Everything You Need to Know About Pocket Squares - Chic Vintage Brides (2024)

Everything You Need to Know About Pocket Squares

Today I am pleased to be welcoming back Chic Vintage Brides‘ resident gurus of groom’s attire,the folks over at The Gentlemanual. You may remember they popped in a while ago to share these 10 fabulous style tips for dapper grooms? Wellthis time they are shedding some sartorial light on the humble pocket square. Sharing everything you could possibly need to know about that little piece of fabric that nestling in a suit (or waistcoat) pocket can elevate a Groom’s look from dull to dapper!

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The concept of a pocket square is a little weird, and probably the last thing you’re thinking about when planning the big day. You may even ask yourself how on earth could a functionally useless piece of fabric nested inside a pocket be considered “style”?

Well we’ll just start right out and say that yes, while there may be no definitive “utility” involved in wearing a pocket square, not everything needs to be about function, especially on this day of celebration.

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Bryce Covey Photographyvia SMP

For some men, pocket squares are still, understandably, regarded as foreign territory. Often times, men who don’t don pocket squares either feel that doing so would draw too much attention to their outfit, or simply haven’t considered including them in their style arsenal yet (because of the whole lack-of-function thing).

But your wedding day is perhaps the most dapper you’ll ever be dressed. Such an occasion calls for a little extra formality, and the devil really is in the details. No, in this case, it’s all about style–and that’s exactly what adding a pocket square to your ensemble will do for you!

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White Imagesvia Chic Vintage Brides

Now before you go looking for the perfect pocket square for your wedding day look, you should know a few basic pocket square rules. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:

1. Usually we’re staunchly against the matching tie and pocket square look. Rather, it should complement a color found on your tie, or contrast your tie altogether. However, we’ll make an exception for wedding parties due to their coordinating nature, and sometimes matching is acceptable. A simple pattern in the same color can help you avoid the full monochrome look.

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Carrie King Photographervia Elizabeth Anne Designs

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Alexa Poppevia Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

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Photography –Madeline Druce via Chic Vintage Brides

2. No matter which fold you choose, make sure that the resulting look doesn’t get bulky–you want to avoid pocket bulge. Your jacket pocket should still sit relatively flat against your jacket.

Most of these folds are designed in such a way that this problem doesn’t arise, but if you have a particularly thick pocket square (or a smaller-than-average pocket), just keep on experimenting with folds until you find one that works.

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Bonnie Jenkinsvia Nouba

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Ryan Ray Photography via Wedding Chicks

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Photographer –Radostina Photography via Chic Vintage Brides

3. Pocket squares are perfect for your entire party. Consider letting each groomsmen show some personality with a pocket square of their choosing. As long as it’s in the dominant color scheme of the rest of your accessories, you’ll still look cohesive.

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Natalie Watsonvia SMP

4. Your fold should match your mood first, and the formality of your wedding second. Sure, some folds are more formal than others, but honestly, a pocket square is a dressy accessory by nature, no matter how you scrunch it up. Whether your ceremony is seaside or in a grand ballroom, the subtle touch won’t feel out of place.

If you decide on pocket squares for the whole wedding party, make sure everyone is in agreement about which fold to go with. The three-point fold is great for black tie attire, while the presidential fold is better with a blazer look.

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Sarah Horton Photographyvia Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

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Lucy Greenhill via Rock My Wedding

5. And don’t be afraid to wear a pocket square as a guest! There is no rule that says pocket squares are for the wedding party only, so if you’re serious about style, consider wearing a pocket square to every wedding. Wear a square and tie to all formal affairs, and opt for a blazer and square (sans tie) for your more casual celebrations.

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Leighanne Herrvia Junebug Weddings

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Bryce Covey Photographyvia SMP

Pocket squares are little pieces of fabric that speak volumes. We’ll be honest, you might not be the first person people want to see on your wedding day (that would be the lovely lady in the white dress) but as the groom, you are a close second.

A little pop of color or pattern nestled inside your jacket pocket is a sign of sophistication, and also serves as an instant improvement to whatever you’re wearing. So reach for a square and start experimenting with colors, patterns, and folds until you find something that resonates with you and the rest of your wedding party.

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CLY By Matthewvia Chic Vintage Brides

Be sure to check out 12 of the mostpopular ways to fold your pocket square over on Ties– I don’t think you can beat the The Presidential!

A huge thankyou to writer RJ Firchauand everyoneover atThe Gentlemanualfor again sharing their expert knowledge with us – who would have thought such a small piece of fabric could be folded somany ways?!If you loved this post, be sure have a look at their other posts on Tie Bars & suspenders, as well as their advice on wearing a bold colored suit on your big day, and Winter suits. If you long to see more Groom & Groomsmen attire inspiration, click hereto look at some of Chic Vintage Brides most popular posts.

