Once an item of pure function, the pocket square has evolved into an essential accessory for the well-dressed man. The handkerchief’s younger, more sophisticated sibling can be found cleanly folded in the breast pocket of a suit or sports jacket. Made out of silk, linen, or cotton by brands like Etro, Robert Talbott, and Santorelli, the pocket square can range in price from $8 to $95. Here are just a handful of tips for perfecting the Mad Men–inspired look.
“It’s the sign of a well-dressed man. People who don’t wear pocket squares aren’t dressers—they just wear clothes,” says Howard Harrison, a sales associate at Sam Cavato. “We’re strong believers in white linen pocket squares, because they go with everything.”
“You see pocket squares more often in larger cities like Chicago,” observes Nick Catanzaro, sales consultant at Mister Guy. “A lot of times, guys will forget to wear them. Just leave it in your pocket, so you don’t forget.”
“Don’t wash windows with it, and definitely don’t blow your nose,” advises Mark Scissors, assistant manager at Woody’s men’s shop. “I don’t even know if I’d wipe away a tear with it, because water will stain silk.”
“A pocket square is a very dapper detail. It’s one of those items that makes a boring blue blazer seem sharp,” says Virgil Carter, manager of Kim Kuehner Sportswear. For fall, Carter suggests silk pocket squares with a bright pop of color.
“Some people do four points, while others wear pocket squares in a puff shape,” says Michael Pagel, co-owner of Moris Fashions. He recommends that patterned pocket squares be worn with a puff and solid colors be worn straight across: “That’s my personal taste.”
Steven Batters, personal stylist manager at the Saint Louis Galleria Nordstrom, recommends wearing a pocket square without a tie for a more polished yet relaxed look. “Just remember to avoid matching your pocket square with your tie or shirt color,” he says. “A pocket square is meant to stand out and express your personality.”
