Refining your tailoring with pocket squares
A pocket square adds a deliberate finishing touch to tailored jackets. Whether you wear a two-piece suit for work or a casual blazer at the weekend, this small accessory introduces colour, contrast, and depth to your breast pocket.
Materials and textures for pocket squares
Fabric choice determines how the square sits and drapes. Silk pocket squares have a gentle sheen and soft folds, making them suitable for evening wear and formal events. For everyday office wear and summer events, crisp linen holds sharp folds and delivers a clean, matte texture. Soft cotton works well with structured wool suits and tweed blazers, while wool-blend squares add weight alongside heavier winter coats and jackets.
Classic folds and styling
Different folds change the tone of your outfit. A neat presidential fold shows a straight horizontal bar of fabric, which fits black-tie functions and traditional business meetings. A relaxed puff fold gathers the fabric at the centre so soft edges spill out of the pocket, creating an easy look with sports jackets. For daytime weddings, a pointed fold brings structured detail to a navy or charcoal suit.
Matching pocket squares with shirts and ties
To match your pocket square with your tie, pick out a secondary tone from your tie's pattern rather than choosing an identical fabric. If you wear an open-collar shirt without a tie, let the fabric pick up a subtle stripe in your shirt or contrast against the dark lapel of your blazer.