Amy

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Tagged: 2017, 2019, Groom's Attire, Pocket Squares, The Gentlemanual

Everything You Need to Know About Pocket Squares - Chic Vintage Brides (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what pocket square to wear? ›

Instead, the pocket square should complement the rest of your look: either by harmonising or contrasting with your other accessories. Some stores even offer matching tie and pocket square sets, but our advice is to steer clear of these if you want to be seen as a master of your style game.

When not to wear a pocket square? ›

If you are wearing a blazer and chinos or a two-piece suit then the choice between adding a pocket square largely depends on how casual the overall look is. If the top and shoes lean towards formal, then a pocket square can be introduced. If you're wearing a t-shirt and trainers, then it's advisable to leave it out.

What kind of pocket square to wear for a wedding? ›

If you decide on pocket squares for the whole wedding party, make sure everyone is in agreement about which fold to go with. The three-point fold is great for black tie attire, while the presidential fold is better with a blazer look. 5. And don't be afraid to wear a pocket square as a guest!

What makes a good pocket square? ›

The edge of your pocket square is the biggest differentiator between different pocket squares, both in terms of fabric, and in terms of quality. Depending on the fold, the edge is the most visible part of your square, and poor-quality edges are quick to fray, making it unwearable.

Should your handkerchief match your shirt? ›

Choose a secondary colour from your shirt or tie as the primary colour for your pocket square. Don't overdo the patterns, ensure some articles of clothing are flat colours which will accentuate the colours in your pocket square or tie. Don't directly match your tie and pocket square.

What is the best fabric for a pocket square? ›

The rule of thumb when choosing a pocket square fabric is that you want to match the fabric of the pocket square to that of your jacket. Cotton and linen suits demand a cotton or linen pocket square. Whereas, a very refined woolen suit needs a more refined pocket square, and that means silk.

Are pocket squares in style in 2024? ›

Are you ready to elevate your style game in 2024? Look no further than our handpicked selection of the best pocket squares from Cufflinks.com. Whether you're a fan of classic silk or bold patterns, we've got you covered with our top picks for the upcoming year.

What color should a pocket square be? ›

For the most part, there are only two main rules when choosing your tuxedo pocket square colour. If it's a formal black-tie event, it's generally considered appropriate to wear a white pocket square in a presidential pocket square fold (flat fold), or a conservative puff fold.

Can I wear brooch and pocket square together? ›

Rule 1: Out of your tie, your lapel pin and your pocket square, at least one has to be solid. That means no pattern. Rule 2: Only two pieces, out of your tie, your pocket square, and your lapel pin, can be statement pieces.

What is the most formal pocket square? ›

For formal occasions, go for a plain white pocket square. If you're looking for something that can blend within all business environments, always opt for a predominately white pocket square with light patterns or colored edging. This is a conservative but serious look.

Do you wear a boutonniere with a pocket square? ›

And to answer the age old question: can you wear a boutonnière and a pocket square together? Yes, you certainly can, just make sure that your pocket square stays in it's lane (i.e. isn't popping 3 inches out of your pocket) and that your boutonnière is high enough so that they have their own space.

What is the most popular pocket square fold? ›

The square fold, also known as the presidential fold or TV fold pocket square, is the ultimate classic fold and should be your choice for a black tie event. It works best with a white linen pocket square or a cotton pocket square, as silk fabric will slip easily and end up looking untidy.

What to match with pocket square? ›

A neutral tie goes very well with a colorful pocket square. The pattern matching applies here as well. Sometimes you might want to match your pocket square to your shirt, especially if you are wearing a white shirt. A white shirt goes well with a white pocket square, especially if the jacket is black or navy.

How much of a pocket square should be visible? ›

When choosing what pocket square to wear with a suit, you could choose a conservative fold such as a flat fold and position it so that it is around a half to an inch is viewable above your pocket.

How to match bow tie and pocket square? ›

It is better to match a colour of your pocket square to a colour of your tie. Play around with fabrics. If you're wearing a silk tie, pick a cotton or linen pocket square. If you're wearing a cotton bow tie, choose a silk pocket square, a choice that will show that you know how to dress well.

What is the proper size for a pocket square? ›

Size Matters

The size of your pocket square is very important. A pocket square that is too small will look lost in your pocket, while one that is too big will look bulky and awkward. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pocket square that's around 12 inches by 12 inches.

How to match pocket square without tie? ›

When not wearing a tie, you can choose any pocket square as long as the colors work with the rest of what you are wearing. Your pocket square should not exactly match your tie. No two identically matched patterns, and no two exactly matching solid colors.

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