Folding a pocket square is a timeless art that can instantly elevate your look. Whether you’re attending a formal event or looking to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday outfit, knowing how to fold a pocket square is an essential skill. In this guide, we will explore various pocket square folding techniques and styles to ensure you’re always looking sharp. From simple folds to more advanced techniques, there’s a perfect pocket square fold for every occasion.
Mastering the Pocket Square Fold
A pocket square may seem like a small accessory, but it has a big impact on your overall appearance. Learning how to fold a pocket square correctly can add elegance to your suit or blazer. Whether it’s a formal wedding, a business meeting, or a casual outing, the right fold can make all the difference.
Why You Should Learn How to Fold a Pocket Square
Knowing how to fold a pocket square is not just about fashion, it’s about attention to detail. It’s an easy way to personalize your look without going overboard. Plus, learning different pocket square folding techniques, like the classic Presidential fold or the more casual puff fold, can give you the versatility to match your attire to any occasion.
The Importance of Pocket Handkerchief Folding
Folding a pocket handkerchief properly ensures it stays in place throughout the day. A sloppy fold can detract from your otherwise sharp appearance. That’s why knowing how to fold a pocket square for a suit, tuxedo, or even a casual blazer is key to maintaining a polished look.
Different Pocket Square Folds for Every Occasion
There are numerous ways to fold a pocket square, depending on the formality of the event and the style you’re aiming for. Some pocket square folds are more casual, while others are strictly formal.
Best Pocket Square Folds for Formal Events
For formal events such as weddings or black-tie dinners, classic folds like the Presidential Fold or the Four-Point Fold are ideal. These folds create a crisp, structured look that complements a well-tailored suit or tuxedo.
Simple Pocket Square Fold for Everyday Style
For more casual or business settings, the Puff Fold or the One-Point Fold are great options. These folds are less structured but still add a stylish touch to your outfit. They are easy to achieve and give your look a relaxed yet elegant vibe.
How to Fold a Pocket Square for a Suit
If you’re wearing a suit, a simple yet refined fold such as the Square Fold (also known as the Presidential Fold) works best. This fold tucks neatly into your suit pocket, showing just a thin, straight edge of the pocket square, perfect for business meetings or formal gatherings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pocket Square Folding
Let’s explore some easy-to-follow pocket square folding techniques that can work for various events.
How to Fold a Pocket Square for a Wedding
For a wedding, the Four-Point Fold adds a touch of sophistication. This fold creates a visually appealing design, with four peaks showing out of your pocket, making it perfect for special occasions.
Steps:
- Lay the pocket square flat, in a diamond shape.
- Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner, but slightly off-center so two points form at the top.
- Fold the left corner over toward the right, making a third point.
- Fold the right corner over to the left, creating the fourth point.
- Place it in your pocket with the four points showing.
Easy Pocket Square Fold for Tuxedos
When it comes to wearing a tuxedo, the Presidential Fold is the best choice. This classic fold adds a clean, polished look and pairs perfectly with the formal nature of a tuxedo.
How to Fold a Handkerchief for a Pocket
The Puff Fold is one of the easiest and most popular ways to fold a pocket handkerchief. Simply pinch the center of the square and let the fabric naturally fall, then tuck the bottom part into your pocket, leaving the top puff visible.
Steps:
- Lay the pocket square flat.
- Fold it in half vertically, so it forms a rectangle.
- Fold the rectangle in half horizontally, so it forms a smaller square.
- Fold the square in half once more horizontally, but only enough so the top edge sticks out above the pocket.
- Place it in your pocket with just the top visible.
Popular Pocket Square Styles
Pocket square folding styles can vary from traditional to modern, depending on your personal style.
Classic Pocket Square Folding Styles
Some of the most popular classic folds include the Square Fold, the Two-Point Fold, and the Four-Point Fold. These styles have stood the test of time and remain a go-to for formal events.
Steps for Two-Point Fold::
- Lay the pocket square flat.
- Fold the square diagonally, forming a triangle.
- Instead of matching the points perfectly, fold the bottom up to create two points at the top.
- Fold the left side inward toward the center.
- Fold the right side inward toward the center.
- Place it in your pocket with both points visible.
