How to Wear a Pocket Square

How to Wear a Pocket Square

A stylish pocket square is the perfect finishing touch for the groom and his groomsmen.

The origins of the pocket square go back to the 16th century when it was linked to the handkerchief, but it evolved to become a symbol of wealth, status and style.

It may seem quite a simple accessory, but there is an art to wearing one, including several techniques for folding.

The Flat Fold

Also known as the presidential fold, to create the Flat Fold – this is often the most common way of how to wear a pocket square!

Start off by folding the square in half, then depending on the width of your square, continue to fold over and over until you reach the seam. Then half your pocket square in half, and half again by tucking underneath.

Now the fold is complete, you have the option of showing the border edging on display or the folded edge. Once happy with your fold, simply place into the pocket and adjust within your pocket until satisfied with the finish.

The Puff Fold

Start by pinching the silk pocket square in the middle, and then create a semi-circle shape with your thumb and index finger.

Run your circle shape down the square fabric, stopping about a three-quarters of the way down.

Stretch out the newly created ‘puff’ for slightly more volume, then simply tuck under the excess fabric.

Place the completed Puff Fold square into the pocket and adjust until happy.

The Wave Fold

The create the Wave Fold, begin by pinching two diagonally opposite corners of the pocket square, creating a nice even triangle shape.

Next, fold the far right corner of your triangle shape over itself to create a smaller triangle shape, and then again, taking the far right hand corner. Once you have folded over itself twice, turn the pocket square over.

Use your index finger and place in the middle of your newly created triangle and fold one edge into the centre of the square. Turn the square over and complete the same exercise to create a kite shape.

You should now see the wave at the top of the pocket square, tuck in the side and bottom corners of your ‘kite’ shape and that finishes the fold.

Place the pocket square into your jacket pocket and use your index finger to fan out and adjust the Wave Fold, until you get your desired look and finish.

The Reverse Puff Fold

The fold technique is very similar to the standard Puff Fold, and follows the same initial process.

Firstly, pinch the square in the middle, and then create a semi-circle shape with your thumb and index finger. Run your circle shape down the square fabric, stopping about three-quarters of the way down.

The difference in the Reverse Puff Fold is to now twist the bottom of the square and fold backwards on itself, creating the new fold.

Finally, add the fold into your pocket square and adjust the points until happy.

Why not take a look at the other wedding blogs on the website for more inspiration!