The Pocket Square

The Puff Pocket Square Fold

The pocket square is the epitome of fashion and style. It was created to serve both a functional as well as aesthetic purpose. Made of an absorbent material and also being shaped like a handkerchief, the pocket square was meant to perform all the functions of a typical handkerchief, such as wiping the face or drying the hands after being washed. All that said, the pocket square is mostly designed for style purposes. Pocket squares have the potential to enhance the personality of the user.

Towards the ninth century, handkerchiefs became popular among Italian royalty. Handkerchiefs were held by knights as a fashion statement to impress members of the opposite sex.

It was only with the advent of French Queen Marie Antoinette that the square shape was introduced. This shape was standardized across the land through a decree issued by King Louis XVI. The decree stated that the length and breadth of the tie were supposed to be equal. This event marked the beginning of pocket squares. These clothing accessories were elaborately embroidered and sported varied designs and colors.


In the 1900s, pocket squares have been popularized across the world, with people of all walks of life using them. The pocket square was placed in the left breast pocket of the coat. By being properly folded, the pocket square was made to look stylish and appealing over the rim of the pocket. In formal settings, men were actually considered underdressed without a pocket square. There are different kinds of pocket squares, ranging from designer pocket squares, folding pocket squares, men’s coat pocket handkerchief, pink pocket squares, suit pocket squares, tuxedo pocket squares, Burberry pocket squares, monogram pocket squares, paisley pocket squares, blue pocket squares, and Celtic squares.