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.
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When should I use pocket square?
As a rule of thumb, people wear pocket squares at more formal occasions, such as weddings, galas, balls, red carpets, black tie events, and work/professional gatherings. For black tuxedos, solid color pocket squares, like white or off-white, look best.
Are pocket squares just handkerchiefs?
The main difference between these two items is how they’re intended to be used: The pocket square is just for show. It belongs in the breast pocket of your jacket, where it can help accent your suit or complement your tie. The handkerchief is intended to be used, and it should be kept out of sight.
What do pocket squares mean?
noun. a handkerchief, often colored or figured, worn in the breast pocket of a suit or blazer as a fashion accessory.
What’s the difference between a pocket square and a handkerchief?
The pocket square is for show and belongs in your jacket breast pocket. It is normally made from silk, a light-weight cotton or linen, and should be small enough to fold without creating bulk. The handkerchief is for blow and goes in your back or front pants pocket or inside your jacket lower pockets/inside pockets.
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.
How do you wear a pocket square in 2022?
Pocket Square Rules
- Choose a secondary colour from your shirt or tie as the primary colour for your pocket square.
- Don’t overdo the patterns, ensure some articles of clothing are flat colours which will accentuate the colours in your pocket square or tie.
- Don’t directly match your tie and pocket square.
What do you call a man’s handkerchief?
Pocket square is, in fact, the term used to indicate the most common “pocket handkerchief”, one of the details of the male wardrobe that contributes to defining the style of a true gentleman.
Is it sanitary to use a handkerchief?
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.)
Do men use pocket squares?
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.
What do pockets symbolize?
“A pocket would be a symbol of status,” Castillo explains. “Slaves specifically were not allowed to have pockets because they believed it would be the gateway to dangerous activity. It gives them power. “There’s just this level of difference at something so simple as a pocket, something we take for granted.”
Do you wear a pocket square with a dinner jacket?
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.
Where did pocket square originate?
Explanations. The pocket square finds its origins during the Antiquity, in Egypt, Rome or Greece. The wealthiest used a white linen square as a handkerchief.
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 in a shirt?
You can always wear pocket squares with suits or sports jackets, from the most formal to a casual occasion. However, never add a pocket square to an overcoat, coat or shirt as this will look out of place.
Is a pocket square essential?
While it’s possible to own hundreds of pocket squares there are only a few that are essential that you can mix and match with any outfit. A paisley pocket square is essential to have on hand because it truly goes perfectly with any pattern of tie you might be wearing.
How do you wear a pocket square casually?
The puff ‘fold’ is the easiest and most casual way to wear a pocket square. All you have to do is lay the pocket square flat out on a table and pinch it up from the center. Once you have achieved this gently tuck the corners of the pocket square into your jacket breast pocket.
Can you wear a 3 piece suit as a 2 piece?
As such, if you’ve been wondering, “Can you wear a 3-piece suit as a 2-piece?”, the answer is a clear and definite “Yes.” “The three piece, on the other hand, is generally a much more intentional style choice. It’s sleeker, a little more fitted, and more closed off than the two piece suit.
Should I wear a pocket square to an interview?
4. Pocket Squares. Pocket squares are another fashion accessory that you should only wear for certain job interviews. In this case, if you are going to an interview that is formal or where the dress code is business formal or professional, you may want to consider adding a pocket square to your suit jacket.
How do you pick a pocket square color?
Your pocket square should pick up at least one of the colours in your tie but that doesn’t necessarily mean the tone has to match. Your pocket square should give a subtle accent to your tie which could mean displaying a slightly lighter or darker tone.
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.