Can’t say I have much personal experience with pocket squares, but I do think they give a guy quite a spiffy air! As an alternative to a boutonniere for the groom or other gentlemen in the wedding party, a neatly folded pocket square is a nice choice, particularly at a daytime event. It’s fun to coordinate the color with the guys’ ties and suits, or the girls dresses and flowers. There are lots of folding options, but here’s a chic, modern look from Martha Stewart Weddings:
Pocket Square How-To
Start with a handkerchief that is 15 inches square. For best results, iron it just before folding. The thicker the fabric, the more billowy your finished pocket square will be. For silk squares, aim for a puffy look. Linen and cotton fabrics will result in a crisper fold.
1. Lay the square flat with the right side down. Fold the square in half by bringing the top point down to meet the bottom point, so it forms a triangle.
2. Fold the left point of the triangle down so it meets the bottom point.
3. Fold the right side down in the same manner.
4. Fold the left point of the diamond shape over so that the point touches the middle of the folded fabric.
5. Fold the right point over to the middle in the same way.
6. Fold the bottom point up to cover the other points by about an inch, hold in place so it doesn’t unfold, and carefully tuck the folded handkerchief into the left-side jacket pocket, exposing about 3 inches of your lovely pocket square!
Viola!
