Choosing a pocket square

[Jerekson]

Okay, I've figured out how the pocket square works, but I'm still left in the dark about how to pick one out and match it.

I've been all across the internet looking for tips on square coordination, and I've encountered many different opinions on the matter.

Some say that it should match the tie...
Some say that it should match the shirt...
Some say it should be different color than the suit and tie altogether.

So, I figured I'd ask the experts!

Jerekson

 

[Feraud]

Some say that it should match the tie...
Some say that it should match the shirt...
Some say it should be different color than the suit and tie altogether.

I have done all three.

For now start with white.

 

[Feraud]

A few examples to inspire you.

 

[Jerekson]

Thanks, Feraud. I guess it's just all a matter of personal preference.

Right now I'm leaning towards the necktie match...

 

[metropd]

DO NOT MATCH YOUR NECK TIE WITH YOUR POCKET SQUARE UNLESS YOU WANT TOO LOOK LIKE A JOE PESCI STUNT DOUBLE IN CASINO SHOPPING AT AT A STACEY ADAMS ISLE AT THE BOTTOM OF A MENS FASHION DEPOT BASEMENT SALE WITH CEDERIC THE ENTERTAINER AND RUDY RAY MOORE(DOLEMITE)!!!! Really your pocket
square is meant to pick the colors and patterns up from your tie, shirt, and suit and and have a naturual flowing ensemble and equally distributed elegance with nothing overpowering each other unless purposely so. White is always safe but you can always venture out into a more sophisicated presentation not that white isn't sophisticated just very common.

 

[Marty M.]

Men about town.

Great pic's Feraud. Thanks a lot.
Marty Mathis

 

[Jovan]

Starting yourself off with white cotton is a good idea. They're inexpensive, you can practice all the folds on them, and they go with almost anything.

None of the coordination ideas are wrong, but I wouldn't see the problem in wearing a white square with say... a pale pink or yellow shirt.

I would avoid the boxed tie and pocket square sets made from the same bolt of material. It's better to just pick up a colour or two of the tie with the square if you want to coordinate, be it patterned or solid. This has been the best advice I've seen so far. I say that because I personally don't do coloured, patterned, or silk squares, but I'm not against them either.

 

[Jerekson]

Thanks for all the help, guys.

Now the question is...how do I go about getting a square? What's the best place to start? Or should I just make one?

 

[Tomasso]

Now the question is...how do I go about getting a square? What's the best place to start?

Charvet.

 

[Jerekson]

Holy...!

 

[Jovan]

Kent Wang makes pocket squares starting at $20 each, shipping included. (Or free shipping, depending how you look at it.)

 

[AlanC]

*cough* *cough* There seem to be some good quality white linen squares in FL Classifieds...

 

[Jerekson]

I'll take a look

 

[luvthatlulu]

If I may interject...

I can't think of a single good reason why the pocketsquare should ever match the tie. The look is too studied and costumish. As far as I'm concerned, it's either:

1. White (clean and well-pressed before folding or stuffing),

2. A square that picks up or complements one color in the tie, or

3. None at all



P. S. - Forget matching the shirt, too, unless the shirt is white. Same reason as before.

 

[AlanC]

None at all shouldn't be an option. Picking up the shirt color can work, though. Tom Wolfe has said that's what he usually does. I'm no Tom Wolfe, but I do it, too, sometimes. For example, I have a white square with woven pink dots on the border that I will wear with a pink shirt.

I think this is a good overview for the pocket square beginner.

 

[luvthatlulu]

Alan C...

Take a real close look at Tom Wolfe and tell me if costumish doesn't immediately come to mind. When he walks into a room the first thing you see is an outfit wearing a man.

Forgot to say that the square you described sounds OK, though.

 

[AlanC]

Take a real close look at Tom Wolfe and tell me if costumish doesn't immediately come to mind.

Thankfully, one never sees that in these parts.

Forgot to say that the square you described sounds OK, though.

Glad you approve.

 

[Marty M.]

Bravo!

[When he walks into a room the first thing you see is an outfit wearing a man.]

Ok, that is one of the best lines that I've heard. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Marty Mathis

 

[thunderw21]

I got my white cotton pocket squares at Wal-Mart. [huh]

 

[Jerekson]

Seriously? What section?

Were they actual pocket sqaures...or were they just linen rags?