Six Stylish Ways to Fold A Pocket Square

Is there any accessory quite as dashing or sophisticated as a pocket square? We certainly do not think so, and given the rise in popularity these beautifully decorative squares of silk have seen in recent years, it seems much of the world would agree. High quality pocket squares allow the wearer to add a flash of brightness, a flourish of personality and more than a touch of charm to an outfit. They encourage the wearer to experiment with color combinations, or bring a touch of vibrancy to an otherwise dull ensemble. In essence, pocket handkerchiefs are the perfect way to liven up a look, and bring a sense of old world sophistication to the modern high street.

As more and more people discover the sharpness and vivacity a well chosen silk pocket square can bring to a jacket, there are more and more people asking how best to wear one. After all, there is little use in shopping for a pocket square if you are not sure how they are supposed to be worn, and the name of the game here is elegance and style, so you cannot simply stuff one into your top pocket and hope for the best. Thankfully, there are many different ways you can wear a silk pocket square and look perfectly stylish, and you do not need to be a master in origami to achieve the desired look. Here are the six most common ways of folding a pocket square - give them a try, and see which one suits you best.

The Straight Pocket Square

This is by far the simplest way to fold a pocket square - perfect for when you are in a rush, or do not want to be too extravagant.

Firstly, fold your silk pocket square in half, and then in half again so it forms a square a quarter of its original size. Then, fold it in half again, but this time by the corners of the square, so you end up with a triangle shaped pocket square.

Following this, fold in the opposite points of your triangle, and tuck the pocket square into your top pocket, with the point of the triangle pointing downwards. The straight top edge of the triangle should be visible above the hem of your jacket pocket.

The One Point Pocket Square

This one is identical to the previous, but should be tucked into the pocket the other way up.

Firstly, fold your silk pocket square in half, and then in half again so it forms a square a quarter of its original size. Then, fold it in half again, but this time by the corners of the square, so you end up with a triangle shaped pocket square.

Following this, fold in the opposite points of your triangle, and tuck the pocket square into your top pocket, with the point of the triangle pointing upwards. The pointed bottom corner of the triangle should be visible above the hem of your jacket pocket.

The Two Point Pocket Square

A little more flamboyant, this pocket square fold is perfect for when you want to show off your presentation skills.

Start off by folding your pocket square twice in half, so you end up with a square with equal sides.

Lie the square on your table or another flat surface, and turn it so it has one corner pointing upwards, and the opposite corner pointing downwards (rather like a ‘diamond’ shape).

Next, you want to fold the bottom corner up, and place it side by side with the top corner. The effect looks somewhat like two simplified mountain peaks, standing side by side to each other.

Finally, fold the left and right sides into the middle, so the pocket square is narrow enough. Tuck it into your pocket, so the two ‘triangles’ are peeping from your pocket, and the flat end is hidden down inside.

The Cagney Fold

This is a slightly more complex, and rather beautiful way of folding your silk pocket square.

To start with, fold your pocket square in half almost from point to point, so you end up with a sort of triangle shape which, like in the two-point pocket square, has two ‘peaks’ at the top.

The next step is to fold the left corner diagonally upwards, so the left corner sits to the right of the two ‘peaks’ you made before. You should now have a three pointed pocket square.

Follow this by repeating the same maneuver, but from the opposite side, so you take the right-hand corner and fold it diagonally upwards, creating a fourth ‘peak’ to the left of the others.

Finally, carefully fold the left and right sides of the pocket square inwards to meet in the middle, flatten, and tuck into your pocket with the four points poking out from it.

The Simple Puff

This is a relaxed, yet highly sophisticated look. Perfect for individuals who are laid back in every social situation, and want to add a touch of louche elegance to their suit.

Fold your pocket square in half, and in half again.

Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the center of your folded pocket square, and lift it up so the top layers ‘puff’ outwards.

Tuck the excess silk into your pocket, and leave the ‘puffed’ point sticking out from the top of your pocket.

The Upside Down Puff

This is an even more casual look, and makes a great impression when used in a less formal jacket, such as a colored blazer. It is the same technique as the previous one, but once again, finished upside down.