Crafting Wedding Pocket Squares: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pocket squares are a great way to add a subtle touch of personality to your wedding-day look. They are small, square cloths that are folded and tucked into the breast pocket of a suit jacket or blazer. Pocket squares come in a variety of colours, patterns, and styles, and can be made from cotton, silk, linen, wool, rayon, or polyester.

When choosing a pocket square, it's important to consider the colour, material, and fold style. The colour should complement your suit and tie without matching them exactly. The material, such as silk, wool, or linen, will affect the appearance and thickness of the pocket square. As for the fold, you can choose from a variety of options, including the flat fold, puff fold, and four-peak fold, depending on the formality of the occasion and your personal style.

With some forethought and practice, you can use a pocket square to elevate your wedding-day look and add a unique touch to your outfit.

Choosing the perfect pocket square fabric

Fabric Types

Pocket squares are typically made from three types of fabric: cotton, linen, or silk. Cotton and linen pocket squares are generally more casual, while silk pocket squares are more refined and elegant. Cotton and linen suits pair well with cotton or linen pocket squares, whereas a refined wool suit calls for a silk pocket square.

Fabric Weight and Texture

The weight and texture of the fabric are also important considerations. For example, silk is a fine fabric that requires a larger size, usually at least 40cm x 40cm, to avoid slipping into your pocket. On the other hand, linen or wool squares are more structural, and a smaller size, such as 33cm x 33cm, works perfectly.

Colour and Pattern

When choosing the colour and pattern of your pocket square, it's essential to complement, not match, your outfit. Avoid direct matching with your tie or jacket. Instead, opt for a pocket square that pulls out one or more colours featured in your suit, shirt, or tie. For a simple and versatile option, a plain white pocket square made from linen or silk can be a great choice as it goes with any jacket colour and pattern.

Occasion and Seasonality

Consider the formality of the wedding and the season it will be held in. Darker pocket squares are more suitable for formal occasions, while vibrant colours are ideal for casual and creative spaces. For summer or seaside weddings, linen pocket squares in light or neutral colours are a perfect choice. In contrast, winter weddings call for heavier fabrics like wool or a wool-silk blend, with darker or earthy colours.

Personal Style and Comfort

Lastly, don't forget to express your personal style and feel comfortable with your choice. Pocket squares are a fun accessory, so feel free to experiment with different colours, patterns, and folds. If you're unsure, a simple straight fold or a classic puff fold is always a safe choice.

Remember, the key to choosing the perfect pocket square fabric is to complement your outfit, express your style, and consider the formality and season of the wedding.

How to fold a flat pocket square

The flat pocket square is a simple, elegant fold that is suitable for formal occasions, including weddings. It pairs well with a tuxedo or other black-tie wear, and cotton or linen materials work best for this style.

Laying the Pocket Square:

Start by laying your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface. Ensure that the fabric is smooth and free of any creases or wrinkles. The pocket square should resemble a square, with horizontal edges at the top and bottom.

First Fold:

Fold the left side of the square over the right side, matching the corners. This will create a vertical rectangle with the pocket square folded in half.

Second Fold:

Fold the bottom edge of the rectangle up towards the top edge, stopping just short of touching it. The goal is to create a clean, straight edge that will be visible when the pocket square is tucked into the pocket.

Final Adjustments and Placement:

Tuck the pocket square into your jacket's chest pocket, adjusting it so that the straight, flat edge runs horizontally across the top of your pocket. Ensure that the pocket square lies flat and is not bunched up. The result should be a sleek and elegant addition to your outfit.

You can also try a variation of the flat fold, known as the presidential fold. This variation involves folding the pocket square in half vertically first, then folding it in half again to create a smaller rectangle. The pocket square is then folded in half vertically once more, resulting in a crisp, formal look.

How to fold a two-point pocket square

A pocket square is a great way to add some personality to your wedding attire. Here is a guide on how to fold a two-point pocket square:

Firstly, lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, left and right. This will resemble a diamond shape.

For the next step, fold the bottom corner up towards the top corner, but instead of matching it perfectly, leave it slightly to the left. This will create a slight offset, which will give you the two points when the pocket square is complete.

Now, take the left corner and fold it about two-thirds of the way over to the right. You are forming a triangle shape here, so be mindful of that when deciding how much fabric to fold.

