How to Fold a Pocket Square

A pocket square is a fashionable way to add a burst of color and personality to a man's suit or sports coat. They are appropriate for both daily business wear and for more formal occasions. In fact, many men consider a suit "naked" without one. There are numerous styles for folding pocket squares. One of the most traditional and simplest ways to fold a pocket square is the one-point or one-corner fold, which looks like a small triangle peaking from the pocket.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pocket square Iron and ironing board Suit Jacket

1. Iron the center of your pocket square to ensure sharp folds. Do not iron the hand-rolled border sewn around the edges of the pocket square.

2. Lay your pocket square on a flat surface with the matte, non shiny, side facing you. The side you wish to be seen should be face-down on the flat surface. Turn your pocket square so that is laying in the shape of a diamond (not a square) with one point facing up, and one point facing down.

3. Take the bottom point of the diamond and fold it up to match the top point of the diamond. You will now have a perfect triangle, with the longest part of the triangle at the bottom.

4. Fold the triangle into thirds by folding the left corner of the triangle in one-third of the way towards the right side. Repeat this step by bringing the right side of the triangle in one-third of the way towards the left side. You will now have a vertical rectangle with a point on top.

5. Put on your suit jacket. Tuck pocket square into your jacket pocket with the folded edges facing the inside of your suit. In a mirror, adjust so that you have the desired amount of the pocket square showing.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing a pocket square, it should be a complementary color to your tie. Avoid matching the exact color of your tie and pocket square---they should coordinate, while not being an exact match.
• When ironing a silk or satin pocket square, set your iron on a low heat setting to avoid burning the fabric.

References

• The Art of Manliness: How to Fold a Pocket Square
• A Tailored Suit: Folding Pocket Squares