Ever feel like your suit is missing that certain *something*? It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact. The pocket square, a seemingly simple accessory, is a powerful tool to elevate your entire look. More than just a piece of fabric, a thoughtfully chosen and folded pocket square speaks volumes about your personal style.
The Art of the Pocket Square
The pocket square is a timeless accessory, adding a touch of elegance and personality to any tailored ensemble. It’s a small piece of fabric with the power to transform a suit from standard to stand-out. But with so many fabrics, folds, and colors to choose from, how do you master the art of the pocket square?
A Brief History
The roots of the pocket square can be traced back to ancient Greece, where wealthy individuals used perfumed cloths to ward off unpleasant odors. Over time, these cloths evolved into decorative handkerchiefs worn in the breast pockets of jackets. By the 20th century, the pocket square became a sartorial staple, a symbol of sophistication and style.
Why Wear a Pocket Square?
A pocket square offers several key benefits:
- Adds Personality: It’s a chance to showcase your individual style and flair.
- Elevates Your Look: Instantly upgrades a suit or blazer, adding a touch of refinement.
- Draws Attention Upward: Creates a more flattering silhouette by drawing the eye towards your face.
- Conversation Starter: A well-chosen pocket square can be a great icebreaker.
Explore our range of premium suits and blazers at Modern Men Collection to find the perfect canvas for your pocket square artistry.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric of your pocket square is crucial. It determines the texture, drape, and overall impact of the accessory. Consider these popular choices:
- Silk: The classic choice. Silk pocket squares offer a luxurious sheen and drape beautifully. Ideal for formal occasions and adding a touch of elegance.
- Linen: A more casual option with a slightly textured look. Linen pocket squares are perfect for warmer weather and relaxed settings.
- Cotton: Versatile and easy to care for. Cotton pocket squares come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a great everyday choice.
- Wool: Adds a touch of warmth and texture to your look. Wool pocket squares are ideal for fall and winter ensembles.
The Modern Men Collection offers pocket squares in various fabrics, including luxurious silk and crisp linen. Each fabric brings a unique texture and character to your overall look.
Mastering the Folds
The way you fold your pocket square can dramatically alter its appearance. Here are a few popular folds to try:
- The Straight Fold: A simple and elegant fold, perfect for formal occasions. The pocket square is folded into a rectangle and placed in the pocket with a crisp, clean line visible.
- The Puff Fold: A more relaxed and casual fold. The pocket square is pinched in the center and allowed to puff out of the pocket.
- The Point Fold: A slightly more adventurous fold, creating a sharp, pointed effect. The pocket square is folded into a triangle and placed in the pocket with the point visible.
- The Winged Puff Fold: A sophisticated fold that combines elements of the puff and point folds. The pocket square is folded to create a soft puff with subtle points on either side.
- The Casuale Fold: Place the pocket square on a flat surface, pinch near the center. Lift, then loosely fold the four corners around the pinched center point. Turn the pocket square upside down, place the folded corners into your breast pocket with the pinched center pointing up. Adjust to taste.
Experiment with different folds to find the ones that best suit your personal style and the occasion. Don’t be afraid to try new things and develop your own unique folding techniques.
For expert tips and inspiration on men’s style, see Esquire’s style guide.
Color and Pattern Coordination
Choosing the right color and pattern for your pocket square is essential for creating a harmonious and stylish look. Consider these guidelines:
- Complementary Colors: Choose a pocket square in a color that complements your tie or shirt. For example, a navy suit with a light blue shirt can be paired with a pocket square in a deeper shade of blue or a contrasting color like orange.
- Contrasting Colors: For a bolder look, choose a pocket square in a contrasting color that pops against your suit. For example, a gray suit can be paired with a pocket square in a vibrant color like red or yellow.
- Pattern Play: Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, but do so carefully. If your tie has a bold pattern, opt for a pocket square with a subtle pattern or solid color. If your tie is plain, you can experiment with a more elaborate pocket square pattern.
- Consider the Occasion: For formal events, stick to classic colors and patterns like white, navy, or paisley. For more casual occasions, you can experiment with brighter colors and bolder patterns.
The Modern Men Collection offers a wide range of pocket squares in various colors and patterns, making it easy to find the perfect match for your wardrobe.
Pocket Square Rules
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the pocket square, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Don’t Match Your Tie Exactly: A pocket square should complement your tie, not match it perfectly. Avoid choosing a pocket square in the exact same color and pattern as your tie.
- Consider the Fabric: The fabric of your pocket square should be appropriate for the occasion. Silk is best for formal events, while linen and cotton are more suitable for casual settings.
- Practice Your Folds: Take the time to master a few basic folds. A well-folded pocket square can make all the difference.
Pocket Squares for Every Occasion
The pocket square is a versatile accessory that can be worn for a variety of occasions. Here are a few examples:
- Weddings: A silk pocket square in a classic color like white or navy is a perfect choice for a wedding. Opt for a simple fold like the straight fold or puff fold for a refined look.
- Business Meetings: A linen or cotton pocket square in a subtle pattern or solid color is a great way to add a touch of personality to your business attire. Choose a fold that is professional and understated.
- Casual Events: Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder colors and patterns for casual events. A brightly colored pocket square in a playful pattern can add a touch of fun to your look.
Find inspiration for your next event at Modern Men Collection blog. We regularly post about seasonal trends and event appropriate attire.
Final Thoughts
The pocket square is a small detail with a big impact. It’s a simple and effective way to elevate your suit game, add personality to your look, and make a lasting impression. By choosing the right fabric, mastering a few basic folds, and coordinating colors and patterns carefully, you can master the art of the pocket square and take your style to the next level.
Elevate your wardrobe with the perfect accessories. Discover our collection of premium pocket squares and complete your look with confidence.
For personalized style advice or to shop our latest collections, visit modernmencollection.ca or contact Modern Men Collection today.