To attend elegant occasions such as a banquet or a wedding, simply wearing a suit is not enough to show a gentleman's character. Accessories must be added to show not only polish but also refinement. A pocket square (the folded cloth worn in a men's suit breast pocket) and a tie clip are two options that set off a gentleman's elegant style. With a pocket square, a men's suit becomes more versatile and no longer feels stiff.
Ways of folding a pocket square for a men's suit are creative and varied, from simple to complex. The choice depends on each person's sense of style and on the occasion, whether casual or formal. Below are some popular folds that many people use, and they are all quite simple.
1. The Puff fold
This fold is simple and easy to do, yet it adds elegance and depth to a men's suit, and it suits many different settings.
Step 1: Choose a table and spread the cloth on it. Pinch the centre and lift it up.
Step 2: Using the index finger and thumb of both hands, smooth the cloth from the peak down to the edges.
Step 3: Fold the cloth up and tuck it into the breast pocket of the jacket, letting the peak show.
2. The Crown fold
This is much like the Puff fold above, but the cloth goes into the jacket pocket the other way round. This fold is also called the "Crown".
3. The classic fold
This fold is simple and easy compared with the others, and you can do it in a short time. It is quite common and can be used in many situations, such as meetings, nights out with friends, dates or meeting business partners.
Step 1: Choose a table surface and spread the cloth.
Step 2: Fold the cloth in thirds lengthwise.
Step 3: Tuck the cloth into the pocket, letting the edge show out naturally.
4. The Pesko fold
To use this fold, choose a suit jacket and a pocket square in contrasting colours so that each sets off the other. This fold is usually used for formal business meetings. Have you seen Dr. No? The spy James Bond often appears with this fold, and he looks so elegant in his suit!
Step 1: Choose a table and spread the cloth on it.
Step 2: Fold one third of the width of the cloth lengthwise.
Step 3: Fold the remaining third over it.
Step 4: Fold back the two ends of the cloth.
Step 5: Fold the two remaining ends over again, leaving the ends already folded in place.