Hey there, gentlemen!

It’s Ed Ruiz here again, and today we’re going to talk about one of my favorite accessories (and one of the 5 must-have accessories every man should own): the pocket square.

It’s a small but mighty piece that can add a ton of personality to any suit and tie outfit.

So if you’ve been neglecting the pocket square, now is the time to start incorporating it into your wardrobe.

I’ll convince you in this blog post, so let’s get started!

So What is a Pocket Square?

First things first, let’s define what a pocket square is.

It’s a small piece of fabric that is folded and placed into the chest pocket of a suit jacket or blazer. Simple as that.

It’s purely decorative and has no real functional purpose, but it can really elevate your outfit to the next level.

So why should you wear a pocket square?

Well, it adds a huge amount of flair and personality to an otherwise standard suit and tie outfit.

It’s a way to express yourself and show off your personal style. Plus, it’s one of those small details that can make a big impact.

The Different Types of Pocket Squares

Now let’s dive into the different types of pocket squares.

There are so many fabrics, styles, patterns, and colors to choose from, there are countless options, so you’re surely bound to find something that suits your taste.

First, let’s talk about fabrics.

The most common fabrics for pocket squares are silk, cotton, and linen.

Silk pocket squares are the most formal and luxurious, while cotton and linen are more casual and perfect for Summer.

Read: How to Style a Suit for a Spring or Summer Wedding

Next, let’s talk about styles.

The most common style of pocket square is the square or presidential fold, which is a simple, classic fold that looks great with any outfit.

It is a personal favorite of mine for very elegant outfits.

But there are also other folds for those of you wanting to have more fun with your pocket squares, such as the puff fold and the four-point fold, that can add a bit more flair to your outfit.

When it comes to patterns and colors, the sky’s the limit.

You can go with a solid color pocket square to keep things simple, or you can choose a patterned pocket square to add some visual interest.

Just make sure that the colors and patterns complement the rest of your outfit.

We’ll talk about some mixing and matching rules for pocket squares and other accessories in a future blog post – stay tuned.

Choosing the Right Pocket Square

Now that you know more about the different types of pocket squares available, it’s time to choose the right one for your outfit.

The key here is to choose a pocket square that complements the rest of your outfit, rather than overpowering it.

Keyword: complements.

Up next I will share with you some very basic rules – these are oversimplified rules as we’ll drill deeper into these in future posts, so keep that in mind.

If you’re wearing a solid color suit and tie, you can go with a patterned pocket square to add some visual interest. If you’re wearing a patterned suit or tie, go with a solid color pocket square to balance things out.

When it comes to choosing the right color, consider the occasion and the season. For formal occasions, stick with classic colors like white, black, or navy. For more casual occasions, you can go with brighter colors and bolder patterns. Pretty much anything goes.

Finally, consider your personal style. If you’re more of a classic dresser, stick with simple, understated pocket squares. If you like to make a statement with your outfit, go for a bold, colorful pocket square.

At the end of the day, it’s staying true to your own approach to style what truly matters.

That’s why the versatility of the pocket square is such a wonderful tool in your style arsenal.

Read: Necktie Trends for 2023: Wide Ties, Patterns, Textures, Colors, and Knots

How to Wear a Pocket Square

Now that you know what a pocket square is and how to choose the right one, it’s time to learn how to wear it properly.

As you know now, there are different folds to choose from, including the classic square fold, the one-point fold, and the puff fold.

But for now, let’s focus on the action of wearing the pocket square properly.

When inserting the pocket square into your jacket pocket, make sure it sits flush with the top of the pocket and doesn’t droop or stick out too far.

You want it to look intentional and stylish, not sloppy or careless.

There is room to experiment a little bit with how you choose to present your pocket square, and I would encourage you to try different ways of wearing it, but my personal recommendation is to always go for something stylish and don’t overpowers your outfit.

You can also experiment with different ways to match the pocket square with your tie or shirt. For example, if you’re wearing a blue tie, you could choose a pocket square with blue accents or a complementary color like orange or yellow.

Now you may be wondering: is there a wrong way to wear a pocket square?

Well, technically yes. As much as the pocket square provides a lot of freedom, there are some mistakes you would like to avoid.

Common Pocket Squares Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to wearing a pocket square, there are a few common mistakes that men often make.

One is choosing a pocket square that’s too small or too large for the jacket pocket. You want it to fit snugly and sit flush with the top of the chest pocket of your jacket.

This can be complicated, I know. From personal experience, being a short man, many pocket squares are quite large for my jacket chest pocket and end bunching inside it, which is not ideal.

So always keep this in mind when buying pocket squares. Size really matters.

Another very common mistake, but fortunately it is one that is very easily avoided, is matching the pocket square too closely to the tie or shirt.

This can make the outfit look too matchy-matchy and detract from the overall aesthetic.

Remember, the pocket square should complement the rest of the outfit, not blend in completely.

Finally, avoid overdoing it with accessories. A pocket square is a great way to add flair to your outfit, but if you’re also wearing a tie bar, cufflinks, and a lapel pin, it can start to look cluttered and overwhelming.

Choose one, two or three accessories tops to focus on and let them shine.

Conclusion

Adding a pocket square to your suit and tie outfit is an easy and stylish way to take your look to the next level. By choosing the right fabric, color, and style, and wearing it properly, you can add flair and personality to any outfit.

Remember to experiment with different folds and combinations, and don’t be afraid to have fun with it. Avoid common mistakes like choosing a pocket square that’s too small or too closely matched to your tie or shirt, and don’t overdo it with accessories.

So go ahead and try out a pocket square with your next suit and tie outfit. You might be surprised at how much it elevates your style game.

In no time you’ll be a proud pocket square wearer and expert, of that I’m sure.

So tell me, do you wear pocket squares? Yes? No?

What makes them special to you? Let me know in a comment below!

Do you follow me on social media yet? 😉

Thank you for reading.

Stay classy.

Ed.