Truth is, men have been wearing pocket squares to the workplace for a long time. And just like so many things in menswear, there exists quite a spectrum from casual to formal. Simply put, it’s always appropriate to wear something in your chest pocket.
In this post
Why do men wear a pocket square?
Today, the handkerchief/pocket square is used purely for decoration and style. While not all men choose to wear one, it’s certainly an opportunity for you to show creativity in your style. And that’s really the answer to why do we wear pocket squares.
What is a men’s pocket square called?
In addition to carrying for practical purposes, handkerchiefs have long been displayed in the chest pocket of men’s jackets. Used in this way, they are referred to as a pocket handkerchief or pocket square.
When did men start wearing pocket squares?
Pocket squares in fashion
Whilst pocket squares found their place in fashion in the 19th century, it wasn’t until the 20th century when they became the must-have accessory for any style conscious gentleman.
Is it OK not to wear a pocket square?
Although it might seem like an easy way to coordinate your outfit, matching your pocket square and tie or bow tie is a definite no-no in modern dress. Instead, the purpose of the pocket square is to complement the rest of your look: either by harmonising or contrasting with your other accessories.
Is it OK to wear a pocket square without a tie?
3. When you don’t want to wear a tie. “A pocket square can do the same job a tie does—of smartening up a suit or blazer and smart trousers. In fact, because pocket squares are far less of a go-to than ties are, they can make outfits more thought-through and style-conscious.
Why did people stop using handkerchiefs?
Its aggressive advertising campaigns warned people to not put a cold in their pocket in the form of a snotty handkerchief, and use disposable tissue instead. By the 1980s, facial tissues had displaced the handkerchief as a more hygienic alternative.
What goes in a men’s suit pocket?
Pocket square, pochette or a handkerchief…
Who is famous for wearing a pocket square?
During the 1920s, famous movie actors like Cary Grant and Gary Cooper were often seen wearing pocket squares on film. During the early 1900s, many Americans had never heard of pocket squares. Thanks to big-screen Hollywood movies, as well as television shows, this soon changed.
What does a pocket square mean?
noun. a handkerchief, often colored or figured, worn in the breast pocket of a suit or blazer as a fashion accessory.
Who is known for always wearing a red pocket square?
Like his fellow Rat Pack comrade Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin was a major proponent of the red silk pocket square, albeit worn more rakishly unstructured than the Chairman’s preferred TV fold… a difference that reflects both men’s styles, sartorial and otherwise.
How do you wear a pocket square in 2022?
Pocket squares should complement, not match.
If your suit and tie are a solid navy blue, try adding a pocket square with different colored polka dots or a paisley design. Or, if you have a colorful, patterned suit, wear a white pocket square with a plain dress shirt.
Are handkerchiefs out of style?
Medieval knights carried them as the vaunted symbol of a lady’s favor. Today, handkerchiefs remain popular with older folks, but the younger set seems to prefer tissues. For Judith Martin – also known as Miss Manners – the fashion of handkerchiefs will never fade, however.
Are pocket squares too formal?
Some people have a perception of the type of occasion around when to wear a pocket square, i.e. formal and worn with a James Bond style suit and tie. On the contrary, pocket squares can be a casual accessory which adds a touch of flair to an open shirt and jacket combination.
Do you wear a pocket square with a blazer?
Never wear a blazer without a pocket square in your blazer’s pocket. 2. Shiny silk pocket squares are out of style – go for pocket square in either cotton, linen or wool.
Does a white pocket square go with everything?
Level 1: The classic white pocket square. Goes with everything, always looks great. Level 2: Neutral colors – think grays, browns, and whites. With a neutral tie, your pocket square can be any of these colors depending on your jacket.
Can you wear a pocket square with a tuxedo?
Pocket squares are meant to be worn in the outer breast pocket of a suit, tuxedo, or blazer. They’re purely decoration—not to be mistaken for the utility-oriented handkerchief.
How much of a pocket square should show?
The safest, most classic and easiest way is to fold your handkerchief into a crisp rectangle that’s the same width as your breast pocket, and position it so that between 1/4 inch and 1 inch of the square is visible above the pocket line.
What does it mean when a woman drops her handkerchief?
Or, if she was in the market, she would drop her handkerchief on the ground in one of many public parks that were frequented by eligible young gentlemen and chaperoned young women. This would mean that she is looking to meet the person she would love, and who would love her.
What does dropping a handkerchief mean?
: a game in which one player runs behind the other players as they stand in a circle and drops a handkerchief behind one of them who then must pick up the handkerchief and run around the circle after the first player and try to tag, catch, or kiss the first player before he or she gets to the vacant place in the circle
Are hankies unhygienic?
How Sanitary? Handkerchiefs are adequately sanitary if stored away immediately after use (e.g., in a pocket or purse), followed by the user washing his or her hands. (Exposure risk remains for the person laundering handkerchiefs.)