A pocket square is the easiest way to dress up a suit, blazer or tuxedo. A simple fold can bring a touch of refinement, style and confidence to your look. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to learn how to fold a pocket square.
The perfect pocket square fold can change your appearance radically whether you're dressing for a wedding, business function, formal dinner or casual party.
In this article, you'll learn how to fold a pocket square, step-by-step, the most popular folding types, when to wear them, and tips to make your outfit look sharp every time.
A pocket square is a small piece of fabric that lives in the breast pocket of a blazer or suit jacket. It is mostly used as a fashion item to add a sense of personality and beauty to the outfit.
The typical fabrics used to make pocket squares are:
Cotton Linen Silk Wool
They come in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures so you can co-ordinate or contrast them to your clothing.
These are some of the reasons pocket squares continue to be an important fixture in men’s fashion:
Lends a refined touch to any suit
Pops got dressed up
Demonstrates attention to detail
Adds colour and texture
Great for dressy and informal styles
A good folded pocket square can improve the look of a cheap suit instantly.
There are a million different ways to fold a pocket square, but some are easier and more useful than others.
The best pocket square folds all beginners should learn.
The Presidential Fold (or Square Fold) is the most formal and crisp way to fold a pocket square.
Best for:
Meetings of businessmen
Job interviews.
Formal functions.
Weddings
How To Fold A Presidential Fold Pocket Square
Place the pocket square on the table, smoothed out.
Fold it in half lengthwise.
Fold up the bottom to fit your pocket depth.
If necessary, fold sides in.
Put it in your coat pocket with the square edge horizontal.
The finished product should look clean and simple.
The One-Point Fold The One-Point Fold is one of the most classic pocket square folds. It has one peak.
Good for:
WEDDING INSPIRATION
Semi-formal wear - Nights Out
How to Fold a One Point Pocket Square
Fold the pocket square in half to create a diamond shape.
Bring the bottom corner to the top corner.
Slightly round the corners so that 1 point shows.
Fold in the sides (left and right).
Put your pocket on the bottom.
This fold is elegant but not too formal.
The Two-Point Fold has two large peaks and offers a sleek, modern look.
Best suited for:
The Parties (Parties)
Fashionable office wear
Smart casual looks .
The Double Fold
Fold your pocket square into a diamond.
Fold the bottom corner up a little bit to the top corner.
You should now see two peaks.
Now tuck in both sides.
Fold the bottom up and put it in your pocket.
This fold works well with patterned fabric.
The Puff Fold is casual, soft and on-trend. Perfect for silk pocket squares
Best Time:
Sport jackets
Cocktail Party’s
Summer wedding
How to Puff Fold:
Lay the pocket square out flat.
With your fingertips pinch the centre.
Allow the fabric to drape naturally.
Pull the hanging fabric with your other hand.
Fold bottom up.
Put it in your pocket, showing the puff.
The Puff Fold should not be like precise symmetry, but natural.
The Three-Point Fold is a more attractive, neater style.
Best for:
Official delegations
Fashionable garments
Special events, HOW TO FOLD THREE-POINT POCKET SQUARES
Start with your pocket square folded in a diamond shape.
Gently fold one side over the bottom corner.
Fold the other corner up to make 3 peaks.
Fold the sides in neatly.
Make it small enough to fit in your pocket.
This fold needs more experience but looks good .
Pocket Squares Materials
The look and drape will be decided by the fabric.
Linen Pocket Squares
Best for:
Sharp lines Smart clothes Summer suits
Linen has a very fine edge.
Pocket Squares in Silk
Best for:
Pastry, puff
Luxury appears
Stylish events
Silk is softer, more casual looking.
Cotton Pocket Square
Best For:
Daily usage New users
Low maintenance
Cotton is easy to fold and very versatile.
Wool Pocket Squares
Most suitable for:
Winter wear Textured jackets A dash of casual elegance
Wool gives richness and warmth to clothing.
How to Match a Pocket Square
A pocket square is meant to compliment your outfit, not match everything to a T.
