How are pocket squares folded?
One of the most important aspects of wearing a pocket square is the folding technique. While color and material of the pocket square largely determines the final look of this innovative clothing accessory, it is the folding technique that makes this tiny handkerchief-like object an art-work. There are varied methods of folding a pocket square and the choice is left to the discretion of the user; however it is generally dependent on the material of the pocket square as well as the size. The general impression is that linen pocket squares retain their folds for longer periods as compared to silk ones. However, this disadvantage can be overcome by using a pocket square holder made of either leather or cardboard; this slips into the coat pocket and offers a firm lining into which the pocket square is fitted.
Back to top
What are the different folding techniques?
There are various innovative folding techniques that can be impressively used for pocket squares. The basic aim of most of these folding methods is to accentuate the artistic appeal of this simple clothing accessory and also ensure that the pocket square retains its shape for longer periods of time. Some of the more famous folding techniques include the Astaire fold, Presidential fold, Cooper Fold, Cagney fold, TV Fold, one-point fold, two-point fold, three-point fold, four-point fold, puff fold, reverse puff fold, straight Shell fold, diagonal shell fold, and Winged Puff fold. These folds have their own varying degrees of complexity and visual impact.
Each of these folding techniques has its own merits and there is no single ideal one recommended for any particular occasion or outfit. It is to be understood that the basic idea behind any fold is neatness and efficiency in the placing of the pocket square. As with any other skill, pocket square folding too requires a certain amount of dexterity and fundamental understanding of the fabrics.
Back to top
What is the Astaire fold?
The Astaire pocket square folding technique is designed for ease of folding and showcasing a subtle touch of class. This fold is accented by its simplicity. In order to create the Astaire fold, all you need to do is place the pocket square flat over an even surface and then pick up the cloth from the center with your fingers. This will result in a kind of a puff, and you will notice that all the four points of the pocket square are hanging down. Now, you need to grab and uniformly pull up any two of these points till the height of the original grab. The lower part of the material is then to be gathered together and folded neatly under the puff. The pocket square is now ready to be slipped into the left breast pocket of the coat. Now with a classy Astaire fold on you, you can make that impressive entry into the event.
Back to top
What is the Presidential fold?
The presidential fold is one of the most business-like of all the pocket square folding techniques. Having an official look, this fold is suitable for just about any occasion and suit. What this fold lacks in style, it more than makes up for in its professional look. In order to perform a presidential fold, you should first fold your pocket square into quarters. When placed on a flat surface, ensure that the open edges are oriented towards the top and the right. Now, from the left-hand side, fold the pocket square parallel to the right edge towards this edge. After folding, the width of the pocket square should be slightly less than that of the pocket. You can now fold the square from the bottom. This is the portion that goes into the bottom of the coat pocket. The pocket square can then be slipped into the pocket with the bottom fold being extended according to the amount of fabric required to be visible above the pocket. With severe lines, the presidential fold exudes a neat appearance.
Back to top
How does one perform a Cooper Fold?
The cooper pocket square fold is fluffier and trendier than the presidential fold and is suited for occasions that are relatively less strict and conservative. The first step when performing a cooper fold requires the user to cup the hand in the upward direction and lay the pocket square sloping over the upturned hand. The next step would be to push down on the center of the cloth creating a kind of a depression. After performing this maneuver, grasp the upper third of the cloth and straighten the material towards the bottom. After the free ends at the bottom are folded, the pocket square can now be inserted into the pocket with the desired amount of material kept visible out of the pocket.
Back to top
What is a pocket square Cagney fold?
Sporting multiple peaks, the Cagney fold presents an attractive sight. This way of folding the pocket square renders a touch of class to the overall appearance of the wearer. For creating the Cagney fold, you will need to place the pocket square in a diamond shaped orientation with the points facing in a North-South direction. The next step involves lifting the lower point towards the upper one to fold the pocket square in half. Now, move the lower left point across the pocket square to form another fold with one more point being created. Repeat the same procedure with the right point. Create similar folds once more from both the left and right sides towards the middle. Now, fold the bottom portion upwards to form a flat base that can then be slipped into the left coat pocket. After being placed in the pocket, the rise of the pocket square above the pocket can be adjusted and the direction of the points can also be modified as per the preference of the user.
Back to top
What is the pocket square TV Fold?
The TV fold is one of the simplest ways of folding a pocket square. However, this simplicity is not to be mistaken for a loss of style. The TV fold also proves that good things need not always take hard efforts. For this fold, the first step involves placing the square diagonally oriented on a flat surface. Then, you will need to lift the lower point and fold it across to join the upper point. This will result in the pocket square being folded exactly in half. The next step would be to grab the left-most point and draw it halfway across the pocket square till the two slanting edges are parallel to each other. Perform this same step with the right hand side point. Now, you can slip the pocket square into the coat pocket with the upper point going into the pocket. This will mean that the straight side remains visible out of the pocket. At first glance, the TV fold looks very similar to the presidential fold. This fold too is versatile enough to be suited for varied occasions.
