How To Pick a Pocket…Square!

Is it hip to be square? Yes! A pocket square, that is! If you are a groom-to-be or one of his squad, we have 9 great tips for you to use when picking a pocket…square! Read on to find out more!

Groom in a gray suit with a rose on his lapel and a pocket square. Unsplash.com

Hey, John!

Thank you so much for your last blog post on the differences between a pocket square and a handkerchief. I am going with a pocket square. OK, how do I pick the best one? Thanks for your amazing answer!

Your friend, Dallas

Hey, Dallas!

That’s a great question and one many of our grooms find is a challenge.

We know that styles changes. Tastes change so it’s always a challenge to stay “on trend.”

Let me give you my quick 9 tips for picking a pocket square.

  1. The easiest and most simple option is a white tie and white pocket square because they will go with almost any jacket and shirt.

  2. If your jacket is white, you might consider a black tie and pocket square.

  3. To match or not to match? That is the question… My apologies to the Bard of Avon. Since they should NOT match, here are your options: 

man in a suit and blue tie with pocket square PXBY

A. When your tie and your pocket square match in pattern and color, opt for different fabrics to differentiate the two. (Helpful hint: Avoid the boxed sets of a tie and a pocket square. Work with different ties and pocket squares to develop your own sense of style for your wedding, your next business meeting, or job interview.)

B. Ideally, your pocket square should contrast or harmonize with your other accessories. There are many stylists who prefer that you select the primary color in your tie and find a pocket square in that same primary color but in a different pattern.

C. Or identify a secondary color in your tie (or shirt) and pick a pocket square in that color.

white man in black tie tux Pixabay.com

4. When jets line up to land on an aircraft carrier, it’s called being “in the pattern.” Too many aircraft in the pattern can be dangerous. It’s the same with men’s fashion: Too many patterns can be dangerous. Most stylists suggest that if you have a boldly patterned tie and pocket square, then have a monochromatic shirt and jacket.

5. Select a hand rolled pocket square. Why? Only a hand rolled pocket square has the structure (or strength) to keep its shape in many different folding patterns. Pocket squares made differently may slide down into your pocket because they couldn’t hold their shape.

6. Dr. Ruth was wrong: Size matters. A silk pocket square should be at least 16 inches square so that you have multiple options on how to fold it. A smaller silk pocket square might slide down into your pocket which ruins the look.

7. Show and Tell: How much of your pocket square should you show above your pocket? What does this tell about you? This comes down to your personal choice and your sense of style. Practice folding your square in several diverse ways and seeing what you like best.

What do you want to see in your wedding photos 20 years from now?

 

man in dark gray suit with matching tie and pocket square PXBY
man wears a gray suit with a tie and stylish pocket square. Unsplash.com

8. So, you get the point…

For a formal, black tie wedding, you may want to do a flat fold or a one-point or two-point fold.

If your wedding is more casual, then check out the classic puff fold.

 (There are several YouTube videos on folding a pocket square for your wedding.)

9. How much flare should your pocket square have? While most of us have seen pocket squares that might have been designed by an abstract artist on some sort of “trip,” that might not be the best look for your wedding. Just saying… My guide has been this: On a scale of 1 to 10, decide how formal your occasion is. For instance, a very formal, black tie wedding is a 1. Add two points to that and select a pocket square which is no more than a 3.

man in a blue suit with a pocket square PXBY

If you have additional questions, please reach out to me. I’m happy to help!

 

Your friend in the wedding business,

John Shyne

 

Images above are  courtesy of Unsplash.com and Pixabay.com.

Images below are from the Ainsworth House & Gardens Callery.

 

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