Rules for Correct Matching
Don’t exactly match the pocket square to the tie
Use contrasting colours
Match a colour from your shirt or tie
Balance patterns carefully
Choose textiles suitable for the season
Navy suit and white linen pocket square = classic look
Grey blazer + burgundy silk pocket square = great contrast
Common Pocket Square Blunders
Avoid these mistakes if you want to look polished.
Fabric overfilled
A big pocket square can make your jacket pocket look messy and empty.
Perfect Match the Tie
Perfectly coordinated sets can appear dated.
Using Wrinkled Cloth
Always iron linen and cotton pocket squares before folding
Incorrect fold selection
At formal gatherings, neater folds are generally expected, but for informal affairs, more relaxed folds are acceptable.
Here are some simple tips on how to be polite:
White pocket squares are your safest choice.
Silk is a better choice for evening events
Linen is ideal for formal daytime wear
Fold it to the size of your pocket.
Simplicity looks more elegant
How To Keep Your Pocket Square Standing Up
Pocket squares sometimes fall into the pocket during the day.
In response to this:
Fold the thicker bottom in
Try a pocket square holder.
use stiffer materials like linen
Make sure it fits well before you go
Most frequently asked questions
The Presidential Fold is the easiest and most forgiving style for beginners.
Yes, you can wear a pocket square without a tie.
Yes A pocket square with an open collar shirt and jacket looks good.
No. The pocket square must go with the entire get up and not just the shoes.
Pocket squares are still very much in fashion.
Yeah. A pocket square is a classic men's accessory, and it's still in style today.
The flat fold is the most formal pocket square fold.
The most formal style is the Presidential Fold.
It’s a simple skill to learn that instantly raises your look. How to fold a pocket square A pocket square in the right hand pocket lends a touch of flair and sophistication to any look, whether you prefer a crisp Presidential Fold or a relaxed Puff Fold.
Try simple folds and different fabrics and colours that go with what you're wearing. With a few practice runs, folding a pocket square is a quick, easy and attractive option for any occasion.
The perfect pocket square fold can change your appearance radically whether you're dressing for a wedding, business function, formal dinner or casual party.
In this article, you'll learn how to fold a pocket square, step-by-step, the most popular folding types, when to wear them, and tips to make your outfit look sharp every time.
What is a hanky?
A pocket square is a small piece of fabric that lives in the breast pocket of a blazer or suit jacket. It is mostly used as a fashion item to add a sense of personality and beauty to the outfit.
The typical fabrics used to make pocket squares are:
Cotton Linen Silk Wool
They come in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures so you can co-ordinate or contrast them to your clothing.
Why do you need a pocket square?
These are some of the reasons pocket squares continue to be an important fixture in men’s fashion:
Lends a refined touch to any suit
Pops got dressed up
Demonstrates attention to detail
Adds colour and texture
Great for dressy and informal styles
A good folded pocket square can improve the look of a cheap suit instantly.
How to fold a pocket hanky
There are a million different ways to fold a pocket square, but some are easier and more useful than others.
The best pocket square folds all beginners should learn.
1. The Presidential Fold
The Presidential Fold (or Square Fold) is the most formal and crisp way to fold a pocket square.
Best for:
Meetings of businessmen
Job interviews.
Formal functions.
Weddings
How To Fold A Presidential Fold Pocket Square
Place the pocket square on the table, smoothed out.
Fold it in half lengthwise.
Fold up the bottom to fit your pocket depth.
If necessary, fold sides in.
Put it in your coat pocket with the square edge horizontal.
The finished product should look clean and simple.
2. One-Point Fold
The One-Point Fold The One-Point Fold is one of the most classic pocket square folds. It has one peak.
Good for:
WEDDING INSPIRATION
Semi-formal wear - Nights Out
How to Fold a One Point Pocket Square
Fold the pocket square in half to create a diamond shape.
Bring the bottom corner to the top corner.
Slightly round the corners so that 1 point shows.
Fold in the sides (left and right).
Put your pocket on the bottom.
This fold is elegant but not too formal.
3. The Two Point Turn
The Two-Point Fold has two large peaks and offers a sleek, modern look.
