Top 14 Best Pocket Squares [Guide & List]
If you are looking for inspiration for what pocket squares you should choose, you have come to the right place. Pocket squares are a must-have in any men’s collection of accessories and clothing.
But with the endless amount of choices available, it can be difficult to know what to choose and how to start. To help you with that, we have created this guide and list of great pocket squares which are made of high-quality materials as well as have beautiful designs.
What are pocket squares?
Pocket squares are also known as handkerchiefs and are small rectangular pieces of cloth which is put into the breast pocket of your jacket to create a beautiful contrast to your outfit and enhance your look. Handkerchiefs can be used in the breast jacket pocket, but the general difference between these two is that handkerchiefs are commonly used for blowing your nose.
Pocket squares have one purpose which is as a style accessory. A jacket without a pocket square can feel empty and like something is missing from your outfit. It is therefore a crucial accessory for any man who is serious about his outfit. Pocket squares can add a touch of color or simply a beautiful contrast to your look that takes it to the next step.
But how do you choose a pocket square for your outfit?
The answer is that there are endless” rules” or more correctly ”guidelines” for choosing pocket squares for your outfit. Some guidelines you want to take into consideration are:
- Size
- Fabric
- Color and design
- Fold
It’s not about matching your pocket square
A lot of people think that you should match your pocket square with your tie, but this is actually not the case. If you match your pocket square with your tie, it tends to make your outfit look ”too much”.
Instead of matching your tie, it should complement it, and this is best done by taking into consideration secondary colors in your tie or even shirt and then trying to find a pocket square that has those colors. So if you have, for example, a blue tie with red stripes, you can choose a pocket square with red details, but you should not use a full blue pocket square.
This allows the square to complement your look without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Furthermore, you also want to take into consideration the look you are trying to achieve. If you have a toned-down, monochrome outfit, then you should choose a pocket square with a little color, or even without colors. If you choose a too bright and colorful one on these occasions, it tends to look misplaced.
Lastly, there is an endless number of different ways you can fold your pocket square. The different folds you can use is a large topic for a different article, but you should know that different folds affect how it looks in your pocket and what it does to your outfit. For example, an elegantly folded pocket square can be a good idea when you want to achieve a classy and refined look. On the other hand, if you are looking to achieve a more casual outfit, you can skip folding it and just hold it at the center, let the ends fall down, and stick the pointy ends upwards in your pocket.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at a selection of some great pocket squares.
Top 14 Best Pocket Squares
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Caravaggio Italian Silk Pocket Square
This vibrant pocket square reminds of Italian and Mediterranean styles with outfits that need a touch of color. It has a beautiful combination of colors and a lovely boat motive.
It is made in 100% silk, which the premium pocket squares tend to be, to create a beautiful shimmering effect. It is made in Como, Italy.
Considering its bright colors, it is most suitable for more casual outfits, for example together with a colorful jacket or a linen jacket.
Fiori Di Lusso Purple Melange Pocket Square
This hand-sewn pocket square made in Italy is made in 100% linen and not silk. This gives it a more rustic appearance, meaning it does not appear as formal as silk squares tend to look. Its purple color and melange pattern also tend to contribute to this look, making it more suitable for casual occasions. Together with a linen jacket and a colorful tie, it will look amazing.
Cesare Attolini Red Fancy Pocket Square
This is another pocket square that radiates classic Italian style. It is made in Italy and made from 100% linen and has a beautiful red ”flower” motive with blue accents.
It does not work very well with formal outfits, but it will look amazing with a casual summery outfit.
Fiori Di Lusso White Geometric Pocket Square
Every man needs a set of white pocket squares, but this one does it with a little twist. It is made in 100% linen in Italy and has a dark red/burgundy frame. This is a discreet yet casual pocket square that is great for when you want your look to be a bit toned-down, but at the same time, when you are planning for a casual outfit. It is hand-sewn in Italy.
Fiori Di Lusso Blue Solid Linen Pocket Square
Imagine this linen pocket square with a white jacket or perhaps a sand-colored or grey casual jacket. Its light blue color with a dark blue frame looks amazing and will compliment any casual outfit perfectly.
If you’re looking to achieve an elegant, casual Italian style, this is a must-have.
Finamore Napoli Burgundy Red Paisley Pocket Square
With its toned-down colors and 100% silk, this is a pocket square that will work great on many different occasions. It is elegant enough on formal occasions, but also casual enough for everyday outfits.
It has a beautiful Italian-inspired design that combines White, Navy Blue, Red, and Beige.
Lavender Florals League of Rebels pocket square
Here is a pocket square made in beautiful silk for a stylish and vibrant summery look. This is a perfect choice when you’re looking to achieve a modern, fresh, and vibrant look.
Finamore Napoli Light Blue Fancy Pocket Square
With its bright blue color, this pocket square is not for everyone. Due to its use of bright colors, it is sure to grab everyone’s attention and stand out from the crowd. But on the right occasions and with the right outfit, it will complement your style beautifully.
For added style and a shimmering effect, it is made in 100% silk.
Remo Sartori Hand Rolled Circle Pattern Silk Pocket Square
This hand-rolled silk pocket square has a bright color but at the same time a discreet and classy pattern. Perhaps not suitable for formal outfits, but for more casual occasions, this will look amazing.
