When Should Pocket Squares Be Worn?

For the most part, there are only two main rules when choosing your tuxedo pocket square colour. If it’s a formal black-tie event, it’s generally considered appropriate to wear a white pocket square in a presidential pocket square fold (flat fold), or a conservative puff fold.

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When should I wear a 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.

Should you wear a pocket square if you’re not wearing a tie?

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.

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Do you wear a pocket square with a sport coat?

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.

Why do you wear a pocket square?

Simply put: a hanky is for blowing, while a pocket square is for showing! Less simply put: you use a handkerchief to blow your nose, mop up spills, or even just to dab the sweat off your brow.

How do you wear a pocket square in 2022?

Pocket Square Rules

  1. Choose a secondary colour from your shirt or tie as the primary colour for your pocket square.
  2. Don’t overdo the patterns, ensure some articles of clothing are flat colours which will accentuate the colours in your pocket square or tie.
  3. Don’t directly match your tie and pocket square.
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Is a pocket square too much?

For wear in most offices
However, for a more conservative environment, stick to a nice crisp look, a pressed cotton pocket square that extends just a quarter to a half inch above your chest pocket. A silk pocket square is just fine too, but make sure that it’s not too distracting.

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.

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.

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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.

Can you wear a blazer without a pocket square?

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.

What colour should be the pocket square?

We like to keep a plain white pocket square for formal occasions, but a square that is predominately white with either a coloured edging or light pattern provides a relatively conservative look that will work in all business environments.

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Is it OK to 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.

What is the difference between a pocket square and 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.

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Can you wear a pocket square and a boutonniere?

And to answer the age old question: can you wear a boutonnière and a pocket square together? Yes, you certainly can, just make sure that your pocket square stays in it’s lane (i.e. isn’t popping 3 inches out of your pocket) and that your boutonnière is high enough so that they have their own space.

Can I wear a pocket square to a wedding?

A pocket square is both a decorative and functional detail for a suit. It is optional, but if you decide to wear one, it’s common to use a classic plain white cotton or linen one for a wedding-day look, folding it into a presidential/square fold (which is the most formal).

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How do you fold a pocket square etiquette?

How do I fold a pocket square?

  1. Begin with the pocket square face down.
  2. Fold in half from right to left.
  3. Fold in half from left to right leaving a gap at the right side.
  4. Fold in half from top to bottom.
  5. Fold the bottom up and behind the front. Adjust to fit the size of your jacket pocket.

What is the best size for a pocket square?

Generally, it is important to steer clear of pocket squares less than 16 inches because this is also an indication of low-quality manufacturing. You want to invest in an accessory that is anywhere between 16 and 18 inches to ensure a good fit.

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Can I use a white handkerchief as a pocket square?

Simply put, a handkerchief is useful, a pocket square is decorative. Both can look alike and can be made from the same fabric—both can be offered in the same dimensions, but both cannot be interchanged.

Can I wear a GREY suit to a black tie event?

Given the fact that Black-Tie Optional events, as with standard Black Tie events, take place in the evening, a light-colored suit would look informal and inappropriate. You can get away with something like medium grey in a pinch, but it’s best to stick to the dark colors we outlined previously.

Can vest be different color than suit?

A contrasting vest can change the look and feel of a suit entirely. A white vest, for example, works well when worn with a darker-colored jacket. So too, do sand, beige, or light grey vests. Wearing a suit with a different color vest immediately makes you look less formal and less intimidating.

When Should Pocket Squares Be Worn?