How to Buy a Pocket Square

[jz687]

Hi,

I've never owned a pocket square and I'm looking to buy my first one.

I was just wondering what one should look for in a pocket square in terms of material.... I've seen silk and linen etc... Just not sure if there are reasons to choose either over the other....

Also, I was wondering as to what colours/patterns are appropriate for formal occasions such as weddings. I'm guessing white, is the most conservative choice, just not too sure about how unconventional one should be, or how to match the square to the rest of the outfit.

Thanks.

 

[emmanuel]

First one should be white linen or cotton for maximum versatility.

 

[jz687]

Awesome...Thanks!

 

[Zenny]

A white cotton or linen square in a TV fold is always appropriate and never frowned upon.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Zenny

A white cotton or linen square in a TV fold is always appropriate and never frowned upon.
I'm a huge fan of white linen pocket squares.

 

[Big Pun]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I'm a huge fan of white linen pocket squares.
Agreed. I only own 1 PS and it's white linen. I don't know much, but try not to match your PS to your tie or shirt or suit. Not sure how to spot quality but it isn't going to get rough treatment so who cares.

 

[phillyesq]

I agree re: white linen. This was my first p.s., and I would certainly recommend it: http://www.kentwang.com/product_info...products_id=50

 

[Kent Wang]

This white cotton with subtle leaf pattern is also suitable for a first pocket square. Appropriate for any occasion that calls for a plain white square but has a subtle pattern that will only be noticed upon close inspection.

 

[culverwood]

Originally Posted by jz687

Hi,

I've never owned a pocket square and I'm looking to buy my first one.

I was just wondering what one should look for in a pocket square in terms of material.... I've seen silk and linen etc... Just not sure if there are reasons to choose either over the other....

Also, I was wondering as to what colours/patterns are appropriate for formal occasions such as weddings. I'm guessing white, is the most conservative choice, just not too sure about how unconventional one should be, or how to match the square to the rest of the outfit.

Thanks.

If you are going to a wedding wearing a morning suit or dark grey with white shirt I would agree with the advice given above of white linen.

If you are going to wear something a little different such as a blue suit with a more colourful tie may I also suggest a silk square with a pattern possibly paisley worn in a less stiff manner. The pattern needs to have some relationship in colour to your suit and tie though need not be the same colour as either.

 

[bigbris1]

Originally Posted by Zenny

A white cotton or linen square in a TV fold is always appropriate and never frowned upon.

I frown on the TV fold as it lacks imagination, flair and is plain old boring.

Continue.

 

[Darnmor]

Originally Posted by Big Punisher

I don't know much, but try not to match your PS to your tie or shirt or suit.

Is this true? I have a few tie and square sets. Should I have split them?

 

[axe]

Originally Posted by Darnmor

Is this true? I have a few tie and square sets. Should I have split them?
I'd avoid a matchy-matchy combo. I find it makes one look like a photo from a tux rental catalogue.

YMMV, though.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by Darnmor

Is this true? I have a few tie and square sets. Should I have split them?
Yes, you should. Nothing stopping you wearing them separately but don't wear the matching pair together.

Originally Posted by bigbris1

I frown on the TV fold as it lacks imagination, flair and is plain old boring. Continue.
You could say the same about white shirts. The TV fold is a classic in it's simplicity, if nobody wore a single item that could be considered boring then everyone would be dressed in ridiculous costume. You can always show your imagination through other items or combinations.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

A pocket square is not something you should just buy without considering what you are going to wear it with. In many ways a pocket square is the most difficult item to choose for your wardrobe. how2buypocketsquare

 

[Eccentric]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

A pocket square is not something you should just buy without considering what you are going to wear it with. In many ways a pocket square is the most difficult item to choose for your wardrobe.

how2buypocketsquare

+1. This article had a very large impact on how I think about and wear pocket squares. Worth the read.