How to Fold a Pocket Square and a TV Fold

A pocket square makes your suit stand out from the crowd.

Folded pocket squares have gone the way of spats and fedoras, and it's high time they made a comeback. Why should folding pocket squares be a lost art, like buttoning shoes or marcelling hair? A colorful, yet tasteful, pocket square adds a little pizzazz to a suit, and we could all use a little touch of jazz these days. Pocket square folds can be as plain or as ornate as you desire, but keep the pattern in line with the occasion. A two-point or TV fold is appropriate anywhere, while a reverse puff should be saved for more festive occasions.

Instructions

Two-Point Fold

1. Lay the pocket square flat in front of you.

2. Fold the square in half left to right, and then again, bottom to top.

3. Rotate the pocket square slightly so that the folds are at the bottom, and there are two points at the top.

4. Nudge the top layer of cloth over a bit so that the two top points are not aligned, but next to each other like two mountain peaks.

5. Fold the bottom point up about 2 inches.

6. Fold the two side points in toward the center until they touch the folded-up bottom point.

7. Tuck the folded square into your suit pocket with the folds toward your chest, Make sure that the two peaks are slightly separate from each other.

Reverse Puff Fold:

1. Unfold your pocket square, and shake it out.

2. Pinch the square in the center, and shake it gently so that the points all hang down.

3. Use your other hand to squeeze the pocket square about halfway between your fingers holding the center and the dangling points.

4. Bring the hand holding the center down toward the dangling points, so that the pocket square is now folded more or less in half.

5. Turn the pocket square so the points are facing up, and slide in into your suit pocket. Arrange the points loosely for a spiffy casual look.

TV Fold:

1. Lay the pocket square on the flat surface at a diagonal, so that one point is at the top, one at the bottom, one point to the left and the last to the right.

2. Fold the bottom point up to the top point. Smooth it down so that the fold lies flat.

3. Fold the left corner over toward the right until its point is just past the center and its bottom edge is aligned with the first fold you made.

4. Bring the right point toward the center until it touches the left edge of the folded square. Make sure that the bottom edges are in alignment.

5. Tuck the folded square into your suit pocket with the folded side toward your chest. Fold the top point down behind the pocket square, leaving as much of a straight edge peeking out as you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Respect the decorative nature of your pocket square. Carry a plain white handkerchief in your trouser pocket to offer crying women or use as an emergency tourniquet.

• Never match your pocket square exactly to your tie; that level of matchy-matchy doesn't even work on department store mannequins.

References

• Ashley and Sons Clothiers: Pocket Squares
• Sam Hober: How to Fold a Pocket Square
• Kinowear: How to Fold a Pocket Square

Resources

• The Art of Manliness: How to Rock a Pocket Square