A formal suit looks exceptionally good especially if you have a pocket square in the breast pocket of your tuxedo along with your bowtie. They're especially suited for formal occasions, particularly black tie events. However, you may have noticed too that in even in such formal occasions, many do not wear pocket squares. Well, it's really a no-brainer, but only a few knows how to fold them the right way. Those who don't know would more likely not wear one of course.
Many centuries ago, pocket squares are used to be men's handkerchiefs for hygienic purposes. That's all there is to it. But prior to the 17th century, only the upper society used such until it was also practiced by the lower classes. And they were not intended to be a fashion accessory in the first place. They were used just like ordinary hankies today, tucked in the pants instead of the breast pocket. Nobody dared to show used hankies.
Suit Pocket Handkerchief
It was only regarded as a classic accessory when the suit design with pocket square came in early 20th century. Along came with that are the folding techniques. But of course, cloth hankies are obviously unhygienic when used, that's why tissue hankies were invented instead. And so, pocket squares remained as accessories and never used as mere hankies.
How to Fold a Pocket Square
There are several ways on how to fold pocket squares. Examples are the One corner up, Two corners up, Three corners up, Four corners up, Double Point Roll, Dunaway, Four Mountains, Four Point Crown, One Point Roll, Rolled Puff, Three Stairs, and Winged Puff.
But before you attempt to fold pocket squares, it's a good thing to iron the linen or cotton first. You can also do that if you want to achieve sharp, crisp folds, excluding the hand-rolled edges. Silk or satin materials like neckties are shiny but they tend to slip more. If you want that you can use hand-woven silk which is coarser in texture.
Here are the steps in folding basic pocket square folds:
One point corner pocket square fold:
1. Spread the pocket square flat like a diamond, with each corner facing up, down, right, and left.
2. Bring the bottom corner up on top of the top corner, completely covering it.
3. Fold the left corner halfway to the right side.
4. Bring the right corner halfway to the left side.
Two point corner pocket square fold:
1. Spread the pocket square flat like a diamond, with each corner facing up, down, right, and left.
2. Bring the bottom corner up on top of the top corner and adjust the tip to the left.
3. Fold the left corner halfway to the right side.
4. Bring the right corner halfway to the left side.
Three point corner pocket square fold:
1. Spread the pocket square flat like a diamond, with each corner facing up, down, right, and left.
2. Bring the bottom corner up on top of the top corner and adjust the tip to the left.
3. Fold the left corner to the right side up.
4. Fold the right corner to the left side.
How to Fold a Pocket Square
