SHOP Pocket Squares

Pocket Square-Tie Matching

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Pocket Square Colors	Pocket Square-Tie Matching	Buying Pocket Squares

Should the pocket square be compatible with the tie, shirt, or suit?

Actually, the color, folding style, and the material of the pocket square are decided taking into consideration the characteristics of the suit, shirt and tie. A basic rule of thumb is to ensure that the pocket square has a greater degree of contrast, and a lesser degree of matching, with the shirt and tie. While this is the general trend, one school of thought says that the choice of compatibility should be left to the tastes of the user. Just a little imagination will enlighten the user as to why the tie and the pocket square are not required to match. A touch of contrast between these two clothing items adds to the aesthetic appeal of the overall looks. Another reason why most men prefer that the pocket square color does not exactly match that of the tie is that this non-match gives the impression that the wearer does not spend too much time before the mirror in coordinating the colors of the two items. To appear so would be to portray an image of vanity. For the same reason, the pocket square should also contrast with the suit and the shirt. However, the contrast should not be too blatant as the pocket square is supposed to complement the other articles of clothing and not detract from them.

Can pocket squares be used both with ties and bows?

The pocket square is designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the suit and therefore can be worn both with a suit, bow, and a bow tie. The basic idea behind pocket squares is to provide a contrast to the coat and the other clothing. The mandatory clothing items that are worn along with a pocket square include a coat, and a formal shirt. It does not matter if the shirt collar is embellished with a tie or a bow. Though the common practice involves using a pocket square coupled with a tie, in the strictest sense even a bow is equally adaptable with this accessory. The rules of compatibility between a pocket square and both the tie and the bow are the same. This includes non-matching colors being used without the same shade or hue being chosen for both. Thus the contrasting element should override the matching element.

Can a pocket square be used with open collared shirt and suit?

The pocket square being the epitome of formal dressing, is not normally placed in the left breast pocket of coats that are casually worn over open-collared shirts. However, there is no hard and fast rule regarding this style choice and is entirely up to the tastes of the user. Since the shirt is open collared and there is no tie being used, the pocket square collar need not be chosen to provide a subtle contrast to the tie. Thus, the pocket square choice is rendered with more flexibility. However, rules regarding the pocket square’s compatibility with the suit and shirt remain the same - contrasting colors take precedence over exact match.

Does the visible portion of the pocket square depend on tie width?

The visible portion of the pocket square does not necessary have to depend on the tie width. The amount of pocket square material showing above the rim of the pocket is usually in direct proportion to the width of the coat lapels; however this is not a hard and fast rule. The dimensions of the exposed part of the pocket square mainly depend on the size and thickness of the pocket square as well as the user preference. Another deciding factor for the visible portion of the pocket square is the folding technique used. One school of thought advocates showing less of the pocket square above the edge of the pocket, while another says that more is the amount of pocket square cloth seen, better the chances of increasing the aesthetic appeal.

Can the tie and pocket square be of the same material?

Generally, the pocket square and the tie are not chosen to be of the same material; this is done to maintain a contrast between these two articles of clothing. Additionally, since the color of the pocket square is intentionally kept different from the tie, it makes sense to have the pocket square to have a different material too. As with most articles of clothing, a change signifies a break in the monotony. This adage is true for the pocket square-tie relationship too. Therefore, most fashion experts advise that the pocket square should be of a fabric that is distinctly different from that of the tie. However, here again, the ultimate decision rests with the user. It is up to his taste to decide on whether to go in for matching materials or indulge in variation – which option the user chooses; he should be able to carry it off well.