How to fold a pocket square

The falt fold is also by many called the "Presidential" fold. It is one of the most classic, and also one of the easiests folds for a pocket square. The clean-cut look of this type of fold is best suited for solid color pocket squares. It is also a more formal type of fold that is a perfect fit for black tie attire consisting of tuxedo and black bow tie.

Instructions

1. Lay the pocket square on a flat surface and straighten it with your hands


2. Fold the pocket square in the middle


3. Fold the pocket square in. How much you want to fold in depends on how deep your breast pocket is. The pocket square should stick about 1/4 to 1/2 inches out of the pocket.

The one tip up fold is another common fold that is also quite easy to master. It is very universal fold that will look well with most suits and even formal attire with tux and bow tie.

Instructions

1. Lay the pocket square on a flat surface and straiten it with your palm.


2. Fold the pocket square alongside in the middle to create a triangle.


3. Fold in one of the sides as shown in the illustartion


4. Now do the same on the opposite side of the pocket square.


5. Tug the pocket square into your breast pocket and give it soe final adjustment. You are done!

Some Tips For This Fold
If the corner doesn't stick up as you would like it, then you might want to choose a stiffer pocket silk. Pocket squares from cotton can be starched to give it a crisper, stiffer look, Silk pocket squares must not be starched. If silk is your preferred fabric, then choose a thicker silk, sometimes called "Thai Silk".

A little bored with just one tip showing? Then how about making it two? The "Two Tip Up Fold" is a great way to fold your pocket hankie for business and also slightly more casual attire. It is less suited for black tie events since the look is usually more casual in nature. If you tried this fold and the tips are flapping over, then you may want to use a cotton instead of a silk pocket square. Cotton or linen is slightly stiffer than silk. In addition both of these fabrics can be starched. There is nothing wring by the way with the tips folded over. It is simply personal preference.

Instructions

1. Lay the pocket square on a flat surface and straighten it with the palm of your hand.


2. Fold the pocket square diagonally so that it looks like two overlapping triangles.


3. Fold in one side


4. Now fold in the other, opposite side


5. Carefully tug the hankie in your breast pocket. Give it a final adjustment, and you are already done!

If the one or two corner up fold is too boring for you and you are looking for a more intricate way to fold a hankie, then the three corner up fold might just be perfect for you. The smaller tips gives this fold a finer look, that perfectly matches with solid color suits and neckties. It is more casual than the "Flat Fold" (see above), but more formal than the "Puff fold" (see below).

One of the more casual pocket square folds is the so-called "puff" fold. It looks less organized and less rigid. It is the perfect fold for business, and semi-formal attire. For black tie attire it is much less suited. The best pocket squares for this type of fold are made from fine silk. Best looking are fine patterns such as paisleys, polka dots, or fine checks.

Instructions

1. Lay the pocket square on a flat surface, and pinch the center with two fingers


2. Pick it up as shown in the illustration


3. Slide the pocket square through your other hand.


4. Then fold in one of the sides.


5. Stick the pocket square into your breast pocket of you jacket and give it some final adjustment

In the old days pocket squares were made from cotton and linen. Back then they did not only serve a decorative functions but they were also being used as a handkerchief. Thus, a fabric was needed that could be cleaned and washed easily. Today, pocket squares are purely decorative. Therefore, fine delicate fabrics (ones that are difficult to clean without damaging) are used. Today most pocket squares are made from silk, or (cheaper ones) made from synthetic silk imitations such as polyester, rayon, or microfiber.

Certain fabrics are better for certain folds. The elegant "presidential fold" for instance is best with a stiffer fabric pocket such as starched linen, pique cotton, or Thai-silk. Thinner, less stiff fabrics, such as fine satin-silk or microfiber, is best for more casual folds such as the "Puff" fold.

Although the type of fold you choose should, to some degree at least, compliment your outfit, most important is knowing how to combine colors and patterns. Keep in mind that your handkerchief does not have to be in the exact color as your neck or bow tie. If it is, then the tie should be in solid color (unless you choose a white pocket square). In addition, a color matching tie and handkerchief topically has a slightly more formal appearance.

If you are looking for a more casual, yet very trendy, fashionable, and sophisticated look, then combine a handkerchief that is in different color, and has some design pattern, with your necktie. As far as patterns are concerned, choose different sized patterns on different clothing items. For the colors, make sure that the colors harmonize with each other. In addition the colors should fit into the season of the year - meaning darker shades for fall and winter, and brighter/fresher colors for the spring and summer.

Below are some helpful links to other useful sites.
How to Tie a Necktie
Information on all popular ways to tie a necktie. Besides Necktie knots there are illustrations on how to tie a bow tie.
Cheap Neckties
Website with great deals on neckties and bow ties. Cheap Neckties offers ties for as low as $5. Even fine silk ties cost no more than $20.
Mens Fashion Blog
In interactive blog all about mens fashion and style. This blog gets updated regularly and focuses mostly on formal and business fashion for men.
How to Fold a Pocket Square
Here is another website that will teach you ways to fold your pocket square when dressing in suit and tie. This is actually the same site as mentioned earlier. It is a great source for fashion tips as well as one of my favorite online necktie retailers that offers really nice ties from $5-$20.
How to Fold a Pocket Square
Another great site with information on pocket square folds can be found on my online tie retailer Ties-Necktie.com. The illustration are the same but since this page is much newer, I think the instructions are even easier to follow.