- This is the standard fold for everyday wear, but the length should be slightly longer than the pocket for the handkerchief to show. A linen handkerchief should be starched to appear crisp, but a silk one should not be starched. Silk should be folded so the rolled edges show. Fold the handkerchief widthwise, with the fold at the bottom. Then fold again so the handkerchief is in quarters, with the edges up. Fold once more lengthwise so it is half as wide as it is long. Insert the handkerchief in the pocket with the edges up, set so that a little over an inch is visible. A jaunty tilt can be attractive.
- The flute is sometimes called a puff or balloon. This style can test the mettle of a fashionable man, for it allows for much fussing and arranging, almost like a vase of flowers. Pinch the handkerchief at the very center, and let it hang down. Smooth the fabric so that it forms a flute, with all the edges down. Turn the flute up and fold it in half, bringing the point up next to the edges. Tuck the handkerchief into the pocket, folded side down, leaving the point and edges showing an inch or so. Adjust and arrange the visible bits as needed.
- A more conservative and less creative fold is the pointed fold. Lay the handkerchief so that it appears diamond-shaped. Fold it in half so the fold is upper-right, then again so the second fold is lower-right. Displace the corners at the top so both are visible, forming a couple of points side by side. Then fold the three remaining corners so they all touch, making a small square with two points at the top. Tuck this into the pocket, with the points showing an inch or so. A linen or cotton handkerchief might need extra starch for the points to remain upright, or a slightly disarrayed look can be had by arranging.
- Other folds can be achieved, such as the Cagney, Astaire, straight shell and diagonal shell. Color and fabric play a role in your fashion statement, as well. Experiment to find your personal style.
