The pocket square is a timeless accessory that can elevate any suit or blazer from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, a business meeting, or simply want to add a dash of flair to your outfit, knowing how to fold a pocket square properly is essential. It’s the little details, like a well-folded pocket square, that demonstrate attention to style and craftsmanship.
Many men shy away from pocket squares because they believe they’re too complicated or hard to style. However, with a bit of practice and understanding, you’ll discover that folding a pocket square is both simple and fun. In this guide, we will explore different folding techniques to help you look sharp and stand out in any situation.
Why Wear a Pocket Square?
Before diving into the folding techniques, let’s consider why you should wear a pocket square in the first place. Pocket squares add personality to an outfit, allowing you to showcase your unique sense of style. They also provide balance to a look, adding a touch of elegance or playfulness depending on the fold and fabric. Best of all, a pocket square is one of the easiest accessories to experiment with because it’s versatile, affordable, and can transform your appearance with minimal effort.
Choosing the Right Pocket Square Fabric
When choosing a pocket square, fabric matters. The type of fabric you select will affect how easy it is to fold and how it looks once it’s in your jacket pocket. The most common pocket square fabrics are:
- Cotton: A crisp and lightweight option, cotton pocket squares are great for beginners because they hold folds well.
- Linen: Slightly stiffer than cotton, linen provides a textured, classic look.
- Silk: Luxurious and elegant, silk pocket squares drape beautifully, though they can be harder to fold due to their slippery texture.
- Wool: Perfect for cooler months, wool pocket squares add warmth and depth to your outfit.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the various folding styles.
The Classic Presidential Fold
The Presidential Fold, also known as the Square Fold, is one of the most formal and traditional pocket square folds. It’s perfect for business settings, weddings, and formal events where a clean, simple look is required. Here’s how to achieve this fold:
Step 1: Lay the Pocket Square Flat
Place your pocket square on a flat surface, ensuring that there are no wrinkles or creases.
Step 2: Fold in Half Horizontally
Fold the pocket square in half so that it forms a rectangle.
Step 3: Fold in Half Again
Next, fold it in half vertically, creating a smaller rectangle.
Step 4: Adjust for Your Pocket Size
Finally, fold the square once more, either horizontally or vertically, depending on the size of your pocket. You should now have a neat, rectangular shape that you can tuck into your breast pocket, with a thin line of fabric visible above the pocket.
The Presidential Fold is ideal for solid-colour pocket squares or those with subtle patterns, as it provides a clean and understated look.
The One-Point Fold
If you want to add a bit more flair but still keep things classy, the One-Point Fold is an excellent choice. This fold is slightly more decorative than the Presidential Fold and works well with both formal and smart-casual outfits.
Step 1: Lay the Pocket Square Flat
Start by laying your pocket square flat on a surface.
Step 2: Fold Diagonally
Fold the square in half diagonally, so you end up with a triangle.
Step 3: Fold the Corners In
Next, fold the two bottom corners of the triangle toward the center, overlapping them slightly. The result should be a smaller triangle with a pointed top.
Step 4: Tuck into Your Pocket
Tuck the folded pocket square into your pocket, leaving just the top point exposed. Adjust as needed to make sure the point is centered and sits neatly above the pocket.
This fold works particularly well with patterned or colorful pocket squares, as it draws attention to the tip without being overly bold.
The Two-Point Fold
For those looking to add a bit more visual interest, the Two-Point Fold offers a stylish and balanced option. This fold features two peaks that sit neatly above the pocket, making it ideal for occasions where you want to stand out just a bit more.
Step 1: Lay the Pocket Square Flat
Place the pocket square flat on a clean surface.
Step 2: Fold Diagonally, Off-Center
Fold the square diagonally, but instead of aligning the corners perfectly, shift the fold slightly so one point sticks out farther than the other. This creates two peaks instead of one.
Step 3: Fold the Sides In
Fold the sides of the pocket square inward so that you have a rectangular shape with two points on top.
Step 4: Adjust and Tuck
Tuck the folded pocket square into your jacket pocket, allowing the two peaks to remain visible. Adjust the points to sit evenly above the pocket.
This fold is best suited for events like cocktail parties or dates, where a slightly more playful, but still polished, look is appropriate.
The Three-Point Fold
The Three-Point Fold is perfect for making a statement. It’s sophisticated yet bold, ideal for formal events like galas, weddings, or upscale dinners. This fold works particularly well with solid-colored pocket squares or those with intricate patterns.
Step 1: Lay the Pocket Square Flat
Begin by placing the pocket square flat on a surface.
Step 2: Fold Diagonally into a Triangle
Fold the square in half diagonally to form a large triangle.
Step 3: Bring the Corners In
Take the left corner of the triangle and fold it towards the right, allowing the point to sit to the left of the top peak. Then, fold the right corner to the left, creating a third peak.
Step 4: Tuck and Adjust
Tuck the folded pocket square into your jacket pocket, arranging the three peaks to sit evenly above the pocket. Adjust the points to ensure they’re all visible and evenly spaced.
The Three-Point Fold is striking without being over the top and works well for high-stakes events where you want to make a strong impression.
The Puff Fold
The Puff Fold is casual, elegant, and perfect for adding a bit of personality to your look without appearing overly formal. This fold works best with soft, flowing fabrics like silk and adds a relaxed, yet stylish, touch to your ensemble.
Step 1: Lay the Pocket Square Flat
Place your pocket square flat on a table.
Step 2: Pinch the Center
Pick up the pocket square by pinching the center of the fabric and letting the edges fall naturally.
Step 3: Gather and Fold
Gather the fabric together loosely and fold the bottom of the square upward.
Step 4: Tuck into Your Pocket
Tuck the gathered fabric into your jacket pocket with the soft, rounded part (the “puff”) visible above the pocket. Adjust the puff to create a fuller or more relaxed look, depending on your style.
The Puff Fold is a fantastic option for casual and smart-casual occasions and pairs well with more creative or patterned pocket squares.
The Winged-Puff Fold
Combining the formality of a structured fold with the casualness of the Puff Fold, the Winged-Puff Fold adds dimension and texture to your outfit. It’s great for semi-formal events or when you want to showcase a bit of creativity without being too flashy.
Step 1: Lay the Pocket Square Flat
Start with the pocket square flat.
Step 2: Fold Diagonally into a Triangle
Fold the square in half to form a triangle.
Step 3: Pinch the Center and Gather
Pinch the center of the triangle and let the points hang down. Gather the fabric together like you would for a Puff Fold.
Step 4: Fold the Bottom Corners Up
Now, fold the bottom corners of the gathered fabric upward to form a neat base.
Step 5: Tuck and Adjust
Tuck the folded pocket square into your jacket pocket, leaving the gathered puff visible along with the two wing-like corners for added flair. Adjust the shape for balance.
Pocket Square Etiquette: When and How to Wear One
Wearing a pocket square is about personal expression, but there are a few guidelines you might want to follow to ensure you pull off the look effectively:
- Match your occasion: More formal events call for simpler, crisper folds, like the Presidential Fold, while casual settings allow for more creative styles like the Puff Fold.
- Coordinate, don’t match: Your pocket square should complement your tie, shirt, or suit but should never match them exactly. Aim for harmony in colour and pattern rather than perfect uniformity.
- Keep it appropriate: While bold patterns and bright colours can be fun, they’re best suited for social events or casual settings. Stick to more subdued tones for formal business meetings.
