Mens Custom Pocket Square & Suit Handkerchief

What Is A Mens Pocket Square?

The simplest way to look sharp at weddings, interviews, and formal events

A pocket square is a small piece of fabric worn in your jacket's breast pocket. It adds visual contrast to your outfit and signals attention to detail without saying a word.

Most men skip pocket squares because they seem complicated. They're not. You need one fold, one color, and about 10 seconds.

Why Pocket Squares Matter

A pocket square separates a basic suit from a polished look. It's the difference between showing up and showing up prepared.

At weddings, formal events, and professional settings, a pocket square shows you understand the occasion. It elevates how others perceive your outfit quality more than an expensive tie or cufflinks ever could.

The best part is that pocket squares work because they're expected in formal contexts. You're not experimenting with fashion. You're meeting a standard.

When to Wear a Pocket Square

Wear a pocket square anytime you're wearing a suit or blazer to a formal or semi-formal event.

Always appropriate for weddings, funerals, black tie events, job interviews, business meetings, date nights with a blazer, and formal dinners.

Skip them for casual blazers with jeans unless you're comfortable with a more styled look.

The general rule is simple. If the event matters enough that you're wearing a jacket, it matters enough for a pocket square.

How to Wear a Pocket Square Correctly

Place the pocket square in your jacket's breast pocket with about a quarter to half inch showing above the pocket edge. The fabric should look intentional but not stiff.

It goes in the left breast pocket only. Never in pants pockets or inner jacket pockets.

Most men worry about showing too much or too little. Aim for roughly the width of your finger showing above the pocket line. Adjust until it looks balanced with your lapel.

Your pocket square does not need to match your tie. In fact, matching them exactly often looks dated. Instead, aim for complementary tones or stick with white, which works with everything.

The Only Two Folds You Need

Forget the 12-fold tutorials. You need two folds total.

Presidential Fold (Formal Events)

For formal events, weddings, and interviews, use the Presidential Fold. This is a flat, horizontal fold that sits crisp and clean in your pocket. It signals formality and respect for the occasion. Fold your pocket square into a rectangle slightly narrower than your pocket width. Tuck it in so only the top edge shows.

Puff Fold (Casual Events)

For casual blazers and relaxed events, use the Puff Fold. Pinch the center of your pocket square, gather it loosely, and tuck the gathered end into your pocket. The top should look soft and slightly rounded. This works for dinner dates, cocktail parties, and less rigid dress codes.

That's it. One fold for serious occasions. One fold for everything else.

Pocket Square Materials Compared

The three main fabrics are linen, silk, and cotton. Each has a purpose.

Linen Pocket Squares

Linen pocket squares have a matte finish and natural texture. They hold folds well and photograph beautifully at weddings. Linen signals formality without flash. This is the default choice for grooms, groomsmen, and any black tie event.

Silk Pocket Squares

Silk pocket squares have a smooth, shiny surface. They're more flexible and work better for puff folds or casual blazers. Silk allows for richer colors and patterns but can look too casual for very formal events.

Cotton Pocket Squares

Cotton pocket squares sit between linen and silk. They're softer than linen but less formal than pure cotton dress shirts. Cotton works for business settings and daytime events.

For weddings and formal occasions, linen wins. For versatility and color, silk is your best option.

The White Linen Pocket Square Rule

If you only own one pocket square, make it white linen.

White works with every suit color, every tie, and every shirt. It never clashes. It never looks wrong. At weddings, white linen is the expected choice because it photographs cleanly and doesn't compete with the wedding colors.

White linen also signals respect for formal dress codes. It shows you understand the occasion without trying to stand out. Grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests default to white linen for a reason. It removes all risk.

Patterned and colored pocket squares have their place, but they require more thought. White linen never does.

Common Pocket Square Mistakes

Matching Your Tie Exactly

Matching your pocket square exactly to your tie. This looks coordinated in a dated way. Your pocket square should complement your outfit, not mirror it. If your tie is navy, your pocket square can be white, light blue, or a subtle pattern with navy accents. Exact matches feel forced.

Folding It Too Perfectly

Folding it too perfectly. A pocket square should look intentional but not robotic. Slight imperfection adds character. If it looks like it was ironed into place and glued down, adjust it.

Wearing Bold Patterns to Formal Events

Wearing bold patterns to formal events. Weddings and black tie events call for restraint. Save the paisley and bright colors for casual blazers and parties. At formal events, a white or solid pocket square in a muted tone is always the safer choice.

Using a Square That's Too Small

Using a square that's too small. Pocket squares should be at least 10 to 12 inches per side. Anything smaller won't fold properly or stay in place. Standard sizing is around 12 to 16 inches, which works for most jacket pockets.

Skipping It When Wearing a Suit

Skipping it entirely when wearing a suit. If you're dressed formally enough for a suit, you're dressed formally enough for a pocket square. Leaving the pocket empty makes the outfit feel unfinished.

How to Choose the Right Pocket Square

Start with one white linen pocket square. Use it for weddings, interviews, and formal events. That's your foundation.

If you want a second pocket square, choose a solid color in a neutral tone like navy, charcoal, or burgundy. This gives you flexibility for business settings and evening events without adding complexity.

Once you have those two, you can experiment with patterns and textures. But most men find that a white linen square handles 90% of their formal needs.

The goal is not to collect pocket squares. The goal is to never show up underdressed.

Shop White Linen Pocket Squares