Probably the simplest and most common way to wear your pocket square is with the 1-tip up fold. Because it is such a classic fold, it is also part of my how-to fold a pocket square guide that features the 5 most basic folds. It is great for solid and patterned pocket squares. It is also well suited for any fabric, although it is easier to create the “point” with stiffer fabrics such as linen or cotton. Here is how you create this fold:

1-Tip Up Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:

Lay the pocket square down flat.

Fold one corner to create a triangle.

Fold in one of the sides.

Now do the same with the other side. This is what the “1-tip up fold” looks like when not tugged into your breast pocket.

Last, place the pocket square into your breast pocket. Give it a final styling to suit your liking.

If the classic folds have been leaving you a bit bored, then this pocket square fold may just add the excitement to your suits and sports coats you have been looking for. A perfect blend of casual and eccentric, the so-called “2-Point Puff” will be just the right styling for your bright silk pocket squares. It is a fold best suited for slightly larger squares (at least 13″ x 13″) that are made from softer silk fabric. Here is how you create this fold:

Lay the pocket square flat. Make sure it doesn’t have any wrinkles or creases.

Pinch the center and pick up the pocket square.

Slide the pocket square through your other hand to “puff” the center that is pinched by your fingers.

Push down the center to create a looser “puff”.

Now turn the pocket square upside down so that the corners are facing up.

Pull out two of the outer tips so thy extend higher than the other corners.

Last, stuff the pocket square in your breast pocket. Finish styling it to make sure the tips face outwards from the puffed dome. That’s all.

The 4-point crown fold blends elegance with eccentric. It is a perfect fold for all solid colored pocket squares, especially those made from fine silk. It looks excellent when added to double breasted blazers, full suits, or even formal tuxedos. Here is how you create this fold:

Lay the pocket square flat.

Now fold one corner up to create two overlapping triangles.

Fold in one side to create the 3rd point that will be showing.

Next, fold over the opposite side. This creates the 4th point and the crown is complete.

This is what the 4-point crown fold looks like when complete before tugging it into your breast pocket.

Lastly tug the pocket square into your breast pocket so that all 4 points are showing. That’s all!

Since yesterday featured one of the most classic pocket square folds, I decided something a bit more flashy and exotic for today’s fold. Today I am featuring the so-called Catty Lily, an eccentric fold that is perfect for stiffer pocket squares made from linen, cotton, or thicker woven silk. It looks best with bright solid colored pocket squares. Here is how to create the fold:

Lay the pocket square flat.

Start rolling from one corner. Roll until you rolled up about 2/3 of the pocket square.

Hold the larger roll in place.

Now roll the opposite side under.

Roll all way way until you connect with the larger tube.

Last, tug your Catta Lily folded pocket square into your breast pocket. That’s everything!

Yesterday I featured a more exotic fold called the “Mountain Path” fold, and today I decided to feature one of the most classic and elegant ways to wear your pocket square. I am talking about the so-called “Presidential Fold” – a fold that made especially famous by JFK. It is sometimes also called “flat fold”. It is a perfect fold for solid colored pocket squares. It looks nice with classic suit as well as tux. It is my go to fold when wearing a solid pocket square. Above I am wearing a white linen pocket square with red bordering. Here is how to create this fold:

Lay your pocket squares flat. Make sure it is free of wrinkles.

Fold one side over at the center to create a long shaped rectangle.

Now fold the long side over so that it ends about a 1/2″ short of the other side.

Now tug the pocket square into your breast pocket so that only a quarter to half inch are showing.

This fold, called “Mountain Path” is a variation of the classic “One Corner Up” fold. It is perfect for solid as well as patterned pocket squares, and it can be worn with full tux as well as casual blazer. I prefer patterned pocket squares such as the 4-pattern pocket square shown above. Here is how to create this fold:

Mountain Path Fold Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start by laying your pocket square on a flat surface.

Fold one side over to create a triangle.

Fold it again at the center to create a smaller triangle.

Turn the pocket square so that the longest side is facing towards you.

Now fold the side with the open ends over.

Turn the pocket square over and fold in the other side so that the fold fits into your breast pocket.

Turn it over again. The fold is complete.

As a final step, tug the pocket squares into your breast pocket. That’s it!

If the 5 classic pocket square folds are a bit too ordinary for you, then here is a fold that will add just the right amount of “new” without being overly flashy or loud. A fantastic fold that is especially well suited for patterned pocket squares in bright summer colors worn with casual sports coats or classic blazers. It is a fold that is best suited for softer squares made from silk. Here are the steps:

Scallop Fold Step-by-Step Instructions:

Lay the pocket square flat. Make sure it is free of wrinkles.

Create a double fold by folding a part of the lower triangle up, then back down.

Now fold the backside under so that about 1/2 inch is still showing.

Now flip the pocket square over.

Next, fold in one of the ends of the triangle.

Do the same with the opposite side.

This is what the completed fold looks like before tugging it into your breast pocket.

Once placed in your breast pocket, it will look like this. That’s all!

Has this happened to you? You are packing for a business trip but don’t want to take your favorite ties with you out of fear they will get damaged or wrinkles? What’s the point then of having these fancy ties? Don’t you want to look your best and dress to impress for those important business meetings out of town? What you need is the right tie travel case! Below are some tie storage and travel accessories that will not only make sure your ties look like new for years to come, but many of these accessories will also help you organize your tie collection. Read below the graphic to learn the pros and cons for each style.

