Choosing a pocket square

[AlanC]

Pretty much any white cotton handkerchief will do for a TV fold. Wash it, dry it and iron it as that will tighten it for a better look. For good cheap patterned squares go to TJMaxx/Marshall's, etc., and get one of the patterned three packs in a box of Geoffrey Beene, etc., handkerchiefs (look for the blue patterns as they're more versatile). There ought to be plenty of them, possibly marked down after Father's Day.

 

[Dagwood]

What do you all think about using the pocket square to contrast fabrics? For example, a silk tie should be coordinated with a linen pocket square.

 

[luvthatlulu]

What do you all think about using the pocket square to contrast fabrics? For example, a silk tie should be coordinated with a linen pocket square.

Think more about keeping the fabric of the square and tie in line with the "tone" of the jacket. That is, if the fabric of the suit or jacket is better suited for wearing while conducting business, show it the respect it deserves and wear a dressier tie and square (either silk or linen or a combination of the two). If the fabric is otherwise better suited for casual moments, other less-formal fabrics and patterns can be used in the tie and square.

Remember: It's like routinely wearing Nikes with your suit to work. Designers may tell you you'll get noticed...even called "clever"...and they will be right. You'll also not get promoted. Good judgment always impresses more.

 

[AlanC]

Contrasting fabrics is something to keep in mind, although I don't think a silk tie necessarily excludes a silk pocket square. Contrasting the jacket and the square can be nice, for example silk with tweed.

Will has some good thoughts about it at A Suitable Wardrobe.

 

[luvthatlulu]

Contrasting the jacket and the square can be nice, for example silk with tweed.

He's right...as long as the square is of a less formal weave and complimentary pattern. I wouldn't pair a shiny, silk shantung or Macclesfield with a tweed jacket, for example.

 

[thunderw21]

Seriously? What section?

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

They were in the men's section next to the under roos. There were two kinds: plain white ones (mom calls them "snot rags") and fancy white ones with textures. I got a pack of the plain ones, there are about 10 of them in each pack.

They were in a super-duper Wal-Mart though, don't know if smaller ones would have them or not.
Cheers

 

[Undertow]

I also purchased some cotton handkerchiefs at a Walmart that use as pocket squares. Make sure you get the 100% cotton ones and not the poly/rayon/whatever blend. It's nothing against the fabric, I just find the cotton ones absorb better.

 

[luvthatlulu]

I just find the cotton ones absorb better.

I'm almost afraid to ask, "Absorb............what?" Are we discussing the merits of squares as a dress accessory or...ahem......as "snot lockers"?

:eusa_doh:

Lord, help me. I'm in the company of heathens.
-- Sean Connery as Jimmy Malone in The Untouchables

 

[Tomasso]

It's nothing against the fabric, I just find the cotton ones absorb better.

Actually, linen is much more absorbent than cotton.

 

[maxevans]

I saw some plastic box packed "handkerchief" (as label) in Marks & Spencer and Tie-rack, are those genuine and proper pocket squares or just handkerchiefs?

I am looking for a pack to be folded in Presidental/TV fold style.

 

[luvthatlulu]

I saw some plastic box packed "handkerchief" (as label) in Marks & Spencer and Tie-rack, are those genuine and proper pocket squares or just handkerchiefs?

I am looking for a pack to be folded in Presidental/TV fold style.

That's a judgment call. Hopefully, they are at least cotton and not a cheap polyester or poly-blend. If they are poly/poly-blend...they are "snot lockers", as someone else so indelicately referred to them. However, Lulu has always wondered why anyone would want to save and carry their...ahem...nasal refuse around with them. Try a Kleenex instead.

 

[luvthatlulu]

Also, if I might add...

I can think of only two good reasons for a gentleman to wear or carry a pocket square / handkerchief:

1. To complement and add style to his outfit, or

2. Offer to a woman anytime to dry her eyes (like when he's a cad)...and if she does anything other than that with it, he needs a new woman, too!

Neither of these scenarios should involve anything polyester.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

does anyone know a good website to find out the different folds of a pocket square & how to make them?
thanx!!!
charlie

 

[AlanC]

Try this.

 

[griffer]

FYI- Ben Silver has quite the assortment in their 'Factory Outlet' Clearance on-line.

 

[Edward]

I can't see anything to disagree with with Lulu!

I have always tended to wear white ones, though I am inclined to pick up a few. I have done the coordinating thing before now - pcoket square, tie, waistcoat.... but yes, that was in the context of a Joker costume! I agree there is a danger of it looking like a costume if you buy everything entirely matching - I would be more inclined to head towards buying them in coordinating colours. I would tend to prefer the look of a cotton in a pocket square - though i would never actually use one as a hanky (I agree- kleenex in the trouser pocket all the way!), IMO they look best if they could conceivably be one - it's the shiny satin type for wedding wear (usually matching pre-tied (euw) cravats) that look costumey. Great if you want to be the Joker, not so great if you're trying to approximate a vintage look IMO.

The sole drawback of a pocket square is if one habitually keeps pens or mobile phone in there.... but sometimes practicality must be sacrificed in favour of style!

 

[griffer]

accidental double...

 

[griffer]

The sole drawback of a pocket square is if one habitually keeps pens or mobile phone in there.... but sometimes practicality must be sacrificed in favour of style!

Shudder.

I admit i 'use' that pocket, but not for more than a comb, magnetic ID card.

OCCASIONALLY, my glasses if I am going in and out of the sun frequently.

Anything bulky like pens, circular slide rule or a phone shouldn't be in that pocket.

I love the fact the my squares hide my mag-id and comb so well in my shallower pocketed suits.

And, I have said it before, and I will say it again, the square IS functional. Glasses, damsel in distress, urgent spills....I gladly sacrifice the style for it's function.

 

[Jerekson]

I also found some great pocket sqaures at Burlington Coat factory near the ties section.

 

[Edward]

Shudder.

I admit i 'use' that pocket, but not for more than a comb, magnetic ID card.

OCCASIONALLY, my glasses if I am going in and out of the sun frequently.

Anything bulky like pens, circular slide rule or a phone shouldn't be in that pocket.

I love the fact the my squares hide my mag-id and comb so well in my shallower pocketed suits.

And, I have said it before, and I will say it again, the square IS functional. Glasses, damsel in distress, urgent spills....I gladly sacrifice the style for it's function.

Well, my phone is kinda dinky! The main thing I use it for is a decent fountain pen (that is, if wearing it to work rather than to the theatre, for instance...). Definitely the best spot for a pair of sunglasses - the least likely place for the to get crushed. I guess the other option is a hardcase in the inside breast pocket. I'll have to figure that one out. It's not really an issue for me most of the time as my glasses are photochromatic, but I want to get the eyes lasered sometime, at which point regular sunglasses become more of an issue. A slim case probably is the answer there...