Best suited for:
The Parties (Parties)
Fashionable office wear
Smart casual looks .
The Double Fold
Fold your pocket square into a diamond.
Fold the bottom corner up a little bit to the top corner.
You should now see two peaks.
Now tuck in both sides.
Fold the bottom up and put it in your pocket.
This fold works well with patterned fabric.
4. Fold Puff
The Puff Fold is casual, soft and on-trend. Perfect for silk pocket squares
Best Time:
Sport jackets
Cocktail Party’s
Summer wedding
How to Puff Fold:
Lay the pocket square out flat.
With your fingertips pinch the centre.
Allow the fabric to drape naturally.
Pull the hanging fabric with your other hand.
Fold bottom up.
Put it in your pocket, showing the puff.
The Puff Fold should not be like precise symmetry, but natural.
5. The Threepoint Fold-up
The Three-Point Fold is a more attractive, neater style.
Best for:
Official delegations
Fashionable garments
Special events, HOW TO FOLD THREE-POINT POCKET SQUARES
Start with your pocket square folded in a diamond shape.
Gently fold one side over the bottom corner.
Fold the other corner up to make 3 peaks.
Fold the sides in neatly.
Make it small enough to fit in your pocket.
This fold needs more experience but looks good .
Pocket Squares Materials
The look and drape will be decided by the fabric.
Linen Pocket Squares
Best for:
Sharp lines Smart clothes Summer suits
Linen has a very fine edge.
Pocket Squares in Silk
Best for:
Pastry, puff
Luxury appears
Stylish events
Silk is softer, more casual looking.
Cotton Pocket Square
Best For:
Daily usage New users
Low maintenance
Cotton is easy to fold and very versatile.
Wool Pocket Squares
Most suitable for:
Winter wear Textured jackets A dash of casual elegance
Wool gives richness and warmth to clothing.
How to Match a Pocket Square
A pocket square is meant to compliment your outfit, not match everything to a T.
Rules for Correct Matching
Don’t exactly match the pocket square to the tie
Use contrasting colours
Match a colour from your shirt or tie
Balance patterns carefully
Choose textiles suitable for the season
For example:
Navy suit and white linen pocket square = classic look
Grey blazer + burgundy silk pocket square = great contrast
Common Pocket Square Blunders
Avoid these mistakes if you want to look polished.
Fabric overfilled
A big pocket square can make your jacket pocket look messy and empty.
Perfect Match the Tie
Perfectly coordinated sets can appear dated.
Using Wrinkled Cloth
Always iron linen and cotton pocket squares before folding
Incorrect fold selection
At formal gatherings, neater folds are generally expected, but for informal affairs, more relaxed folds are acceptable.
How to wear a pocket square
Here are some simple tips on how to be polite:
White pocket squares are your safest choice.
Silk is a better choice for evening events
Linen is ideal for formal daytime wear
Fold it to the size of your pocket.
Simplicity looks more elegant
How To Keep Your Pocket Square Standing Up
Pocket squares sometimes fall into the pocket during the day.
In response to this:
Fold the thicker bottom in
Try a pocket square holder.
use stiffer materials like linen
Make sure it fits well before you go
Most frequently asked questions
What is the most stylish pocket square fold?
The Presidential Fold is the easiest and most forgiving style for beginners.
Yes, you can wear a pocket square without a tie.
Yes A pocket square with an open collar shirt and jacket looks good.
Is your pocket square matching the colour of your shoes?
No. The pocket square must go with the entire get up and not just the shoes.
Pocket squares are still very much in fashion.
Yeah. A pocket square is a classic men's accessory, and it's still in style today.
The flat fold is the most formal pocket square fold.
The most formal style is the Presidential Fold.
Final Words
It’s a simple skill to learn that instantly raises your look. How to fold a pocket square A pocket square in the right hand pocket lends a touch of flair and sophistication to any look, whether you prefer a crisp Presidential Fold or a relaxed Puff Fold.
Try simple folds and different fabrics and colours that go with what you're wearing. With a few practice runs, folding a pocket square is a quick, easy and attractive option for any occasion.
