SHOP Pocket Squares

Buying Pocket Squares

Are there different pocket squares for different occasions?

Taking a more liberal view, all pockets squares are suitable for just about any occasion. However, in a stricter sense, certain pocket squares are not ideally suited for certain social gatherings. You would of course not wear the same pocket square for joyous as well as somber occasions. Depending on the occasion, the choice of a pocket square revolves around two main parameters; color and fabric. While bright or multi-colored pocket squares would be more suited to festive occasions, relatively more understated or ‘monochrome’ pocket squares would be applicable for mournful or serious settings. Social rules aside, the decision of what pocket square to use for a particular occasion depends on the user’s tastes. It is up to his temperament to opt for the most fitting pocket square. For example, in a conservative setting, a simple white or light pink pocket square would be better appreciated as compared to a more vibrant colorful square.

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What to consider when buying a pocket square?

For such a seemingly miniscule clothing accessory, a pocket square poses a real challenge when you go out to buy one. With the wide array of styles and colors available in the market, singling out the right one can truly be a daunting task. A word of advice; when buying as finicky an item as a pocket square, just one is not enough. The reason being that one single pocket square is not ideally suited for all occasions. Unless of course you go in for a pure white one; which would get monotonous and staid after you are seen wearing it for almost every formal engagement. The pocket squares you buy should cover a range of colors from subtle to bold. Another consideration is the fabric out of which the pocket square is fashioned. While silk looks the best, linen and cotton pocket squares are more easily maintained. Linen is best suited for all-day occasions due to the fact that its stiffness persists for hours together. Therefore, it can be trusted to retain its original looks. The size of a typical pocket square ranges from around 12 to 18 inches. The size chosen should be inversely proportional to the approximate thickness of the square.

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What are pocket square holders?

A pocket square holder is basically a mini pocket that fits inside the left breast pocket of the wearer’s coat; this is the place where the pocket square is placed. Numerous components within the holder enable correct placing of the pocket square at the perfect angle and orientation. The holder allows more flexibility in the placement of the pocket square. Sometimes the pocket square holder is crafted with leather and cardboard inserts to provide volume and filling. This holder keeps the pocket square in the correct position for hours without the need to adjust the pocket square folds repeatedly. The user can now try out the most innovative folding techniques, without any fear that the folds will open up or slump down. The holder will firmly hold the pocket square in place and is subtle enough not to be seen over the upper edge of the pocket. With this kind of holder, a pocket square of any material can be used; even the softest fabric would not sink within the pocket. With a holder, just a simple handkerchief can be held firmly upright in the pocket as a pocket square.

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Is there any single colored pocket square one could buy that would match all suits and ties?

If there is one single color for a pocket square that would suit just about all suits, shirts, ties, and occasions, it would be white. This neutral but elegant color is subtle while being sophisticated at the same time. Additionally, white is a color that is equally at home during merry occasions as well as poignant engagements. With white, there is also no fear of the color fading when exposed to sunlight. The only drawback of a white pocket square is the chance of it getting dirty faster. Also after a period of time, exposure to ambient contaminants might make the pocket square loose its pure white color and take on a cream tinge. The other option to a white pocket square is a black one. This color is also considered as a universally matching color. However, over a black suit, it may not always be visible. While a white pocket square would look equally good in any fabric, the black one would look better in silk as compared to linen or cotton. Pocket squares of other colors may not match all outfits; for example a red pocket square would look classy with a black, white, or a blue suit, but would look totally incongruous when worn with a brown suit.

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