If there is one thing that is my signature, then that is a pocket square. I adore them. I currently have about 50 of them in all different colours and patterns and I am very rarely, if ever seen without one in the top pocket of my jacket.
The Pocket Square, is that little flourish for a Gentleman’s outfit that adds so much with so little. It can add colour to a blank canvas, it can enhance the shirt or tie and is one of the simplest ways to make you more stylish.
Naturally the Pocket Square, which adorns the top left-hand pocket of a jacket has its humble beginnings in the Handkerchief. The Handkerchief has been around since the Ancient Egyptians and was used for many years as a scented way to protect one’s nose from the odours of Elizabethan streets.
The Pocket Square, as a fashion accessory is said to have its origins with King George VI, he developed a wide range of them and kept them in his pocket for mostly practical purposes to have his handkerchief near at hand. But as with most fashions of the day the royals had a huge influence and it went from being just practical to both stylish and practical. Indeed it became the fashion for the man about town, when dressed for the night to have his handkerchief in his pocket. This is where the mass trend started, indeed those who did not have the wealth of the trendsetters of the world, could emulate their style very easily with the little expense of a square of silk, therefore it took the early 20th century by storm.
The Pocket Square has never left since then, there has been fashions and fads but the humble pocket square has stayed the course of Men’s Style ever since.
So the rules for the Pocket Square are simple. They can be made of any fabric, most common are silk and cotton, but there are linen and woolen ones too. It should be placed in your left top breast pocket. If you have not done it before, you may need to unpick the pocket as they are usually sewn shut.
The colour of your pocket square should be tonally correct to either your shirt or tie but not necessarily match directly. Though there are exceptions to this rule, for example you will have a white pocket square for your evening wear, when your shirt will certainly be white. Other than that, have some fun with the colours, patterns, textures and other elements.
The one true skill of all Pocket Square wearers is in the folding. There are some exceptionally simple ones that work really well but if you are truly an aficionado then having intricate folding patterns show an extreme skill set and love for style. Indeed, it would suit some of the more exotic patterns or colours of the pocket square.
Tie or No Tie; Formal or Casual; Day or Night; A Pocket Square exudes class and style. Pick one up today, you won’t regret it.
