For a well-fitted suit, jacket, or set of pants, a pocket square is the ideal finishing touch that can give your outfit some personality and help you stand out from the crowd. They are also helpful accessories that come in handy on wedding days. Whether you’re the groom, groomsman, or a guest, folding your pocket square properly can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
This little square piece of fabric, whether it’s hidden in your sock drawer or kept with your handkerchiefs, is big enough to make a statement and add a pop of color or pattern to your look. But because they’re so often overlooked and underrated, there are few men who know how to fold a pocket square.
Read on for seven easy techniques to help you master the art of folding a pocket square for your wedding day.
The Flat Pocket Square Fold Style
It’s best to begin by mastering the basic style of pocket square folding. And what better way to do it than with the flat pocket-square fold? This is a simple fold that doesn’t require much effort and adds just a touch of personality without being too over-the-top. Any outfit can easily have a touch of elegance added to it, and it can look great with a variety of fabrics.
Therefore, you should fold your pocket square in the traditional flat-fold style if you prefer classic over novelty or the more understated styles. Although you can fold it however you like, the steps below will give you a simpler, more conventional, and more timeless appearance.
Folding Procedure
- Begin by laying your pocket square flat on a table.
- Fold one side of the square over the other, creating a rectangle shape.
- Then fold the bottom third of the square up until it is slightly under the top layer.
- Adjust and smooth out any creases and tuck into your breast pocket with the folded flat edge facing up horizontally.
How to Fold a Pocket Square — Flat Fold
The Puff Fold Style
The puff fold is a bit more statement-making than the flat fold, but it’s also a bit easier to fold and adds some volume to your pocket square game. It’s perfect for adding a pop of color or pattern to your outfit, and it’s sure to turn heads in the best way possible.
This is a great pocket square to use if you’re headed to a semi-formal event or want to add a bit of flair to your casual outfit. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect puff fold:
Folding Procedure
- Lay your pocket square flat on a table.
- Then pinch or puff up the middle of the square, creating a small “puff” of fabric.
- Tuck this gathered section into your pocket with the folded edge facing up horizontally.
Pocket Square Tutorial: How to fold the Single Puff
One-Point Pocket Square Folds
What’s great about this fold is that it adds some height to your pocket square while still maintaining a clean and classic look. It is a great pocket-fold style if you want to make a bolder statement without going the whole nine yards and doing a puff fold.
Folding Procedure
- Make flat folds on either side of your square piece of fabric until you have a small rectangle shape with pointed corners.
- Fold in half diagonally, making sure the edges are aligned.
- Tuck it into your breast pocket with the folded edge facing up horizontally and one point peeking out.
Pocket Square Tutorial: How to fold the Single Point
Two-Point Pocket Style
You can achieve a similar look to the one-point pocket fold but with a bit more height by using the two-point pocket fold. This is a great style if you want a bit of flair in your outfit without going overboard.
This pocket style can be perfect for a wedding or formal event. Follow the steps below for a dapper two-point pocket fold.
Folding Procedure
- Begin by laying your pocket square flat on a table in a diamond shape.
- Fold the bottom tip up to meet the top point, but just slightly beside the top point on the left side.
- Then fold in the right-pointed corner to meet the center crease
- And fold the left edge side corner on the right.
- Tuck it into your pocket with the folded edge facing up horizontally and adjust it to show off both points of the pocket square visible.
Three-Point Pocket Square Folds
If you’re in the mood to add some extra height and dimension to your pocket square game, you may want to try out the three-point pocket fold. It’s a bit more advanced and requires some extra folding, but it definitely makes a statement.
This style can be great for adding some personality to a suit or tuxedo at a formal event, such as a wedding or gala. Follow these steps for the perfect three-point pocket fold:
Folding Procedure
- Begin with your pocket square in a diamond shape on a table.
- Fold the bottom tip up to meet the top point, but just slightly beside the top point on both sides.
- Fold it in half diagonally and then fold one of the pointed corners upwards, creating a triangle shape.
- Tuck it into your pocket with the folded edge facing up horizontally and adjust it to fit your pocket size for the perfect three-point look.
Three Point (Three Peak) Pocket Square Fold
The Stairs Fold
Stair-folding is a classic and versatile way to fold your pocket square. Just like the one-point fold, the stairs fold adds height and dimension to your breast pocket without being too flashy. This fold is perfect for adding subtle flair to any outfit, from a casual day at work to a formal event such as a wedding or gala.
Folding Procedure
- Place your pocket square on a clean, flat surface in a diamond shape.
- Fold the pocket square diagonally to a triangular shape
- Fold the top part in to create a ripple or a stair
- Then pinch to create another stair below the first one
- Hold firmly and fold into a triangle
- Fold your left and right bottom corner of the formed stair corner inward (holding the stairs in place)
- Adjust the fold and insert into your breast pocket
How To Fold a Pocket Square – Three Stairs Fold
Winged-Puff Pocket Square Style
This style adds some wing-like flair to your puff fold, creating a bold and unique look. It can be worn to both casual and formal events, giving any outfit a little more personality.
Folding Procedure
- Lay your pocket square flat on a surface in a diamond shape.
- Fold the top corner downward towards to form a triangular shape
- Then fold the right corner downward towards the angle formed.
- Do the same for the left corner
- Now that we have diamond shape, then fold the right, left and the bottom corners towards the middle in such away that they form square angles
- Tuck it into your breast pocket the folded bottom corner with the top point fying its wings out.
Rose Pocket Square Style
Finally, if you want to wow with an unexpected and unique pocket square style, try the rose fold. With some careful folding, you can create the illusion of a rose sitting in your pocket, adding an extra touch of sophistication to your outfit.
It is important to know that this style requires a bigger pocket square, so be sure to use one that’s at least 16 inches by 16 inches.
Folding Procedure
- Lay your pocket square flat on a table
- Then fold all four corner points to the center equally
- Pick the middle with the folded corners, and
- Gather them together tightly
- Tuck it into your pocket and adjust the “petals” to create the illusion of a rose.
Pocket Square Tutorial: How to fold The Rose
Conclusion
While there are plenty of ways to fold a pocket square, these five styles are a great place to start. Whether you want to add some subtle flair or make a statement, there’s an option for every occasion. But you might want to practice these folds a few times before trying them out in public.
For simple and classic looks, the flat fold is always a safe option. Besides that, get creative with the one-point, two-point, three-point, and rose folds. Keep in mind the size of your pocket square and the formality of the event when choosing which fold to go for. Happy folding!