How to Fold a Pocket Square

The use of a pocket square as a suit accessory has seen a tremendous rise in popularity during the past decade. It’s an attractive accessory and its use can be traced back to prehistoric times. In ancient Egypt, working men used to carry a piece of cloth similar to a handkerchief, and they used it for cleaning and drying their face or hands during labor.

With the passage of time, the handkerchief evolved into a smaller version, now carried inside the front breast pocket. It serves an aesthetic purpose rather than practical. Now called a pocket square, this accessory is styled in different ways to adorn your jacket.

Here are some of the simple, classy, and  yet impressive ways to fold a pocket square to enhance the look of your jacket.

 
black line.png
 

Pocket Square Fold Style #1: Presidential Fold

This is the easiest way to fold a pocket square. It looks elegant with a variety of settings and styles, ranging from formal business attire to wedding jackets.


How to do the Presidential Fold

  1. Place the pocket square on a flat surface.

  2. Fold it in half from left to right. It should now be of similar width to your jacket pocket.

  3. Take the edge closest to you and fold it up approximately half an inch away from its opposite edge.

  4. Place it inside the breast pocket of your jacket and ensure no overlapping cloth can be seen.


Pocket Square Fold Style #2: Puff Fold

The puff fold gives a unique and sophisticated look to your pocket square. It’s the perfect fit for more casual attires.


How to do the puff fold

  1. Place the pocket square on a flat surface.

  2. Pinch it from the center and pick it up.

  3. Adjust its sides to make them hang equally.

  4. While pinching it from the center, gently push the hanging edges into your jacket pocket.

  5. Don’t compress or over-press the fold inside the pocket. It should look puffy to give an uneven and a bit of a casual look.


Pocket Square Fold Style #3: One Tip Up

This is another common way to fold a pocket square. It looks good with any type of dress code.


How to do the One Tip Up fold

  1. Place the pocket square on a flat surface.

  2. Fold one corner across to its opposite corner to create a triangle.

  3. With the longest side closest to you, fold the left corner into itself, creating two smaller right triangles.

  4. Repeat the same process with the opposite side, creating a look similar to an envelope.

  5. Place this complete pocket square in your jacket’s pocket.


Pocket Square Fold #4: Two Pointed Fold

If you’re looking for a unique fold to enhance your casual or formal outfit, the Two Pointed Fold perfectly serves that purpose. It can add a distinguished and elegant flourish to any suit.

How to do the Two Pointed Fold

  1. Place the pocket square on a flat surface.

  2. Fold its one side over the other so that it makes two overlapping triangles with one triangle’s tip higher than the other.

  3. Fold one of its sides from the base and do the same with the other side in a way that both sides overlap each other.

  4. Gently lift and place the pocket square inside your jacket’s pocket with the bottom inside and the triangle tips peeking outside your breast pocket.


Pocket Square Fold #5: The Aficionado’s Fold

This fold is also known as the “three tips up” or “crowned fold.” It looks great when made using patterned or colorful pocket squares. This generally suits well and looks good with formal or business wear, and when you pair with a sports jacket or a formal blazer or coat.


How to do the Aficionado’s Fold

  1. Place the pocket square on a flat surface.

  2. Fold its one side over the other so that it makes two overlapping triangles with one triangle’s tip higher than the other.

  3. For making the third tip, you need to fold one of the side points to overlapping the others, coming from the bottom. This will work as a base to keep the pocket square secure inside the pocket.

  4. Fold this on the back side to create a stronger fold.

  5. Place this pocket square inside with the folded bottom inside and it’s ready to show off.


Pocket Square Fold #6: The Winged Fold

This is an advanced style of pocket square fold that goes well with formal as well as casual clothing. This fold can work great with a solid color pocket square, giving it an elegant look. It can also be used for a two-tone or multi-patterned


How to do the Winged Fold

  • Place the pocket square on a flat surface.

  • Fold its one side diagonally, aiming the tip of the triangle in a downward direction.

  • Then make an equilateral diamond by folding the corners of the pocket square from each end toward the bottom end.

  • Tug lose the upper corner so that the folded wings do not appear over-lapping.

  • Take the three corners that are not winged at the top, and fold them into the pocket square’s centre.

  • Tuck the sides which you squared inside your jacket’s pocket in a way that just the tip remains visible. Set the two peaks gently apart to create a dome shape.


Distinguish your look with a custom suit.

Our experienced tailors can help you create a suit made precisely for your fit. Learn more about our custom suits here, or reach out to book an appointment or ask questions.