5 Ways to Fold Pocket Squares: Men’s Dress Tips

A three-tip, or crown fold. ( Samhober)

A little pocket square can add a lot to your attire. Here are four reasons to make sure you have pocket squares and five stylish ways to fold your pocket squares. 

1. A pocket square adds nice color to the whole outfit and provides a new look.

2. It can match your tie, giving an extra “umph” without much cost.

3. It can bring forth a touch of sophistication and elegance.

4. It gives an extra personal touch to the outfit.

 

Timeless Fashion of the Presidential Fold

 

This presidential fold is classic. It is the easiest, but also the most simple and elegant, fold. It matches well with a formal suit and a black tie. Usually, it is used for a single-color pocket square, often white.

Photo Via Samhober

Instructions:

1. Lay the pocket square on a flat and clean surface.
2. Fold the pocket square in half.
3. Fold one side up. Fold it to a length that fits your pocket. This will vary on the depth of the pocket. You want about 1/4 inch to be visible.
4. Put the folded pocket square into your breast pocket with about 1/4 inch showing.

 

 

One Tip Up

 

One tip up—the name says it all. The pocket square is folded in a triangular shape with one point showing above the pocket. It is adaptable to different styles of dress. 

 

Photo Via Samhober

Instructions:

1. Lay the pocket square on a flat surface, as always when folding your squares. 
2. Fold one corner up to meet the other corner, so you will have formed a triangle.
3. Fold one side of the triangle in (does not matter which side).
4. Do the same to the opposite side of the pocket square.
5. Finally, place the pocket square in your jacket’s pocket.
6. Depending on how much point you want to show, it can be placed all the way in or halfway in the pocket.

 

 

Change It Up With Two Tips Up

 

Looking for something different with a dramatic flare? Then the two-tips-up fold will be the right fit for your suit. It goes well with patterned and colored pocket squares. It will fit best with slick and chic outfits, rather than more serious or conventional suits.

Photo Via Samhober

Instructions:

1. Place your pocket square on a clean and flat surface.
2. Fold one side over so it forms a triangle. The two corners should not align, so there are two separate points at the top. 
3. Fold one side and then the other side.
4. Place your folded pocket square in your breast pocket and you are ready to roll.

 

 

Coronation: The Crown Fold

 

The multi-point fold resembles a crown. It is best used with sports jackets, blazers, and formal suits. It works well with patterned pocket squares.

 

Photo Via Samhober

Instructions:

1. Start by laying your pocket square on a flat surface.
2. Fold the pocket square so it will create two tips (as with the two-points-up fold). 
3. To create the third tip, fold one side of the triangle up, instead of straight across as with the previous folds. Then, fold the other side straight across.
4. Make sure to create a strong crease using your hand.
5. Carefully place the folded pocket square into your pocket.

 

 

Easy and Simple Fold

 

It is also known as the “puff fold” because it looks inflated or puffed up. It is used mostly with casual attire, rather than business or formal attire. For this pocket square, many different patterns can be used, including polka dots, tartan checks, and paisley patterns.

Photo Via Samhober

Instructions:

1. Place the pocket square on a flat surface.
2. Pick up the pocket square by the center.
3. With your other hand, lightly grasp the square near where you are holding it. Slide the square through your hand. The key point is to not grasp the handkerchief firmly. 
4. Pouf up the part between your two hands, creating an inflated shape.
5. Now flip the pocket square upside down.
6. Finally tuck the pocket square into your breast pocket. It should look natural.