Finally, take the right corner and bring it over to meet the new left edge of the pocket square. You should now have a neat, triangular shape with two points at the top.

Tuck the pocket square into your jacket pocket, making sure to adjust it so that the two points are centred in your pocket. You can play around with the positioning until you are happy with how it looks.

The two-point pocket square fold is a slightly more advanced folding technique, but it is a great way to complete a sports coat or suit jacket outfit for business or casual wear. Linen and cotton hold their shape best, but you could also try wool for a softer look.

How to fold a puff pocket square

The puff pocket square is a simple fold that is perfect for showing off a silk pocket square with a pattern. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fold a puff pocket square:

Lay your pocket square flat on a hard, level surface, with points facing top and bottom, right and left. It is important to start with a true square of material to achieve a neater, cleaner fold.

Pinch the centre of the pocket square fabric with your thumb and forefinger.

Lift the fabric up and let it drape 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 you move your hand almost to the end of the fabric, still holding the centre 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.

Release your thumb and forefinger grip and use that hand to pinch the pocket square together below your other thumb.

Turn the pocket square upside down, so the fold is at the bottom and the tips are at the top.

Tuck the bottom folded edge into your pocket and adjust as needed so the pocket square's tips stand up out of your pocket.

How to wear a pocket square

A pocket square is a small square cloth that is folded and tucked into the breast pocket of a suit jacket or blazer. It is meant to elevate and add flair to a look and can be made from cotton, silk, linen, wool, rayon, or polyester.

When wearing a pocket square, it is important to remember that it should not match your tie or jacket exactly. Instead, it should complement your outfit by pulling out one or more colours featured in your suit, shirt, or tie. For example, if you're wearing a navy suit, a white shirt, and a burgundy polka dot tie, a light blue, pale pink, or white pocket square would be a good choice.

The Presidential Fold

This fold, also called the "flat fold", is one of the easiest ways to style a pocket square. It is best suited for elegant attire, ranging from formal business dress to black-tie events. Typically, a classic white pocket square made from silk or linen is used for this fold. Here are the steps:

• Lay the pocket square on a flat and clean surface.
• Fold the pocket square in half.
• Fold one side up, depending on how deep your jacket's pocket is.
• Tuck the folded pocket square into your breast pocket so that about 1/4 of an inch is visible.

The One Tip Up Fold

This fold, also known as the "triangular fold", suits any type of pocket square and dress code. It is a good option for solid-coloured, non-white pocket squares. Here's how to do it:

• Lay the pocket square on a flat surface.
• Fold one corner in so that you get two overlapping triangles.
• Fold one side of the triangle in.
• Do the same on the opposite side.
• Place the pocket square in your jacket's pocket.

The Two Tips Up Fold

This fold, also called the "unique and sophisticated fold", is perfect for patterned pocket squares accessorising a casual-sleek outfit. It suits any pocket square colour and pattern. Here are the steps:

• Place your pocket square on a clean and flat surface.
• Fold one side over so that you get two triangles that overlap. You can play around with the height of each triangle for a unique look.
• Fold one side in.
• Do the same on the opposite side.
• Place your folded pocket square in your breast pocket.

The Crown Fold

This fold, also known as the "three tips up" or "pocket square aficionado's fold", is ideal for patterned and coloured pocket squares. While it suits formal attire, it also pairs well with a blazer jacket or sports coat. Here's how to create it:

• Lay your pocket square on a flat surface.
• Fold one side in so that you have the look of two triangles, creating two tips.
• To create the third tip, fold in one side.
• Fold in the opposite side and make sure to create a strong fold with the palm of your hand.
• Place the folded pocket square into your pocket.

The Puff Fold

The puff fold, also known as the "casual fold", is perfect for a more casual-sleek outfit. It works best with patterned pocket squares, especially those with unique designs such as paisley patterns, tartan checks, or polka dots. This fold is less suited for formal attire. Here are the steps:

• Place the pocket square down flat.
• Pick up the pocket square by pinching it near the centre.
• Slide the pocket square through your other hand.
• Flip the pocket square upside down.
• Tug the pocket square into your breast pocket. Remember, this fold should look casual and a bit uneven.

Frequently asked questions