A pocket square is a piece of fabric used to cover the pocket of a suit or jacket. It’s used for formal occasions or as a fashion accessory.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
What’s a pocket square?
A pocket square is a piece of fabric that folds into an easy-to-carry shape, often to be used as a pocket-handkerchief. It can also be called “a pocket hanky.”
Related: How to tie a tie
They’re typically small pieces of cloth and come in different colors and patterns. It can be used to add color and style to your outfit, or it can serve as an accessory for specific occasions.
A pocket square is worn in the breast pocket of a jacket. It’s most often seen on men but some women may wear them too.
Pocket squares are usually made from silk fabric because of their lightweight and soft touch.
What it’s used for
There are many different reasons why you might want to wear pocket squares. It can be used as a decoration, for warmth, to cover up a stain or rip in your pocket.
You may wear pocket squares as an accessory on more formal occasions like weddings and funeral services. It can also be worn simply for decoration.
How to fold a pocket square
A pocket square can be folded in several different ways, including the following.
The Straight Fold
Place the pocket square on a flat surface and fold it widthwise (from left to right), being sure not to crease or dip the pocket squares fabric too much.
Once this is done, fold it again lengthwise (from top to bottom), and then fold the pocket square in half.
The Square Fold
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with the right side facing up.
Then unfold one of its “wings” so that they are perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Fold the pocket square in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold it width-wise.
The Diamond Fold
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Then, unfold one of its wings so that they are perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket square, so that it’s flat and facing you. Fold the pocket square in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold widthwise.
The Square Wave Fold
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it’s flat and facing you. Fold in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold width-wise.
The Twist or Pleat
Place the pocket square on a flat surface and pull one of its corners out with your right hand while holding the pocket square with your left hand.
The Puff
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you. Pull up one of the pocket square’s corners with your right hand while holding it with your left hand.
The Pointed Fold
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket square to make it flat and facing you. Fold the pocket square in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold width-wise.
The Accordion
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you. Fold in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold width-wise.
The Double Accordion
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you. Fold in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold width-wise.
The Half Accordion
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you. Fold in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold width-wise
The Full Accordion
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you. Fold in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) and then fold width-wise
The Tulip
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you.
Pull out two opposite corners from underneath the pocket square’s remaining wing (with your right hand) while folding the pocket square in half lengthwise (from top to bottom).
Pull out two opposite corners from underneath the pocket square’s remaining wing with your left hand.
The Butterfly
Place the pocket square on a flat surface, with its right side facing up.
Unfold one of its wings, so they’re perpendicular to each other, making an imaginary cross over the pocket square fabric.
Then, unfold the pocket squares, so it is flat and facing you.
Pull out two opposite corners from underneath the pocket square’s remaining wing (with your right hand) while folding the pocket square in half lengthwise (from top to bottom).
Pull out one of its wings until the pocket square lays flat.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your outfit, add some flare with the use of a pocket square.
It’s an accessory that goes in the breast pocket and can be used as decoration to bring out other colors or patterns on your suit jacket.
The easiest way to fold one is by folding it in half lengthwise. Then, place it across your chest so that both short ends hang down from either side of the front panel.
You can also do this step inside-out if you want two different looks. Now, all there’s left to do is put on those shoes, and go show off what you’ve got.
Related articles:
Featured image courtesy of Canva.
About David Em
Founder
David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.
Leave a Reply