Folding a Man's Pocket Handkerchief

Wearing a handkerchief or pocket square can really add to the look of a man's suit. Be it a formal occasion or simply a business meeting, adding a pocket square to a suit jacket can convey class, style and professionalism. While it is important to select a handkerchief of the proper color and material, making sure you fold it correctly is equally as important.

Things You'll Need

• Suit jacket with breast pocket
• Iron

Instructions

Square Handkerchief Fold

1. Lay a clean and freshly ironed handkerchief on a flat surface. Fold it in half cleanly and make a crease.

2. Fold the handkerchief in half again, this time making a square. Again, crease your fold.

3. Fold the square in half again, this time making a rectangular shape. Insert the folded handkerchief into your suit's breast pocket, making sure that 1/2 inch to 1 inch is exposed.

4. Position the folded handkerchief in style you want, either horizontal or diagonal.

Two Point Handkerchief Fold

1. Lay a freshly ironed handkerchief flat on a surface. Fold it in half cleanly so you have a rectangular shape. Fold the rectangle in half again so that you wind up with a square shape again.

2. Slide the top 1/2 inch of one of the points to the side so that you see two points: one in front, one in back. These are the points that will be publicly visible, so position them as you would like them to be seen.

3. Fold in the remaining three corners so that they form three triangles with points that meet in the center.

4. Adjust the bottom folds so the handkerchief fits the width of the coat pocket. This may mean overlapping the points of the triangle folds you just made. Insert this into the breast pocket and adjust the visible offset points as you would like.

Handkerchief Fluting

1. Place a clean, ironed handkerchief on a flat surface. Pinch it in the middle with your right hand and lift it up.

2. With the other hand, create an "O" with your finger and thumb just below the pinch, and run it down toward the bottom of the handkerchief, gentle squeezing the material and stopping a few inches before the bottom. You should have the edges of the handkerchief looking ruffled and facing the floor.

3. Bring the right hand (the pinch) down, bringing the handkerchief over your thumb, not quite folding it in half.

4. With you other hand, grasp the folded material and stuff that into your coat pocket, leaving the fluted edges exposed. Arrange the handkerchief as you like.

References

• Men's Square Folding