Adding a pocket square or handkerchief to the breast pocket of your jacket will up your style game.Whether you're dressing up for a more formal event like a wedding, or just want to add some personality to your attire, you can fold a pocket square in any number of ways.Common folds are perfect for any occasion and here are a few ways to do them.
Step 1: You can choose a pocket square or handkerchief.
Depending on the look you are going for, your pocket square or handkerchief doesn't have to be the same pattern as your tie.A great complement to your outfit should be a color or pattern.You can wear a pocket square with a tie, or you can mix it up.A handkerchief or bandana can be used if you don't have a pocket square.
Step 2: Know what you're wearing.
Not every occasion requires a pocket square, so the material pattern should complement your outfit, tying it together.For formal events, you may want to opt for a white pocket square that's crisp and neat.The fold you use should complement your outfit.Feel free to be more ambitious.Go for louder patterns and brighter colors.
Step 3: You should iron your pocket square.
It's a good idea to start with a clean pocket square or handkerchief.folding will be much easier if you iron your pocket square before folding.
Step 4: Place your pocket square or handkerchief on the solid surface.
The orientation doesn't matter because most pocket squares are a true square.If you are using a piece of cloth that is rectangular, lay it flat vertically with the shorter sides on the top and bottom.
Step 5: The pocket square or handkerchief should be folded in half.
Place the tips of the left side of your pocket square over the right side.
Step 6: The bottom part should be folded up.
When you fold your pocket square in half vertically, you want to fold the bottom part about 23 the way up.About 13 is left at the top that isn't folded.
Step 7: You can put the folded pocket square into your breast pocket.
Above your breast pocket, you want about 14 of an inch to be visible.Depending on how deep your breast pocket is, you may have to fold the bottom part of the pocket over again.If your pocket square is too wide for your breast pocket, you may have to fold it into thirds.This fold is great for a clean modern look.It's perfect for adding a little pop to your look.It's great for a workday look.
Step 8: Place your pocket square or handkerchief flat.
It should be positioned so that it looks like a diamond.
Step 9: The pocket square should be folded in half.
The diamond should be folded up to meet the top corner.You should have a triangle.
Step 10: The left corner needs to be folded over to the right.
The corner should be folded about 23 of the way.The folded over section should form an equilateral triangle.
Step 11: To the left, fold the right corner over.
You should fold the corner about 23 of the way and lay it over your previous fold.The pocket square should now look like an envelope.
Step 12: The handkerchief needs to be flipped over.
When you put your pocket square into your breast pocket, you want it to be facing out.It should be inserted into the jacket pocket.If your square is too wide, you will need to fold it again and make tucks to fit in the pocket.It's a great way to add a bit of class to your look.You can wear it to work or a party.
Step 13: Place your pocket square flat.
You can position the square like a diamond on the staircase.
Step 14: The bottom point should be folded up.
The bottom point needs to be met by the top point.You will have a triangle.
Step 15: The top layer should be folded down.
You want to leave about an inch at the bottom of the fold.Your tip should go past the bottom of the pocket square.
Step 16: The lower point needs to be folded up again.
The fold was made at half the thickness of the strip below it.You should have a triangle with a smaller one on top.
Step 17: The point should be folded down a second time.
You might have to keep the folds in place with one hand and fold the tip down with the other.The strip should be left about an inch.It can be difficult to keep all of your folded sections in place.To keep the folds in place, make a good crease each time you fold.You can lightly iron the folds if you are having a hard time keeping them intact.If you are using silk, be careful not to burn it.
Step 18: The lower point should be folded up again.
The base of a small triangle should be seen when you are done folding.To flatten and hold the folds, you may want to lightly iron your fabric here.
Step 19: The right half of your pocket square should be folded behind the left side.
This fold has to go behind so that you can still see the steps in your pocket square.Lift up the bottom of your pocket square at the center and pinch with your thumb and forefinger to keep the folds intact.
Step 20: Lift the pocket square.
You can fold the entire square in half by pinching the pocket square between your fingers.Make adjustments with your free hand until the right side is folded behind the left.
Step 21: Your pocket square should be 90 degrees counterclockwise.
The folds should be at the top of the triangle.
Step 22: The left point needs to be folded over to the right.
Take the left point and fold 13 of the way until the edge lines up nicely with the folds.
Step 23: The right point should be folded over to the left.
You can adjust the width of the final form by folding it in half.If you do it correctly, you should have an open envelope with a one point fold.
Step 24: Place the pocket square in your pocket.
To fit your breast pocket, you may need to adjust the height by folding up the bottom.If you put your pocket square into your breast pocket, all of the folds will be facing out.This folds nicely in your tuxedo jacket or casual suit.For a more formal event like a wedding, wear it.
Step 25: Place your pocket square flat.
To make it look like a diamond, position it on a flat surface.
Step 26: Pinch the center of the pocket square or handkerchief with your thumb and forefinger.
Your other hand will be used to hold the shape of the puff, so use whichever hand you feel comfortable with.
Step 27: The pocket square needs to be lifted off of the surface.
The square will drape from where you are grasping if you lift the fabric with a bit of force.The corners of your pocket square will naturally fold over each other, so don't be too concerned if they look a little odd, that's the point of this look.
Step 28: Wrap your other hand around it.
The top of the square should be pinched between the thumb and forefinger of your hand.You don't want to hold onto the fabric too tightly.The fabric can hold the shape you've created.
Step 29: You can gently squeeze the material until you reach the bottom of the handkerchief by moving your left hand down.
This is referred to as 'fluting'.The corners at the bottom of your pocket square should make it look like a rocket ship.
Step 30: Take the handkerchief out of your hand.
The pocket square should be over the thumb that is holding it together.While holding the pocket square's tip, you may want to adjust your other hand so that the folded portion is longer than the tips.
Step 31: The pocket square is folded.
Pinch the whole pocket square just below your other thumb using the thumb and forefinger of your hand.Since this fold is meant to look a little messy, it's ok if you have to wiggle your thumb and make a few adjustments.
Step 32: Put the handkerchief in a circle.
If you want the fold to be at the bottom with the tip of the handkerchief, you need to move it.
Step 33: Put the fold in your breast pocket.
Pull at the tip of the pocket square to make sure it fills out your breast pocket.You don't want to mess up your fold if you put your pocket nicely into it, so feel free to stuff it in.Making your fold look effortless is what this look is all about.The part of your pocket square that is puffy should be facing out.If you tuck the corners of your pocket down, you can leave the tips as a personal touch.The puff fold can be used for a more relaxed event.To a classic look, it adds a bit of your personal style.