Having begun their life as small squares of material in England during the middle ages, the pocket square is a pocket handkerchief used nowadays for just ornamental purposes. The material from which they are made could differ according to their absorption and the prosperity of the owner, the more well-to-do using silk.
Through time the handkerchief has been used and presented in many different ways to represent a multitude of different purposes. The archetypal British vacationer using the knotted handkerchief to complete his outfit consisting of suspenders and rolled up pants, while a white flag made of the handkerchief is a sign showing peace or a readiness for resolve, as well as being worn on the head of a judge ordering a death sentence in Hong Kong while under British rule. However, the handkerchief has fallen away in use and is now used only as an accessory to compliment a suit in the form of the pocket square.
Paper is these days used in preference to the handkerchief for hygiene purposes. This came about purely by accident when it was discovered that facial tissues were being used in place of the handkerchief.
When the handkerchief is used as a pocket square, it can be folded and shaped into many different visual enhancing effects and placed in the breast pocket of a tuxedo jacket. Each form enhancing the suit as the wearer prefers, whether it be subtle or flamboyant.
These different folding methods have different names: the presidential, the one point fold (or the two, three or four point fold) and the puff. Each one has a distinct look when placed in the top pocket.
It is unusual to see a pocket-handkerchief worn to the office or a business meeting since a pocket square implies a formal setting. It is more often seen worn in black tie social events. Sometimes, to a board meeting for example, a pocket square might be worn appropriately.
Your pocket square should never be worn hanging from the back pocket of your jeans. The reason? It’s used as a secret code within the gay society and the precise way its worn and the color specifies your predilection.
If a man wears a tuxedo, he will need some accessories, even if it is just a tie-pin or a cummerbund. The pocket square can then be folded in a way that matched the formality of the event.
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