I hate carrying kleenex outside of the home for some reason. If I bring enough to get me through the day, it’s bulk I don’t need in my pockets; having only one or two generally doesn’t cut it if I’m having a day when I actually need to use them with some frequency. Subsequently, I’ve been in the habit for years now of carrying a men’s handkerchief. I’ve noticed along the way that other men don’t seem to pay any mind when I use one, but if I use it in the presence of a woman, they inevitably recoil with some repulsed comment about my ’snotrag’.
Nevertheless, because I do often have one with me, on the occasions when I am wearing a suit or a sportcoat, I’m often tempted to fold my handkerchief neatly and stick it in the outer breast pocket, a’la the gents of old. I always thought they looked great, a natty detail that you never focused on, never drew the attention away from the tie, but complemented the ensemble well. I read recently that the square and the tie should never match, but should rather complement each other. I also read that it’s one of the cheapest ways to dress up an otherwise mediocre suit. Food for thought.
Of course I would never actually use it if I were wearing it for effect, save but to offer it to a lady in an emotional moment, and how hot would that be? But I never quite have the stones to actually work it. For one, I don’t know quite how to fold them and I’d hate to smack of amateurism. (A quick online search provided three simple instructions here.)
Another thing stopping me: as pretentious as I know I can be sometimes, it seems just a wee bit too affected, and I’m trying to get away from that. Still, I think if I started doing it, eventually it would become an unconcious part of dressing; like the Velveteen Rabbit, what was once an affectation would become real. I like that idea. It being springtime, and bright colors becoming acceptable again, there are so many opportunites for trying it out coming up. Jaunty silk pocket squares, why not?
What do you guys think about pocket squares—a modern conceit, a totally affected, even outdated look, or is it a sharp and classic finishing touch that is worth keeping up?
I love pocket squares, but I don’t know if I’d ever offer one up as a snot rag.
Pocket squares, like three-piece suits or snazzy hats, look great on men over 50 and like an affectation on men under 50. Very hard for someone our ago to pull off without looking like a tool.
as long as they are an actual pocket square, it looks great. simple is best. don’t go all crazy with the folds and crap.
I’ve never worn one, and rarely have cause for a full suit (though wedding season is quickly approaching), but I’d certainly consider taking a swing at it the next time I have a chance. I think if the rest of the suit is sharp, fits well, and the occasion is right, it’d be a cinch to pull off without it looking like an affectation. I think other dresswear trends that I see way more often on guys (i.e. colored/patterned shirts with white collars and cuffs, initials embroidered on shirts, fedoras, suspenders, bow ties, etc.) look FAR more affectation-y than a simple understated pocket square. I’m totally going to look for the next opportunity to wear one now, I’m sold.
Seriously, the white collar/cuff thing throws me over the f’ing edge. I’d always felt like they were worn by dudes who didn’t realize that nobody was impressed with them other than high-school girls who didn’t know any better, and lo and behold…last night at the hockey game this douchebag directly in front of us was wearing one (with his initials embroidered on the cuffs!) and was hanging with a girl who was AT LEAST 15 years his junior. He was not all that old.
I’ve sported a pocket square both while attending a wedding, and as the groom in my own. They’re sharp. Why not try and bring it back? At the very least, it makes you stand out and looks snazzy.
Personally, I saw we bring back spats.
I had my first introduction to the pocket square last summer at a buddy’s wedding. I decided that I was going to go all out for it, and Men’s Wearhouse obliged (they really are a savior for the unsavvy (or at the very least) lazy guy. I couldn’t imagine wearing a suit without one now; at least for celebratory functions (they might be a bit much for interviews). The pocket square can be a great little bit of color that can be used to bring together the colors from the suit, tie and shirt. There are a number of online tutorials that can easily instruct you in over a dozen different folds. That being said I use it purely for decoration and the only time its coming out of the pocket would be if a lady friend desperately needed something to dry her eyes. The pocket square has definitely been added to my repertoire, but I also enjoy a good set of suspenders on my suits as well instead of a belt (again, in a celebration setting).
When should a pocket square be worn and can men wear stripes on stripes in business attire ?
Thanks,
Lis
pocket squares are back..my brother models for gucci in london and trust me when i say, pocket squares are big nowadays in europe
Please, have the confidence to have your own style.
My husband has been wearing pocket squares for years and so have our grown sons. I travel often and I am always looking for fun prints. They can be worn for both casual and black tie. Men and women both have always complimented my men on having such wonderful taste in fashion.
You will look stunning with one of these little squares popping out of the pocket of a blue blazer or fine suit.
I agree with Adam B., “don’t go all crazy with the folds and crap.” Have fun with these little gems, you will be glad you did…..