All gentlemen wear a pocket handkerchief made of white linen with their tails and most with their tuxedo. But in everyday life you rarely see the splash of color.

Because many men despair when it comes to choosing the right tie for their shirt every day – a handkerchief in the same color would completely overwhelm them. The small scarves are a statement that is as simple as it is sophisticated, to upgrade an outfit and demonstrate good style.

materials

Originally used as a handkerchief, the handkerchiefs, also known as pochettes, are now only used for decoration. Whether made of cotton, linen, silk, wool: All materials are conceivable, although natural fibers are always preferable to synthetics. Especially with silk, the more elegant sheen leaves the cheaper versions made of viscose or polyester far behind. The edges of the silk scarves should be hemmed by hand, technically hand-rolled. This shows the good quality of a pochette.

colors and patterns

When it comes to colors and patterns, there are only a few limits to your taste. An unwritten rule is: Don’t wear a tie and pocket square in the same fabric. The color and pattern of the pochette should harmonize with the shirt, tie or suit, but should by no means be the same. The only exception: the tailcoat with scarf and bow in white.

Combine correctly

It takes a good deal of sensitivity to combine elegantly. As a guide, you can pick up the colors in the shirt and tie in the cloth. The patterns may be similar, but strong contrasts can also create an interesting effect. The silk tie and scarf create a harmonious contrast to the rough wool suit. If you are unsure about your choice: there is no right or wrong, as long as you like it, it is the right choice!

solo performance

But you can also wear a handkerchief without a tie or bow: a pochette gives you a casual elegance even with jeans, a jacket and a pullover. Of course, the breast pocket of your coat is also a suitable place for a handkerchief. Or the breast pocket of your dressing gown. And if the questions should come: No, the shirt pocket is taboo.

Bulged or folded?

Pay attention to the size: the models vary between 20 and 35 centimeters in side length. Depending on the material and the fold, the fabric can bulge the breast pocket quite a bit, so it is better to choose smaller cloths for a light suit. Or a flat fold. Here we show you two versions of how to fold your pocket square:

The triangle fold

The American Fold