If our basic pocket square folds are leaving you bored, then here is an extensive list of 50 folds. Click on the one(s) you like for detailed instructions:
Blog Archives
Day 41: Double Fold
The “Double Fold”, sometimes also called double flat fold or double presidential fold, is another one of those folds taking advantage of using two differently colored pocket squares. I like this fold most when wearing one of my casual summer window pane plaid blazers. Using two differently colored pocket squares allows me to coordinate with the colors found on the jacket. A fun fold that is a bit more on the elegant side. Here is how you create this fold:
Double Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay both squares down flat.
Next, fold both squares in half to create two equal rectangles.
Now lay one rectangle over the other. About a 1/4 inch of the pocket square below should be showing on one long side.
Fold the top square into thirds.
Fold over the other side.
Now wrap the pocket square by folding the outer square around the inner square.
Fold both sides to create a complete wrap.
Turn the pocket square over so that the folds are hidden on the back side. Then, place the pocket square into your breast pocket. That’s all!
Day 35: American Beauty
Similar to the Scallop Fold is the so-called “American Beauty” fold. While it may look somewhat similar to the Scallop fold, it is more rounded and resembles the look of a red rose. It is a fantastic formal fold for all solid pocket squares. I prefer this fold when wearing my dark suits in navy, charcoal, or black to a black-tie optional function. Because it requires multiple folds, it is best suited for larger pocket squares that are at least 13 inches squared in size. Here is how you create this fold:
American Beauty Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay the pocket square down flat.
Fold in half to create a triangle.
Fold in half again to create a smaller triangle.
And fold in half for a third time to make the triangle even smaller.
Now fold down one of the wings.
Fold down the opposite wing. The pocket square has a rectangular shape again.
At last, place the pocket square into your breast pocket.
Day 34: The Rooster Fold
Another eccentric pocket square fold that requires the use of two hankies, is the so-called “Rooster”. Because there is already much going on here, I suggest you work with either two solid colored pocket squares, or just one that has a pattern while the other is a solid plain one. In the fold above I am using a white linen square with red bordering, as well as a solid red one. Here is how you create the fold:
The Rooster Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay both pocket squares down flat.
Place the pocket square you want on the inner part on top of the other pocket square. Make sure that the lower pocket squares shows about 1/2 inch on two sides.
Now start rolling both pocket squares from one corner until you reach the center line.
Now turn the pocket square over.
Next, roll the loose end in the opposite direction as the other roll.
At last place the pocket square into your breast pocket and give it some final styling to your liking.
Day 32: The Mount Fuji Fold
Since we featured the “3-Peaks Fold” yesterday, I thought I stick to the Mountain theme by featuring the Mt. Fuji fold today. It looks similar to the One Tip Up Fold with the main difference of having a differently colored base at the bottom. It is another one of those folds that requires the use of two pocket squares. To get the most of this fold, I suggest two differently colored pocket squares. Usually I use a patterned pocket square for the tip, while I like to use a solid colored pocket square for the base. Here are the detailed instructions:
Mt. Fuji Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay both pocket squares down flat.
Fold the pocket square that creates the mountain into a triangle. The other pocket square gets folded in a narrow and long rectangle.
Fold down the wings of the triangle. The other pocket square gets another fold as well to create an even longer rectangle.
Fold in the sides of the pocket square that creates the mountain.
Place this pocket square on top of the long rectangle. Center it along the middle.
Wrap the pocket square that creates the mountain with the other pocket square by folding in the sides.
Turn the pocket square over so that all folds are hidden on the back side.
Tug the pocket square into your breast pocket so that both pocket squares are visible.
Day 28: Layer Cake Fold
The layer cake fold is a mix between the Presidential Fold and the 4-Stairs Fold. It is another fold that requires the use of two pocket squares. In the photo above I decided to use a paisley pocket square in reds, black, and gray in combination with a solid red pocket square. Because 2 pocket squares can be a bit bulky in your breast pocket, I suggest you use smaller squares that are 10-13 inches squares in size. Here is how you create the “Layer Cake” fold:
Two Tip Up Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay both pocket squares flat.
