Pocket squares are those pieces of fabrics you wear in your jacket breast pocket and they are just accessories. They do not perform the functions of a handkerchief – so you don’t blow on them, don’t use them to clean your face or some dirt off the table; this piece of material is a part of your entire ensemble.
Table of Contents When to wear a pocket square How to Wear a Pocket Square Should you match your tie with your pocket square. The Dos & Don'ts of Wearing Pocket Squares Are Pocket Squares Still in Style. What Pocket Square Materials Should Be. Pocket Square Material Types
When you’re wearing a suit or a tuxedo to any event, you’ve got to plan your look to the last and seemingly inconsequential detail. You’’ll need to sort out your shirt, jacket, pant, belt, cuff-links, socks, shoes and then your pocket squares. They are the extra amber of glow to all the hard-work you’ve done. Of course, you can go around without pocket squares but even you would know that you have done an incomplete job.
Pocket squares come in different sizes and in different textiles – some are pure cotton so very light weight, easily foldable, some are made out of silk, wool or even some other heavy material. Our advise when looking at buying pocket squares is to avoid those really small and light ones because they would keep getting lost in your pocket and then it’s no longer a pocket square but peek-a-boo.
In this article, we hope that you’ll dabble in the trendy world of pocket squares, understand the etiquettes of owning and using them and get to slaying with them.
WHEN TO WEAR A POCKET SQUARE:
You know some cliches aren’t supposed to be cliches because they hold true. The reason many people face some sort of frustration or confusion in deciding whether or not they should use a pocket square is because they don’t have a solid idea of where it originated for, how it was used and how it has evolved over the years. You don’t have to Google that now, we’ll summarize it here for you. Pocket squares were worn by guests at dinner parties and some other formal events. It’s a classic touch of fabric folded into the breast pocket of a jacket and because fashion and culture is always evolving, this simple fold have been experimented on over the years and now you can make a bold statement with your pocket square. Even though, pocket squares are used in formal settings, you don’t have to buy boring ones. You can put some spark into wearing them. You can try some other loud pocket square looks if you’re tired of the same old and conservative type – instead of plain material, maybe a stripped one.
HOW TO WEAR POCKET SQUARES:
- The Monochrome Look: This is a perfect synergy of the colour of your suit and pocket square. If you’re wearing a black or grey suits, try pairing with a monochrome shade of pocket square.
- The Edgy Classic Look: Plain white pocket squares are the oldest colours of pocket squares and are the most used. If you want to throw in a little bit of edge on the classic square, get white pocket squares with coloured edges or edges with designs. This way, you’re keeping cool and vibrant at the same time.
SHOULD YOU MATCH YOUR TIE AND POCKET SQUARE?
We have looked how to pair pocket squares with suits but what about with ties? Should you consider the colour of type of tie you’re wearing when choosing the kind and colour of pocket square to accessorize with? Well, the short answer is NO. You don’t want to wearing a black tie and use a black pocket square. Don’t forget that the pocket square is an accesory not a complimentary card. Don’t fall into the matchmaking trap.
THE DO’S & DON’TS Of Wearing Pocket Square
- Don’t overstretch the patterns. Don’t go stripe on stripe, patterned on patterned, polka dot on polka dot. That’s too much edge. Ensure that some part of your ensemble is just plain.
- Ensure you’re using the right kind of fold to the occassion. A pocket square isn’t tissue paper and even that is being folded in different ways depending on the ocassion. For most formal events, stick to a flat fold while you can use the classic puff fold for some casual event.
- Remember you can never get it wrong with a classic white pocket square. On days, when you are not sure, bring out this gem and rock the world safely.
- About black pocket sqaures; there’s only one goal of a black pocket square – to create a beautiful contrast.
- When picking out a pocket square for a suit, choose a plain white or a less patterned square. You’d also want to make it a presidential fold as it’s most befitting for formal occassions.
- You can also pair squares that are contrasting to the suit colour. Plain suit colours such as black, grey or blue can be paired with some bold colours for a flamboyant look.
Are Pocket Squares still in Style?
