How to Fold a Suit Napkin

Finish off your suit with a properly folded napkin.

When you know how to fold a suit handkerchief or napkin, you know how to finish off the look of an expensive suit. While the suit is limited in the number of adornments it has, such as ties or cuff links, pocket handkerchiefs are one of the mainstays of suit embellishment, providing a finished and polished look for the traditionally dressed man. With only a few steps, you will be on your way to folding a stylish and practical suit napkin.

Instructions

1. Place a suit napkin on a flat surface. Fold the napkin in half so that the width remains the same, but the length is halved. Press firmly on the fold itself to ensure a clean and crisp look.

2. Fold the napkin in half again to form a square; it will be one-quarter of its original size. Press down on all folds to create a crisp and clean line.

3. Fold the napkin in half one more time, making it half as wide as it is in length. Press down on the folds to make the fold crisp and neat.

4. Insert the folded napkin into a suit pocket with the folded side facing up. It may be tilted to the side slightly if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• This fold is often referred to as the Presidential fold or the television fold. It is the simplest of all the folds. For cotton and linens handkerchiefs, iron with a bit of starch to provide crispness to the fabric. Leave silk handkerchiefs soft; do not starch them at all.

References

• A Tailored Suit: Men's Pocket Square Folding