Pocket Squares

Pocket squares are cool and as much as people like to think they go in and out of fashion, they don't. A pocket square says to the world "That guy has style and moreover can coordinate". A pocket square is the final touch that really completes an outfit. Before we begin, these are basically hankies that go in the top pocket on the front of a jacket or sports coat (although hopefully that shouldn't need explaining to most of you).

So, here are some general hints and tips:

1. Never use it (unless a woman requires a hanky, but even then don't put it back in the pocket)!  

- Have another hanky for your nose. 

2. Linen and cotton give crisp holds, but if you don't care about it being folded in mountain peaks (we'll get to that later) then silk is a looks great. Generally, silk pocket squares are more casual and linen or cotton are generally more diverse. 

3. When choosing the colour of your pocket square take the minor colour in your tie or shirt and use this colour for the pocket square. If (for example) you're wearing black tie, then opt for a white pocket square (unless you have a woman on your arm, in which case your bow tie, cummerbund and pocket square may match the colour of her dress if you wish). 

4. If you're wearing a white shirt, a white pocket square will almost always look good. 

5. Avoid stupid folds! You just look like a bit of a prick really, so I choose the simple folds: one point, flat and puff. Anyway, this guy knows how to do all folds under the sun: 

http://www.samhober.com/howtofoldpocketsquares/pocketsquarefolds.htm

Time for examples:

This is a bad example. To start with there is no order to the pocket square and moreover it's not coordinating with anything! 

If it were however in red and yellow polka dots it would probably look a lot better, as it would pull in colours from the shirt and tie to give balance to the two strong colours.

Also, if you're wearing a red shirt and a yellow tie you either have a desire to be shot or are attending a casual occasion, so this would be a good opportunity to use silk rather than cotton. 

This is a more minor point, but don't wear textured ties! EVER! 

Here is a very good example of how it's done: 

Generally speaking, if in doubt look at David Gandy. He's just amazing at everything (no homo)! 

Here he has balanced his outfit with a black pocket square with slate grey polka dots. This means his pocket square is coordinating with his: shoes, trousers, tie and shirt. Frankly, fair play to him! 

Anyway, until next time: 

Dress Hot - Be Hot! 

As normal I don't own any of the images featured.