Some ties come with a pocket square, which you can wear together, or you can mix it up depending on your style preference. If you don’t have a pocket square, both a handkerchief or bandana can also be used.
For formal events, you may want to opt for a white or pink, or subtle patterned pocket square that’s crisp and neatly ironed. The fold you use should serve to accent your outfit, not distract. For casual events, feel free to be more ambitious. Go with brighter colors and louder patterns.
Ironing your pocket square before folding will also make folding much easier.
If you are using a piece of cloth that is rectangular, lay it flat vertically, with the shorter sides on the top and bottom.
This will leave about ⅓ at the top that isn’t folded.
Depending on how deep your breast pocket is, you may have to fold the bottom part of the pocket square over again. If your pocket square is too wide for your breast pocket, you may have to fold your pocket square into thirds initially, instead of in half. This fold is great for a clean modern look that has a timeless, dignified style. Perfect for adding just a little bit of pop to your look. Great for a workday look.
You should now have a triangle.
If you look at your current setup, the folded over section should form an equilateral triangle.
If done correctly, your pocket square should now resemble an open envelope.
If your square is too wide, you may need to fold it again and make tucks so that it fits smoothly into the pocket. This fold is great for adding just a bit of class to your look. Wear it to work or a dinner party.
Your tip should go past the bottom of the pocket square without completely unfolding.
You should now have what resembles one large triangle with a smaller one placed on top.
Depending on the fabric of your pocket square or handkerchief, it may be difficult to keep all of your folded sections in place. Each time you make a fold, make a good crease to keep the folds in place. If you are having a hard time keeping the folds intact, you can lightly iron the creases. Be careful not to burn the fabric, Especially if you are using silk.
You may want to lightly iron your fabric here to flatten and hold the folds.
Lift up the bottom of your pocket square at the center and pinch with your thumb and forefinger so the folds stay intact.
Lay the fabric flat and make adjustments with your free hand until until the right side is folded behind the left.
If done correctly, you should now have a similar open envelope look like with the one point fold.
You want to insert your pocket square into your breast pocket so that all of the folds are facing outwards. This is a great fold that looks good in your tuxedo jacket or your casual suit. Wear it for a slightly more formal event like a wedding, or big event.
The corners of your pocket square will naturally fold over each other, and don’t be too concerned if they look a little uneven, that’s the point of this look.
You don’t want to have too tight of a grasp on the fabric here. Just enough so that the fabric can hold the shape you’ve created.
Your pocket square should now look a bit like a rocket ship with the corners at the bottom.
While holding the tip of the pocket square, you may want adjust your other hand a little further down so that the folded portion is longer than the tips of the pocket square.
You may have to wiggle your thumb loose and make a few adjustments, but that’s ok since this fold is meant to look a little messy.
While most of the time, you want to insert your pocket nicely into your pocket so you don’t mess up your fold, here with the puff, feel free to stuff it in. This look is all about making your fold look effortless. The puffy part of your pocket square should be facing out. You can either tuck the corners of your pocket square down so only the puff is visible, or leave the tips as a personal touch. The puff fold is great for a party or event that’s a bit more relaxed. It adds a bit of your personal style to a classic look.
