1. Lay your pocket square on a flat surface (a bed) with the two top corners horizontal.

2. With your finger pinch the middle of the pocket square and pick it up like the image.

3. When you pick up the pocket square just put the sides in as in the picture.

4. Now with one hand firmly holding the pocket square, use your other hand to gently gather it together.

5. In this steps, Instead of pulling down on all the corners, pick one corner up about one inch from the edge.

6. Let the corner dangle free and take the pinch up where the center of the square is.

7. Repeat this technique for all corners. Now you have 5 puffs (middle plus four corner puffs).

8. Place the Pocket Square as needed in your suit’s pocket.

Color Co-ordination of Pocket Square

A pocket square can be patterned or solid. Try to match your pocket square color with the color of your tie. If you are new to wearing pocket squares then start with solid color as they are easier to match. A plain white pocket square can be worn with any color tie. Don’t try to match the colors exactly as it looks like you are trying too hard. At the time when you know how to match patterns of your suit, shirts and ties, you might be able to ready to also add patterns on your pocket square.