History of the Pocket Handkerchief

The handkerchief, also known as a hanky, is a piece of cloth that is used to wipe or blow the nose. It has a long history dating back to the 16th century and English royalty. The handkerchief has gone through many phases, starting as a hygiene product, moving to fashion, and then finding itself back where it started in the form of a paper product.

Inventor

Jstor.org states that the pocket handkerchief is thought to be invented by King Richard the II of England. The first documented use is in his household rolls, where they were quoted as "little pieces for the lord King to wipe and clean his nose."

Rumors

According to Fashionencyclopedia.com, King Louis XVI of France ruled that handkerchiefs must be square after his wife Marie Antoinette became frustrated with the wide variety of shapes.

Fashion

Over time the material of the handkerchief began to change. Materials such as silk or expensive linens were used by the upper class, turning the nose wiper into a fashion statement.

Surrender

Throughout history, the use of white handkerchiefs as flags became a popular way to surrender. They were waved high in the air to show intentions of truce.

Paper

The Kleenex company first created the paper tissue as make-up removers. However, once people began blowing their nose in them, they changed their marketing scheme.

Resources

• Fashionencyclopedia.com
• Jstor.org