How to Fold Hankies

If you've ever wondered what to do with that front pocket on your suit jacket, learning how to fold and wear a handkerchief will take care of this problem. Every man should know his options for accessorizing. You'll find many patterns and colors of handkerchiefs to choose from. It's a simple and stylish way to keep a suit fresh.

Instructions

1. Choose your handkerchief. You might start with a simple white or other colored handkerchief. It matches anything, and is guaranteed to be fashion appropriate. Once you get the hang of things, add other colors and styles to complement your wardrobe.

2. Fold your handkerchief into a simple straight fold: this will show a line of color above your pocket seam. Lay your handkerchief flat and fold it in half. Grab the bottom and fold it about a third of the way upward. Test your handkerchief in your jacket; increase or decrease this bottom fold to raise or lower the fabric that shows above the pocket.

3. Make a corner folded handkerchief: Lay your handkerchief flat in front of you, with the points facing up and down in the shape of a diamond. Create a triangle by bringing the bottom corner to the top, making a center fold. Take the bottom right and left points of your triangle, and bring them to meet in the center, leaving you with a "house" handkerchief. Fold the bottom up about a third of the way and test your handkerchief in your jacket. Adjust the bottom fold to raise or lower the amount of fabric showing above your pocket.

4. Make a pocket puff: Lay your handkerchief flat and pinch the fabric in the middle, gathering it inward. Holding the center in its puffed state, grab the fabric at the base of your puff much as if you were making a "ghost" with an air filled "head." Holding the puff, tuck the ends down into your pocket so that a circular half-moon rises above your pocket line. Adjust to your taste.

References

• "How to properly rock a pocket square"