Travel Cases

A proper tie travel case is a must have item for anyone who regularly travels with suit and tie. Personally I prefer foldable leather cases that typically hold 2-4 ties. They range from $20 (when made from nylon) to a few hundred dollars when made from exotic leathers with brand name attached. Because these are classic pieces that will never go out of style, they make for a perfect gift as well. One of my favorite ones is this one here by Mark and Graham.

Besides these leather travel cases, there are also cylindrical cases designed for single ties. Most of them are made from leather or plastic and are closed with a snap or magnet. Leather is preferred over plastic as plastic cases can break easily. Personally I am not a fan of either.

Hanging Organizers

If you own more than a handful of ties, but less than 30 ties, then I suggest you invest in a simple hanger style tie organizer. They are available in all kinds of shapes, but I would recommend one that isn’t too long as, is relatively flat, and made from cedar wood. A shorter length (less than 10 inches) keeps it balanced better even when ties are not spread out evenly. A shallow width helps in taking up less room in your closer, and the cedar wood is a great repellant against moths who love to eat silk fabric. This one here by Allen Edmonds is my personal favorite.

Mounted Displays & Racks

Are you a tie aficionado who loves to collect fancy neckwear? Then you probably own 50 or even hundreds of ties. If that is you, then a hanging tie rack won’t cut it. You need something that holds more ties, is easier to organize, and holds your ties better. A mounted rack is the way to go. This one here is perfect! While it only holds 24 ties, you can easily install several in a row or below each other. I have mine installed inside my closet door.

If you love your ties so much that you wish you could wear multiple ties each tie, then you may also want to consider one of these wall mounted cubby shelves. While typically only seen for store displays, they can be a piece of colorful art in your walk-in closet.

Drawer Inserts

Personally I am not a big fan of using drawer inserts as most of them require you to roll your ties and then placing the cylinder shaped roll upright. This can negatively impact the shape and drape of the tie. But, if you have an extra drawer available, have limited hanging space, and are tired of your ties falling off from the tie rack, then a drawer insert might be right for you. Choose an flexible fabric insert that is adjustable to fit a wide range of drawers. This one here by the Container Store is a good option that can be adjusted to fit a wide range of drawer dimensions.

Motorized Organizers

Do you love to read Sky Mall, step into a Brookstone store every chance you get, and are a sucker for gadgets in general? Then you might be the right candidate for a battery powered rotating tie rack. They typically mount on a clothing rod and hold upwards of 30 ties. Most of these racks also have an LED light. The downside of these racks is that they require you to change batteries occasionally, they take up much real estate on your clothing rod, and they tend to break easily as most of the ones I have come across are cheaply made. Still convinced that you want to organize your ties this way, then I found a good option here on Overstock.com.

Other Suggested Articles

General Tie Tips
Silk Tie Cleaning Tips

While most of my posts are related to men’s neckwear, a reader recently asked what type of briefcase he should get for a new job as an accountant. Inspired by this great question, I decided to create an infographic with all the most common types of men’s bags, briefcases, packs, and “murses”. Besides covering what each looks like, this visual ranks each bag on comfort, tells you common uses, and more.

Other Suggested Articles:

Guide to Collars & Cuffs
Visual Guide to Men’s Neckwear
History of the Necktie

Suspenders have seen quite the comeback in mens fashion. What was once a necessary clothing item one-hundred years ago, a time when pants had no belt loops, is nowadays a fashion accessory that blends both function with style.

Suspender Materials, Colors, & Patterns:
Just like there are different tie fabrics, suspenders are commonly made from leather silk, synthetics, linen, cotton, and elastics. In addition, they come in any pattern and color. Just like when picking out a tie, you need to keep your outfit and the occasion in mind when choosing a pair of suspenders. Solid and darker colors are most formal, while wild patterns and out-of-the-ordinary materials (leather, linen, and cotton) are better suited for casual wear.

Tips for Buying Suspenders:
Suspenders can range from as little as $10 to several hundreds. While it may not be necessary to spend $200, it does make sense to invest in some higher quality items that will last the test of time. For first time buyers, look for the following 5 criteria:

1. Connectors: Look for the button attachment style.
2. Style: For dress, choose Y or X but never H
3. Material: Choose Jacquard silk, cotton, or elastic fabric. If you opt for silk or cotton, make sure that a section of elastic is added on the back for more comfort.
4. Color: Choose darker colors that are more versatile such as gray, charcoal, or navy.
5. Pattern: Keep patterns minimal. Besides solids, monochromatic ribbed texture, tiny pin dots, or monochromatic micro checks are good options.
6. Size: Make sure you pick your right size (see chart above)

General Dress Rules for Suspenders:
For the most part, suspenders are either attached using metal clips or buttons (see graphic above). Just like a bow tie aficionado will insist that the “self tie bow tie” is the only sartorial acceptable choice, suspender proponents will argue that buttoned suspenders vs clip-ons will differentiate the man from the boy.

If you are unsure that you will like the “suspender look”, I would suggest you try a pair of less expensive suspenders, that are attached using clips first, before investing in a high end piece that requires that not only costs more, but also will require a trip to a tailor to get suspender buttons added to your trousers.

Got any tips, thoughts, and/or suggestions regarding suspenders? Then leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!

Hendrik