When you should wear a pocket square

There are a lot of sources out there on the Internet that show you ways to fold a pocket square. And that very thing seems to be what most guys think of when they see a pocket square in the store or online. But, back up a minute.

How do you know when to wear a pocket square in the first place?

This week we want to answer that very question. We’re going to give you some easy guidelines on choosing a pocket square based on the occasion.

By the way, we’ll cover how to fold a pocket square in a future blog post, so stay tuned!

But for now, let’s go over a few scenarios.

At the office

Pocket square: Conservative (maybe) and not too distracting.

There are many different types of office environments. If you’re in the arts and entertainment industry or work in some other creative field, then you’re probably OK sporting a colorful pocket square.

However, for a more conservative environment, stick to a nice crisp look – a pressed cotton pocket square that extends just a quarter to a half inch above your chest pocket. A silk pocket square is just fine too, but make sure that it’s not too distracting.

For linen and cotton suits, chose a more textured pocket square fabric, like linen or cotton. Stay away from silk because it’s going to look too refined for a more casual suit.

Formal events

Pocket square: White, ironed and crisp.

There’s a reason you always see a white pocket square when men dress for formal events – it helps to frame a guy’s wardrobe. You see, with a white dress shirt (like this one), it will show a little on the cuffs when you’re wearing a dark suit or tuxedo and the white pocket square extending just above your chest pocket will help to frame your overall look.

Of course, if your dress shirt color changes, then you have more room to play with the pocket square. It really just depends how formal the event is that you’re attending

Going out

Pocket square: Colorful and very liberally folded.

When you’re out on the town you can pretty much wear whatever the heck you want to! If you want a nicely refined look, iron that cotton pocket square and you’re good to go. Alternatively, find yourself a fun and colorful piece of fabric in a really unique print or pattern.

Stuff it in your chest pocket so that it looks like it is almost falling out or take a more calculated approach and fold it in one of the traditional ways. Regardless, make sure that the colors in the fabric refer to your dress shirt or tie. And please, please don’t match your pocket square to your neck tie exactly.