Hook & Albert Thompson Pocket Square
This white silk pocket square with a black frame is the perfect toned-down and classic pocket square for any occasion. It will look amazing together with a tuxedo, but also on more casual occasions if you don’t want it to be over the top, and want to achieve a more classic appearance.
Every man should have a white pocket square in their possession, and its black frame, it makes it slightly more interesting than just a full white one.
David Donahue Silk Double-Sided Paisley Pocket Square
This pocket square is made in 100% silk but it is made in a way that it looks rustic and matte instead of shimmer. This, together with its toned-down color makes it suitable for a wide array of outfits and occasions. It is classy yet casual in a refined way.
Luciano Barbera Blue Fancy Pocket Square
Made in 100% silk, it has a beautiful flowery motive with a blue background. It is not over the top, but since it has somewhat bright colors, it is more suitable together with a casual outfit.
Yellow Florals Pocket Square League of Rebels
This 100% silk pocket square has a beautiful pattern and a nice selection of colors, ensuring you’ll be able to pair it with your tie easily.
Whilst it is colorful, the colors are not very bright, meaning it doesn’t stand out of the ordinary, but still complements your style nicely.
Hugo Boss Pocket Square Gift Set of 12
Not only is this a perfect gift, but it is also a perfect way to build your collection with pocket squares for all types of different occasions.
It consists of a set of 12 different pocket squares, making it the ultimate starter kit. It contains pocket squares for any and all occasions, both formal and casual. To achieve different looks, they are made of different materials. You’ll find both bright and modern pocket squares, as well as formal and monochrome pocket squares.
If you want to acquire pocket squares for any occasion, this is a perfect set.
What to consider when buying a pocket square – buyer’s guide
As you have probably seen, there are countless pocket squares on the market with countless different designs, colors, patterns, and materials. With that said, it can become rather overwhelming and difficult to know which to choose.
The fact is that there are a few things you want to consider when pairing your pocket square with your outfit because there are some rules or at least guidelines to making your outfit as stylish as possible.
Don’t match your pocket square with your tie
As mentioned, it’s not about matching your pocket square with your tie. The reason is that matching your pocket square with your tie tends to make your outfit look ”too much” and perhaps a bit “try-hard” and “overkill”.
The advice is that to make the pocket square complement your look as well as possible, you want to think about secondary colors. and think about matching the pocket square with these colors, rather than with the dominant color of the tie.
” If you have, for example, a blue tie with red stripes, you can choose a pocket square with red details, but you should not use a full blue pocket square.”
Think about your outfit and look
Next, when choosing your pocket square, you want to think about the look you are trying to achieve and how the pocket square should complement this ambition.
As an example, if you have a colorful suit, then opting for a pocket square with too much and too many bright colors can make your outfit appear too intense and cluttered. On the contrary, if you have a suit with a toned-down color or monochrome, then a pocket square with some more color can make your outfit look more interesting and well-thought-out. At the same time, if you are going to an event where a discreet and classic look is more appropriate, then it is best to opt for a monochrome pocket square with discreet colors, for example white, black, beige, or even dark blue or dark green.
With that said, the color of the pocket tie also depends on the occasion and the look you are trying to achieve.
Fold
The way you fold your pocket square actually has a great effect on how it looks. There are endless different ways to fold your pocket square, so refer to this chart by Trendhim.com for the most common pocket square folds.
Some folds are more casual and suitable for casual outfits whilst other folds are more formal and suitable for formal occasions.
Design/pattern
The design and pattern are also something you want to consider when choosing your pocket square. In general, pocket squares that have patterns and striking designs are more appropriate for casual outfits whilst single-colored pocket squares with no patterns tend to be used mostly on formal occasions and with tuxedos.
Fabric
As you have seen, pocket squares are available in many different materials. The most common is of course silk but materials like linen and cotton are also used.
Most people will naturally gravitate towards silk as it is considered the most classic option, but other materials do serve a purpose. Apart from the fact that they may be cheaper, a linen pocket square, for example, also tends to look more casual as it is not as shiny. With that said, linen pocket squares can work really great if you have a casual outfit or simply want to give your outfit a casual touch.
Usually, it is advised that you match the fabric of your jacket with the fabric of the pocket square. For example, if you have a linen suit, then it is appropriate to opt for a linen pocket square. An elegant wool suit, on the other hand, will pair best with a more refined silk pocket square.
Pocket square sizes
The size of pocket squares can also vary. In general, pocket squares are from 10 x 10 inches to about 17 x 17 inches in size. This often depends on the fabric being used. The pocket squares that have thicker materials are easier to fold in small sizes but those with thin material usually need to be larger to maintain their proper shape.
How far should a pocket square stick out?
This depends on the fold and looks you are trying to achieve. Some folds will naturally stand out more than others. One of the most common folds is the rectangle folding, and for this fold, you will want to place it so between 1/4 inch and 1 inch of the square is visible above the pocket line.
Can you wear a pocket square without a tie?
Yes, you can certainly wear a pocket square without a tie. The big no-no is to try to match the pocket square with your tie.