Folding a pocket square correctly
In a manner similar to tie knots, the way in which you fold a pocket square is also an important style element which can influence your outfit. At the same time, the folding technique should not only correspond to the occasion, it should also reflect your individual character. There are five main folding techniques which have stood the test of time:
Flat Pocket Square
The square fold
Simple and elegant. The square fold – also called the presidential fold – is the classic fold for pocket squares. The best part about it? It’s also the simplest fold. These advantages make the flat pocket square particularly well-suited to business applications. Do you need to give your suit a quick update in the looks department before an important meeting with a customer? The square fold does the job in no time. This classic folding technique is particularly well-suited to monochrome pochettes, preferably in white.
Step 1
Lay the handkerchief face down.
Step 2
Fold the pocket square in the middle.
Step 3
Now fold the upper part of the handkerchief downwards. If your breast pocket is too small, you call also fold the handkerchief three times.
One corner up
The triangular fold
Slightly more elegant than the square fold – and almost just as easy to fold. The triangular fold is the fold of choice for formal and festive events. At the same time, it is also subtle enough for a classic business outfit. Going straight from the office to the opera or an upmarket restaurant? If, in these cases, you fall back on the one corner up fold, you only have to fold once. The triangular fold can be adapted to fit any width of breast pocket and works best on fine, smooth silk handkerchiefs.
Step 1
Place your pocket square on a clean, flat surface.
Step 2
Make a triangle by folding your handkerchief in half.
Step 3
Fold one corner inwards and make a clear-cut fold by running your hand over the fabric.
Step 4
Repeat with the other corner. Place the handkerchief in your breast pocket and adjust until the pocket square sits as it should.
Two corner up
The double triangular fold
Double the hold. Double the impact. Try the double triangular fold and see for yourself. The two corner up fold allows the pochette to keep its shape in your breast pocket for much longer than more simple folds. This folding technique gives off a sporty yet elegant impression and is a fantastic addition to casual outfits. The two corner up fold really hits the mark, even in the combination of sports jacket, jeans and pocket square.
Step 1
Place your pocket square on a clean, flat surface.
Step 2
Fold your handkerchief in half slightly off-centre, making two triangles.
Step 3
Then fold one corner inwards.
Step 4
Following this, fold the other corner inwards. Place the handkerchief in your breast pocket and adjust until your pocket square sits as it should.
Three corner up
The crown fold
The most elegant way to fold a pochette. The three corner up fold creates a pocket square in the shape of a three-pointed crown – the perfect fold for formal and festive events. However, a standard “fold it and go” approach simply will not do for the crown fold. This particularly elegant and exclusive technique requires a bit of practice. However, it’s more than worth the effort. The three corner up adds a regal finishing touch to your elegant evening attire.
Step 1
Place the handkerchief on a clean, flat surface.
Step 2
Fold your pochette in two to make two overlapping triangles.
Step 3
Fold one point of the triangle diagonally upwards in order to make a third point.
Step 4
Fold the right-hand corner inwards in order to create a flat base. Carefully place the pocket square in your breast pocket and adjust until the handkerchief sits as it should.
Casual Fold
The puff fold
The most easy-going way to wear a pocket square. The aim of the puff fold is to make the pochette look almost as if it was placed in the breast pocket at random. However, take a look behind the scenes of this casual look and you will find a relatively complicated folding process which works particularly well on thin, silk handkerchiefs. Picture the casual elegance of classic Hollywood stars from the 50s and 60s and you will have some idea of the effect that can be created by a pochette with a masterfully executed puff fold. Patterned pocket squares in particular profit from this elaborate folding technique.
Step 1
Lay the handkerchief down flat.
Step 2
This next step is somewhat tricky. Pinch the middle of the handkerchief between your thumb and index finger and lift it upwards so that the handkerchief hangs down loosely.
Step 3
Now fold the lower end of the handkerchief upwards in order to give your creation a little stability. Don’t forget to puff up the handkerchief a little.
Step 4
Once you have folded the lower end upwards, you can carefully place the pocket square in your breast pocket. Depending on your personal preference, you can also puff the pocket square up a bit more.
Einstecktücher passend kombinieren
Nowadays, there’s no one single occasion for wearing pocket squares, nor one correct way in which to match them to your outfit. What’s important is that the pochette reflects the individual character of a person and is a fitting addition to the overall look. For this reason, the material, pattern and colour play a key role when selecting a pocket square.
Those who want to play it safe should go with the classic: a white linen or cotton pochette paired with a white shirt. A pocket square made from fine, delicately shimmering silk is the right choice for festive events. However, when it comes to colourful pocket squares, make sure that the pochette picks up on the background colour of the tie or that of the shirt.
Patterns not only add a touch of style, they also add a little variety. Timeless designs such as stripes, checks, paisley or spots can be combined in a variety of ways. At the same time, they also symbolise a touch of elegance. Whatever you do, never match the pattern on your tie with that of your handkerchief. It is much more effective to decide on a background colour which is reflected across various patterns.
