How to Fold Men's Handkerchiefs

A folded handkerchief adds a polished touch to a suit.

Whether you are going to work or to a social event, you want to look your best when you are wearing a suit. At formal events, when it is especially hard to make your ensemble stand out in the crowd, little touches can set you apart. A nicely folded handkerchief is an easy way to draw attention to your look. A handkerchief that has a simple, geometric fold shows that you have taken the extra time to go beyond the look of a traditional square handkerchief.

Instructions

Two-point Fold

1. Lay the handkerchief on a flat surface and fold it vertically from the left side to the right side.

2. Grasp the bottom right corner of the handkerchief and fold it about a centimeter (or pinky finger's width) above and to the left of the top right corner.

3. Grasp the left corner of the handkerchief and fold it toward the handkerchief's center.

4. Grasp the right corner of the handkerchief and fold it toward the handkerchief's center.

5. Grasp the bottom corner of the handkerchief and fold it up toward the handkerchief's center. The bottom corner should be on top of the other folds.

6. Flip the handkerchief over, keeping a finger on the bottom fold, and place it in your suit jacket's pocket.

Wing Puff Fold

1. Lay the handkerchief on a flat surface and fold it diagonally in half from the top to the bottom. There should be one point of of the handkerchief pointing toward you.

2. Grasp the left corner of the handkerchief and fold it down toward the point that is facing you.

3. Grasp the right corner of the handkerchief and fold it down towards the point that is facing you. You should now have a diamond shape.

4. Grasp the bottom point and fold it three-quarters of the way up toward the top of the handkerchief.

5. Grasp the left corner of the handkerchief and fold it past the handkerchief's center to the center of the right side.

6. Grasp the right corner of the handkerchief and fold over to the folded crease on the left side of the handkerchief.

7. Insert the handkerchief into your suit jacket's pocket.

Tips & Warnings

• Starch your handkerchief if it is wrinkled or resistant to folding.

References

• Bumblebee Linens: Two Point Mens Handkerchief Fold
• Bumblebee Linens: Wing Puff Mens Handkerchief Fold

Resources

• Bumblebee Linens: Learn How to Fold Mens Handkerchiefs
• A Tailored Suit: The Men's Pocket Square