A pocket square has existed since before Don Draper, but not many people know. Quite a while before. People have worn handkerchiefs since the 1400s, when the top classes were the first to do so. They were made of silk and were decorated to show wealth and rank. French nobles even put scents on them to make up for the fact that they didn’t have many cleaning facilities.
In the 1800s, when the two-piece suit became an essential piece of clothing for men, gentlemen didn’t want their handkerchiefs to get mixed up with the coins and other junk in their pant pockets. This is how the pocket square we know today came to be. Since then, it has been a classic piece that helps tie an outfit together.
A pocket square has existed long before Don Draper, but not many people know that. A long time ago. People have worn handkerchiefs since the 1400s, when the wealthy were the first to do so. They were made of silk and had designs to show the person’s wealth and influence. The French nobility even put smells on them to make up for the fact that they didn’t have many ways to clean.
Men wore two-piece suits all the time in the 1800s. When they did, they didn’t want their handkerchiefs mixed with the coins and other junk in their leg pockets. This is how the pocket square we know today got its start. It has been a standard piece that helps tie an outfit together ever since.
HOW THE SQUARE FOLD
This is the easiest to do. It’s also called the “presidential fold.” To get the squared-off look, just fold your pocket square in half, then back on itself, then in half again, and then in half again vertically. This will give you a small square to put in your pocket.
Place the clean edge next to the top of your pocket and line it up straight. It shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds.
How to Wear It: “presidential fold” doesn’t come from nothing. When you use a white cloth, the sharp edge goes well with a buttoned-up, business-like look. You get extra points if you iron the fold to stay in place.
THE FOLD AT ONE POINT
Fold the cloth in half and then in half again to make a small square. This is the most basic way to wear a pointed pocket square. Lay the square out in front of you like a diamond. Then, fold the two corners on the outside over the middle to make a cone shape.
Finally, fold the cone’s bottom over on itself and put it in your pocket so that the point is pointing up.
How to Wear It: This one-point fold is flexible and can be used for business and relaxed events. Don’t overthink about it; just choose cotton or linen. It’s not dull; it’s great.
WHAT THE TWO-POINT FOLD IS
Two places on your pocket square are slightly off-center and next to each other. Fold the square in half from corner to corner. This will give you extra style points. Fold one side in half along two-thirds of the length. Do the same thing on the other side. Some of the cloth on this fold will stick out behind, and then fold the bottom in half to make the height you need.
To keep your pocket from bulging, ensure the fabric inside is as flat as possible.
How to Wear It: This fold can be worn with printed and plain fabrics. It adds a unique touch without going over the top—a nice way to stand out in a more advanced office.
WHAT THE THREE-POINT FOLD IS
To do this three-peak task, fold the pocket square in half along the edges to make a triangle. Now, fold the bottom left corner diagonally, making a second point in the upper right corner. Repeat on the other side, then fold the edges to make it smaller to fit in your pocket.
Don’t worry about being symmetrical unless you either have a lot of free time or want to look like a psychopath.
How to Wear It: This is one of the dressier pocket square types, so save it for weddings.
WHAT THE FOUR-POINT FOLD IS
You must know how to fold paper to be good at pointy folds. Fold the cloth in half first, but make the two points a little off. Now, fold the bottom corners diagonally and add a third and fourth point, just like you did with the three-point.
Finally, fold the bottom corners to make a neat end that fits in your pocket.
How to wear it: Wear this with a thin fabric like linen for the best look. The fold is pretty big, so you don’t want a bump. Also, it’s a pretty dapper look, so save it for Fashion Week or other times when you want to show off.
THE PUFF FOLD WITH WINGS
This triangle is folded very carefully and has a split down the middle that makes it stand out. First, fold the fabric in half along the sides to make a triangle. Fold the two more prominent corners toward the point, making a diamond shape.
Now fold the bottom up and the sides behind you. This will make a small square with a point at the top. Put the part that is puffed on top of your pocket.
How to wear it: When you wear it, people will notice how hard you worked on it because it’s not a showy fold. So, it’s a sneaky way to gain power at work.
HOW THE SCALLOP FOLD
You can style this fold-up or down, depending on how cool you want to look. Fold your paper diagonally by the sides, and then do it again. Hold the smaller triangle so its two most significant points are at the top.
Take one corner and wrap it around and down. Do the same thing on the other side, putting the second corner on top of the first one. The fold you’re left with should be stacked and round. Place the point at the bottom of your pocket so the top fold is round.
How to Wear It: you can keep this fold neat for a casual office look or slightly separate the layers for a more complicated look for a wedding. But watch out—if it looks like the napkin folded before you, you’ve gone too far…
THE FOLD IN DUNAWAY
Now we’re in Pitti peacock country, so pay attention. Hold the fabric in the middle of the square with one finger and carefully lift it. Make a ring with your thumb and fingers to hold it together.
Now, all you have to do is put this in your pocket and spend as many hours making the corners look as fancy as you want.
How To Wear It: this fold in a flowery or arty way because of the layers. It looks better for a night at the theater than work during the day.
