Pocketing a Square

There are many ways to pocket a square. The stylist at Robert Talbott chose a deliberately sloppy version of the four points fold for the pocket square in the top photograph. Not that there's anything special about the four points. I like the rolled puff, and a lot of guys stick with the simple tv fold. The important thing is that there should be a square in every breast pocket and the fold is up to the wearer. Below, Ede & Ravenscroft illustrates the conventional way to display four points.


There's no excuse for not understanding the repertoire of available folds as there are illustrated how-tos for virtually every known style of pocketed square in several places on the Web, including the Sam Hober web site. What they don't explain, but I will, is that perfectly executed linen or cotton handkerchief folds require an iron to press the square until it lies flat. But don't iron silk, cashmere or wool squares, which should flop about a bit.

What's in your pocket?