Franklin Dean
Whether you're the groom, part of the wedding party, or a guest, knowing how to fold a pocket square is a sartorial skill that can elevate your look. The pocket square, along with the tie or bow tie and boutonnière, brings a suit or tux together. While folding a pocket square is less complicated than tying a tie or bow tie, there are multiple ways to do it, from simple to flamboyant. The occasion usually determines the type of fold, with weddings and celebrations calling for a more exuberant fold like the winged puff.
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What You'll Learn
Flat fold
The flat fold, also known as the presidential pocket square fold, is a timeless fold that can be worn during a variety of occasions, including weddings. It is a preferred option for less flamboyant yet formal occasions. Here are some ways to achieve the flat fold:
Method 1
- Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left.
- Fold the bottom corner up and instead of matching it perfectly to the top corner, leave it slightly to the left.
- Bring the bottom left corner up and fold it to the right, laying the point just to the right of the second "peak".
- Fold the remaining right side of the pocket square up and to the left, bringing the corner up to form the fourth point to the left of the first three.
- Tuck into your pocket and adjust as needed so the pocket square's four points are centered in your pocket.
Method 2
- Lay the pocket square flat so it resembles a square.
- Fold the right side over to meet the left, making a vertical rectangle.
- Fold the top down just short of the bottom.
- Tuck it into the pocket with the folded side up.
Method 3
- Start by folding the square in half, then, depending on the width of your square, continue to fold over and over until you reach the seam.
- Half your pocket square in half, and half again by tucking underneath.
- Now the fold is complete, you have the option of showing the border edging on display or the folded edge.
- Once happy with your fold, simply place it into the pocket and adjust within your pocket until satisfied with the finish.
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One-point fold
The one-point pocket square fold is a classic, simple, and business-appropriate fold. It can be worn with a suit and tie or casually with a blazer, without a tie, and a collared shirt. It is a versatile option that is easy to remember and perfect for weddings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this fold:
- Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left.
- Fold the pocket square in half lengthwise. (You can skip this step if you are using a smaller-sized pocket square).
- Fold the pocket square in half again, so you have a small square. (This step can also be skipped for smaller-sized pocket squares).
- Pinch the center of the pocket square fabric with your thumb and forefinger.
- Lift the fabric so that it drapes down onto the surface around the point you are holding.
- Lightly wrap your other hand around the draping fabric. Keep a gentle grip on the material while moving your hand almost to the end of the fabric, still holding the center of the square with your thumb and forefinger.
- Fold the top of the pocket square (the part between your thumb and forefinger) over the thumb of the hand holding the bottom of the fabric together.
You can adjust how far you fold over the left and right tips in the above steps to change the overall size of your pocket square point.
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Three-point fold
The three-point fold is a versatile fold that can be worn casually, with a suit and tie, or on your wedding day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this fold:
Firstly, lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left. If you are using a 12-inch by 12-inch pocket square, you can fold it in half lengthwise, and then fold it in half again to create a small square.
Next, fold the bottom left corner diagonally up at an angle, so you have three points side by side, equally spaced and sized as possible. Then, fold the bottom right corner across to the left edge of the folded pocket square.
Finally, simply slide the folded pocket square into your jacket pocket. Adjust the placement of the pocket square according to the depth and width of your pocket, so that only the three tips of the fold are visible.
The three-point fold may take a few tries to line up the points neatly, but it is a great way to add a bit of flair to your attire. You can use an iron to create crisp creases that help the pocket square hold its shape.
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Puff fold
The puff fold is a versatile option that works with a variety of outfits, from black-tie to casual. It gives the pocket square a kind of scalloped appearance and is fairly simple to execute.
To start, place the pocket square on a flat surface, with the patterned side facing up if there is a pattern. Pinch the middle of the square and pull it up, then pull the pocket square through your other hand until it is about three-quarters of the way down. While still holding it at the centre, fold the points over your thumb. Finally, fold the top over the points and place the finished pocket square in your breast pocket.
The puff fold works well with a variety of fabrics, including silk, linen, or cotton. It also pairs nicely with simple patterns, such as polka dots.
If you're looking for a more casual look, you can try the reverse puff fold, which is an unstructured fold that is easy to adjust and play with. This fold is created by pinching the square in the middle and creating a semi-circle shape with your thumb and index finger. Run your circle shape down the square fabric, stopping at about three-quarters of the way down. Then, twist the bottom of the square and fold it backward onto itself to create the new fold. Finish by adding the fold into your pocket square and adjusting the points to your liking.
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Winged puff fold
The winged puff fold is a unique, simple way to fold a pocket square. It features a triangular shape with two folds down the centre. It is a fancier-looking fold that works with most fabric choices and can be worn for both day and evening wear. It is perfect for a wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Lay the pocket square flat, so it resembles a diamond.
- Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
- Fold the right and left corners into the bottom corner, making a smaller diamond.
- Fold the left, right, and bottom corners of the diamond into the centre.
- Tuck it into your pocket with the unfolded corner facing out.
For a more complex look, you can opt for the three-point fold, which produces three folded peaks.
It is recommended to keep the colour and pattern of the pocket square simple and conservative for a wedding. A solid colour or a small repeating pattern with a minimalistic square fold would be a safe and stylish look.
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