Back to top
How does a One-point pocket square fold differ from a Two-point fold?
Both the one-point fold and the two-point fold have their own unique characteristics that make the pocket square an eye-catching accessory. The one-point fold could, in all respects, be considered an inverted TV fold. For this fold, you would first be required to fold the square into quarters, placing it on a flat surface in a diagonal position. Next, you would drag the bottom point towards the upper point creating a pocket square that is neatly folded into a triangle. Now, both the right and the left lower points of the triangle are folded towards the middle. The pocket square can now be inserted into the pocket with the flat side at the bottom and the pointed surface remaining visible above the pocket rim.
The two-point fold also requires the cloth to be first folded into quarters as is done for the one-point fold. However, in this case, the next step involves the lower right point being dragged up to the slightly left position of the top point. Now, you can fold the side and bottom points inwards. The pocket square is now ready to be put into the breast pocket with the overlapping points showing above the edge of the pocket.
Back to top
What are the Three-point and Four-point pocket square folds?
The three-point fold is almost similar to the four-point fold. To execute this fold, place the pocket square in the diagonal position on a flat surface and cover the upper half with the bottom half of the square, effectively folding the pocket square in half. Here comes the difference between the two different folds. While in a three-point fold, the overlap is exactly point to point, in the case of a four-point fold, the overlap is slightly offset, resulting in two points next to each other. The next step is to lift the lower left point across the right of the upper points. Do the same with the lower right point. Now, you will fold the bottom up to the halfway mark from the bottom. The pocket is now folded and ready to wear.
Back to top
What is the difference between the puff fold and the reverse puff fold?
For the puff fold, place the pocket square flat on a surface and then pinch the middle of the square and pull it up, letting the pocket square’s four corners hang down. Now, all you need to do is fold up the hanging corners around halfway and the pocket square is ready for insertion into the pocket.
The reverse puff fold, as the name suggests, is the exact opposite of the puff fold. With the corners being oriented in the upper direction, the pocket fold has the appearance of a budding flower. Now, with the pinched mid-portion of the pocket square being inserted into the pocket, the four ends can be aesthetically arranged out of the pocket, rendering the pocket square a unique and pleasant look. Both the puff and the reverse puff are designed to bring out the best in your pocket square.
Back to top
What is the Straight Shell pocket square fold?
The straight shell fold is everything the name claims to be, providing an interesting combination of minimalism with class. In order to get this fold going, the pocket square is first folded in half and thereafter folded again in the opposite direction resulting in being folded into a quarter. Next, the lower edge is pushed slightly upwards to make a pleat. You can then repeat the same procedure to make as many pleats as you desire. Now, the right half is folded towards the rear of the left half. You can now slip in the pocket square into the breast pocket with the folded edges on top and then position the square as per your taste.
Back to top
What is the diagonal shell fold?
The diagonal shell fold is very similar to the straight shell fold. In this fold, the pocket square is folded into a quarter. Unlike the straight shell fold, the folds in the diagonal shell are actually pleats originating from the lower points. This requires the lower point to be pushed upwards. As many pleats can be created in a similar fashion. Now, you need to fold the right half under the left. The folded pocket square is now ready to be placed in the breast pocket with the folded edge pointing upwards. The user can adjust the positioning of the pocket square according to individual taste.
Back to top
What is the Winged Puff fold?
The winged puff fold is an innovative folding technique that makes the pocket square look different from conventional folds. To render the pocket square a novel touch with the winged puff fold, place the pocket square diagonally over a flat surface and fold the lower point towards the upper one. Holding the two ends of the broad side fold down the top edges and bring them together in the center for form a big pleat. Now fold the bottom half up and towards the rear. The pocket square is now ready for use with an eye-catching winged puff fold.
Back to top
Does the fold depend on the material of the pocket square?
The folding of a pocket square is supposed to retain its shape for a certain period of time. This requirement is very much dependent on the material of the pocket square. Linen and cotton, being stiffer materials as compared to silk, maintain the shape they are folded into for a longer time. Silk, being extremely soft by nature, tends to collapse into the pocket. Therefore, for silk pocket squares, it is advisable to use folding techniques that bunch up within the pocket. This helps to keep the visible portion of the pocket square above the rim of the pocket. Some of the folding styles suitable for silk pocket squares include the Astaire fold, the Cooper, the Puff, and the Reverse Puff. These folding methods give the pocket square a fluffier appearance. For linen and cotton pocket squares, sharp and well-defined folds such as the Presidential fold, the TV fold, the one and two-point fold, the three and four-point fold, the winged puff, the straight shell and the diagonal shell are most suitable.
Back to top