Pocket Squares have never been more in style! Understandably, before now,it was all boring and basic. Now pocket squares are in varying colors and fabrics. Beyond that, there are now a thousand and one ways to fold them creatively.
As long as blazers, suits and tuxedos are made with breast pockets, there would always be a need for pocket squares. Pocket squares are another tiny piece of accessory to complement your breast pockets.
There are different rules and things to know about picking the right pocket squares for your ensemble. You can familiarize yourself with that guide here.
What Materials Should Pocket Squares Be?
If you are wondering what material/fabric a pocket square should be, take a look at this list and decide yourself.
Types of Pocket Square Materials
The most common types of fabrics used in making pocket squares are cotton, silk and linen but they are also made in wool and polyester as well. We’ll be focusing on these major type of fabrics, how they can affect the overall look and what their pro’s and cons are. The properties and texture of these fabrics differ. Consider the fabric type so your look doesn’t seem tacky. For example, if your tie is smooth and plain, a wool pocket square might perfectly complement your style.
- SILK POCKET SQUARES: Silk is one of the smoothest material that has ever been discovered and it’s a great quality to check for when buying pocket squares. We personally think every man should have ome silk pocket squares not only because of their sleek look that gives you a smooth edge but also because they are easy to store, preserve and keep. Most silk pocket squares would go well with rough-textured suit or jacket. Silk is also one of the most used fabric for making pocket squares and there are patterned ones too that can be used for less formal or casual events. Their smooth texture makes it easy to fold in unconventional ways and make them fit perfectly into your pocket without any budge. Silk pocket squares aren’t absolutely perfect – they can be expensive, can easily lose its smoothness if ironed haphazardly and can lose of all their good qualities when sweat or bleach touches them.
- COTTON POCKET SQUARES: Think breathable, affordable, strong, resistant to chemicals, easy to care for when you think cotton pocket squares. Cotton pocket squares are easily to fold, manipulate and pull off but they are susceptible to shrinking and they would always need ironing. These are readily available in most online stores and usually come in different designs because of the strength and finesse of the material.
- LINEN POCKET SQUARES: Linens are known for that rough texture and feel, right? These types are the perfect pair to your plain blazers or suits. They complement the smooth and plain colour with their edge of coarseness. It’s chaotic beauty if you ask us. They have firm rigid edges that actually stays firm no matter what. They are usually more expensive than cotton pocket squares and if you wash them in hard water, they are gone. Just like silk pocket squares, they don’t need ironing.
- WOOL POCKET SQUARES: These uncommon type of pocket squares are a splendid work of art. They are different types of wool – angora, cashmere, alpaca; etc, each with its uniqueness and advantage to the ensemble. They can be light, very soft, retain heat and can be delicate. They can be quite expensive, difficult to wash and take care of and at the same time can be affected by some nasty insects when stored.
- POLYESTER POCKET SQUARES:Polyester pockets squares might not be as common as cotton or silk but it’s quite popular with people who like to take well-calculated fashion risks. There’s a distinct statement that a polyester pocket square make; it takes all the attention to itself. It says you pay attention to details and what better place to let people know that if not in the midst of people in formal events.
- WOOL/SILK POCKET SQUARES:There’s also a blend of these two distinct fabrics in making squares – it’s a perfect combination of the best of both worlds. It’s an all-star team making up for each individual weakness and lifting individual strengths. These types of squares are light weight but also has a prolonged durability rate. This pocket square can be used with every kind of suit fabric. Pocket squares come in different fabrics to give you a variety to choose from per occasion, mood or depending on your ensemble. We know that a lot of us like to play things safe; especially when it comes to fashion; but we would advise that you get the different varieties of these fabrics to see and test for yourself which one works best for you and which one was value for their money. Seasons can also affect the choice of pocket squares to wear. Silks can usually be worn during high temperature season while cotton and linen are considered to be worn at cold times to also add as an extra cushion of protection for your chest; like a little breastplate.
Now, we won’t leave you wondering where you can buy pocket squares. You want any of the types of pocket square fabrics listed above in affordable prices, visit our store where we sell high-quality men’s style accessories.