Cool Pocket Square Folds for Modern Men
For men looking to add a modern twist to their suit, the Crown Fold or the Rose Fold can be great options. These folds create unique shapes and add a touch of personality to your look.
Steps for Crown Fold:
- Lay the pocket square flat in a diamond shape.
- Fold the bottom corner to the top, creating a triangle.
- Fold the bottom left corner diagonally up to the top right, leaving a point on the left.
- Fold the bottom right corner up to the top left, leaving a point on the right.
- Tuck the folded edges into your pocket, allowing the points to create a crown-like appearance.
Steps for Rose Fold:
- Start with a flat, smooth surface.
- Grab the middle of the pocket square and lift it up by pinching the center, allowing the rest of the fabric to drape down.
- While holding the center, gently twist the hanging fabric to form the “stem” of the rose. The more you twist, the tighter the rose shape will appear.
- Use your other hand to gently fluff and shape the top into a rose-like form by adjusting the edges to create soft, petal-like folds.
- Insert the twisted part into your pocket, leaving the rose-shaped portion sticking out.
- After placing it in your pocket, ensure the rose is centered and has a balanced, natural look.
Best Way to Fold a Pocket Square for a Suit Pocket
For everyday wear, the One-Point Fold is a great option. It’s stylish without being too flashy, making it perfect for business attire or a casual blazer.
Steps:
- Lay the pocket square flat in a diamond shape.
- Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, creating a triangle.
- Fold the left corner of the triangle in toward the center.
- Fold the right corner in toward the center.
- Place it in your pocket with the pointed top facing upward.
Pocket Square Materials and Their Impact on Folding
The material of your pocket square affects how easy it is to fold and how it will look once tucked into your pocket.
Silk vs. Cotton: How to Fold Different Pocket Squares
Silk pocket squares are more delicate and can slip out of place if not folded properly. The Puff Fold works well with silk, as it takes advantage of the fabric’s fluidity. Cotton and linen pocket squares, on the other hand, hold folds better and are perfect for more structured styles like the Presidential Fold or the Four-Point Fold.
How to Fold a Silk Pocket Square
For silk pocket squares, consider using the Puff Fold or the Scallop Fold. These folds take advantage of the soft, flowing nature of silk and create a stylish, elegant look.
Folding Pocket Squares Made from Linen
Linen pocket squares are ideal for more structured folds like the Square Fold. They hold their shape better than silk and add a crisp, clean finish to any formal look.
Advanced Pocket Square Folding Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can try your hand at more advanced pocket square folding styles.
The Presidential Fold: How to Master It
The Presidential Fold is one of the simplest and most elegant pocket square folds. Simply fold the square in half, then in half again, and tuck it into your pocket with a small strip showing.
Steps:
- Lay the pocket square flat.
- Fold it in half vertically, so it forms a rectangle.
- Fold the rectangle in half horizontally, so it forms a smaller square.
- Fold the square in half once more horizontally, but only enough so the top edge sticks out above the pocket.
- Place it in your pocket with just the top visible.
How to Fold a Pocket Square for a Tuxedo
For a tuxedo, the Presidential Fold or the Four-Point Fold adds the perfect touch of elegance.
The Flower Fold: Adding Flair to Your Pocket
The Flower Fold is ideal for adding a bit of personality to your look. This fold gives the appearance of a blooming flower and works well for more casual events or when you’re looking to stand out.
Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Pocket Square in Place
Pocket squares can sometimes slip out of place. To prevent this, use a pocket square holder or a small safety pin to secure it inside your pocket without damaging the fabric.
How to Fix a Pocket Square to Stay Perfectly Folded
If you’re using silk or another slippery fabric, try folding your pocket square tightly and placing a piece of tissue paper inside the pocket to keep it from moving around.
Ensuring Your Pocket Square Looks Sharp All Day
To ensure your pocket square stays sharp, choose a fold that matches the material. For structured materials like cotton or linen, more angular folds will stay intact throughout the day.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pocket square fold depends on the event and your personal style. Whether you’re looking for a formal, structured fold or a more casual, fun style, there’s a fold for every occasion. Experiment with different techniques and materials to find the one that suits your look best. Remember, the right fold can elevate your outfit and give you a polished, sophisticated appearance.
