Round off your look with the matching pocket square!
The pocket square is a small folded piece of fabric in the breast pocket of your shirt or jacket and can have a big impact on your appearance. Some men consider the pocket square a bold accessory, while others use it to emphasize their style. A pocket square (or pochette) adds that extra touch of style to a shirt or suit. A pocket square can be folded in many ways and there are several different styles. Watch out! There are a few rules for wearing a pocket square, such as the colors, the folding method and the occasion. For example, everyone knows the white pocket square when wearing a tuxedo, like James Bond. It is also known as a pochette. Choose from all pocket squares online for a trendy look.
Pocket square or pochet: a scarf made of soft fabric that is (mainly) worn by men as jewelry in the breast pocket of their jacket.
The pocket square as a fashion item
What began as a utility item (the handkerchief in the breast pocket) has now become a style item worn by men. The stars wear them on the red carpet and also at the most luxurious parties, e.g. at black tie events. It's a wardrobe staple for when you really want to go out in style, even fancier than you might already be in everyday life. Every James Bond actor wears his pocket square a little differently: Sean Connery, for example, always wears a white cotton pocket square. Daniel Craig, on the other hand, varies a little more and matches the color to his shirt.
What is a pocket square?
The pocket square is a clothing accessory, especially for men. It is a (often) square piece of fabric that can be folded in all sorts of ways and tucked into the breast pocket of a suit or shirt. The pocket square is mainly used by men to embellish their outfit a little. It gives the man the finishing touch so that he is ready for any occasion. In fact, for formal or semi-formal occasions or evenings, a pocket square tends to be worn with a blazer or tuxedo. The pochet is placed so that it is still partially visible at the top. In combination with a suit, the bag matches the color of the shirt or creates a striking contrast. Designer handkerchiefs with a unique design are also becoming increasingly popular.
How do you wear a pocket square correctly?
There are different ways to wear a pocket square: it can be tucked casually into the breast pocket or folded tightly. One side of the pocket square lies discreetly over the edge of the breast pocket. As already described, many people think that the pocket square can be used as a handkerchief, but this is a so-called faux pas: the pocket square serves to embellish an outfit and has no other purpose.
Folding types for pocket squares
Pocket squares are worn as an elegant piece of jewelry in the breast pocket of a jacket, suit or tuxedo. There are the following different folding techniques, which should be chosen depending on the type of scarf and the occasion Rectangular fold, triangular fold, two-corners-up fold, three-corners-up fold and the box fold.
- Rectangular pleat: The rectangular or American pleat looks traditional and conservative and is ideal for a dark tuxedo, for example, as a white "pocket square".
- American pleat: The American pleat or rectangular pleat looks traditional and conservative and is ideal for a dark tuxedo as a white "pocket square" - Triangular pleat: The triangular pleat looks a little more festive than the rectangular pleat and is particularly suitable for going to the opera or theater.
- Two-corners-up pleat: The two-corners-up pleat suits less formal wardrobes and looks discreetly elegant.
- Three-corners-up pleat: The three-corners-up pleat is a very formal pleating technique. As a rule, a white, sliver or cream-colored pocket square is folded in such a way that 3 points create a crown look. Goes very well with upscale evening wear.
- Folded pleat: With the folded pleat, the scarf is folded into the breast pocket in a seemingly random and loose manner. This type of fold expresses a natural elegance and is particularly suitable for patterned and colorful scarves.
Fold the handkerchief into a rectangle: Lay the pocket square flat on a table. Fold the bottom over the top. Fold the bottom over the top. Then fold it from one side to the other so that it fits. Fold one corner upwards: Now lay the pocket square with the tips facing up and down a quarter turn. Fold the bottom tip over the top tip. Fold the tips inwards from left to right until the pocket square fits snugly in your breast pocket.
The casual fold for the creative gentlemen: place the handkerchief over your hands and try to create a layered effect by playing with the handkerchief. There is no exact way to do the "casual fold". Let your creativity run wild: with a bit of luck, you will conjure up the most beautiful flower that goes well with your jacket.
Pochet, pocket square or handkerchief?
In English, the pocket square is derived from its shape and the place where it is worn. Pochet, on the other hand, is the French term. In our international world, all of these terms can be found in Germany. Incidentally, the handkerchief used to be called "lebh" in Hebrew, which means courage or boldness. The handkerchief was and is therefore only worn by men with courage.
Material
A pochet is generally made from cotton, linen or silk. Which material you choose depends on the occasion for which you are wearing your scarf. Cotton and linen are quite casual and are therefore best worn for these occasions. Silk, on the other hand, is shiny and therefore more exclusive and chic. This type should therefore ideally be worn for formal occasions.
Fashionable pocket squares
Nowadays, a pocket square no longer necessarily has to match the tie or bow tie you are wearing. A business-like tie in combination with a trendy pocket square is also highly recommended. So look for a nice look and combine it with a matching pocket square. For one look, a bright, eye-catching color can add extra power to the overall look, while for another look you should use less striking fabrics. The pocket square is the ideal accessory to surprise family and friends.
Pochet: "Pair it and wear it"
The history of the pocket square
The handkerchief, formerly known as the pochette, found its way into modern men's fashion around 1600. At that time, it was often worn by the rich and aristocrats. However, the pochette was also used in Roman times. People used the cloth, which was made from practical fabric, to wipe the sweat from their foreheads after a long, hot working day. In the Middle Ages, pocket squares were already made of more elegant fabric and matched the color of the shirt. At that time, as today, it was part of etiquette at galas and festive occasions. It was practically obligatory to wear a white handkerchief (with a few exceptions). However, the handkerchief disappeared completely from view when it was tucked into the trouser pocket instead of the breast pocket.
In the 20th century, the pocket square made its way back into men's fashion and has been found in the breast pockets of well-dressed men ever since.
Although the pocket square has long been part of an elegant men's outfit, it has not always been regarded as such. One English name used for a pocket square was "guts", meaning "courage", where "guts" is derived from the Hebrew "lebh", meaning courage. Only brave men dared and still dare to wear a pocket square.
