When was the last time you strutted your stuff with a pocket square? While the pocket square is a great men’s accessory, it is not as often worn with suits as it could be. The pocket handkerchief, or pocket square as most quality men’s stores call it, is a silk, linen or cotton fabric that is usually from 13 to 18 square inches. It is a fashion accessory that is used for enhancing your style and flair, and, contrary to what most men think, had the suit breast pocket designed specifically for it! No, business cards and pens should not go in your suit breast pocket. Nor should handkerchiefs (for those of you that carry them!), they should be placed firmly in your trouser pockets, and out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind. Period.
Complement, don’t match your shirt and /or tie with your pocket square. For a more conservative look, try a plain white. In the early 1940’s, it was standard convention to match your tie to your pocket square, but contemporary wearers of this accessory often compliment it with the tie, thereby adding further variety to your suit ensemble! Remember, while our suits and shirts have a certain amount of variety, it is accessories like ties and pocket squares that can add further color and patterns to enhance the overall ensemble’s look!
There are certain schools of thought that believe that the tie, jacket and pocket square should contrast in fabric. Examples would include wearing a silk tie with a linen pocket square, or a tweed jacket with a woolen or cashmere pocket square. While this has some merit, it is important to note that it is generally quite difficult to go wrong with silk!
When wearing a pocket square, reveal no more than 1 ½ inches of the pocket square from the top of the pocket!
So there you have it – a brief introduction to pocket squares! I will be producing more content later geared towards different styles of wearing a pocket square!
Do you enjoy wearing Pocket Squares? We would love to hear your comments below!
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Check out some of our Favorite Ties to wear with your Favorite Pocket Squares here at The Dark Knot!