Fold both pocket squares in half to creat two separate rectangles.
Now lay one pocket square over the other. The below pocket square should be visible at the top. This creates the first layer.
Now create another layer by folding the other side over at a slight angle.
To create the final layer fold over the opposite side again at a slight angle.
Because most pocket squares will still eb too wide to fit into your breast pocket, fold enough of each side back so that the width fits your breast pocket.
As a final step, carefully tug the fold into your breast pocket.
Day 27: Four Stairs Fold
The four stairs fold is the first fold I am featuring in my “50 Folds in 50 Days series” that uses not one, but two pocket squares. It allows you to add yet another color and pattern element to your look. I prefer this fold with either two solid colored pocket squares, or with one patterned and one solid pocket square in color complementing the colors found in the pattern. Because of the added fabric from the 2nd pocket square, I prefer smaller pocket squares that are 13″ x 13″ or smaller in size. The look above was created with one solid red and one solid white pocket square in 100% silk that measure just 10″ x 10″ in size. Here is how you create this fold:
Four Stairs Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Start out with 2 pocket squares you like to use for this look. I chose a red and a white one for the photo above. Lay both pocket squares down flat.
Now fold both pocket squares in half to create a triangle for each pocket square.
Now lay one pocket square over the other so that one corner of the above laying pocket square ends near the center of the pocket square below.
Now fold the lower pocket square in half so that it wraps the other pocket square.
Now fold in the corner of the other pocket square. Fold at a slight angle so that the other pocket square is still visible.
Now fold the other side over. Again, fold at an angle so that the below laying pocket square is still visible at the top.
Again, fold in the other side so that the below laying pocket square is visible.
Now turn the pocket squares so that the stars face to the right.
Because the pocket square is still wider than your breast pocket, we need to reduce the width by folding it in half.
The fold is complete and all there is left is to carefully place it in your breast pocket.
Day 26: Armadillo Fold
The Armadillo, aka Accordion fold, is perfect for larger pocket squares. It suits solid color pocket squares worn with formal suit or tux, as well as patterned pieces paired with casual sports coats. Here is how you create this fold:
Armadillo Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay your hanky down flat.
Create a pleated fold starting at one corner. To do so, fold the pocket square in, and then back down. The pleat should be about 1/2 wide.
Create 7-10 more pleats by repeating step #2.
Now fold the pocket square in half at the center.
Shape the width so that it fits the width of your breast pocket.
Lastly tug the pocket square into your breast pocket.
Day 25: The Spiral Stairs Fold
If you already like “The Wave” as well as the “3-Stairs fold“, then I am convinced the that spiral staircase will become a new favorite for you. It looks great for softer pocket squares made from silk. Here is how you create the Spiral Stairs fold:
Spiral Staircase Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay the pocket square down flat.
Fold in half to create a triangle.
Fold one triangle down about 1 inch above the edge.
Fold back up to create a pleat.
Repeat step 3 and 4 to create a 2nd pleat.
Now lay your pocket square down flat and fold in half.
Now create the spiral staircase by bending one side into a half circle. Bend to the left and down to create the staircase-like effect.
As a final step, tug the pocket square into your breast pocket.
Day 24: The Rolled Puff
Looking for a simple and casual way to wear your pocket squares? Then the rolled puff is perfect. It is similar to the regular puff fold, but it is usually a bit wider and doesn’t reach out of the breast pocket as much. It is perfect for any type of pocket square although finer and thinner fabrics such as silk are best suited. Here is how you create this fold:
Rolled Puff Pocket Square Fold Step-by-Step:
Lay the pocket square flat.
Pick up the pocket square by pinching the center.
Slide the pocket square through the palm of your other hand.
Roll down the top (the “puff”) once or twice.
Depending on the size of your pocket square, you may need to fold up the corners from the bottom
As a final step tug the pocket square into your breast pocket.