Men, take note! The right pocket square can make all the difference

In contemporary fashion, pocket squares have emerged as the perfect fashion accessory for the 'well-heeled' man. This tiny accessory has become ubiquitous over the last few years with international celebrities like Jon Hamm, Justin Timberlake, Robert Downey Jr. being donning pocket squares for their red-carpet appearances.

This little accessory is the ideal embellishment - for style, sophistication and sometimes, even a touch of quirkiness. The pocket square has evolved over the years, going from serving a more utilitarian purpose into a fun, experimental one. At the same time, this accessory has remained synonymous with old-world charm and one can easily choose one that's more traditional.


Jon Hamm paired his grey suit with a white pocket square for the amfAR Inspiration Gala in Los Angeles. (AP)

Pocket squares are a great option if you want to experiment and add a bit of colour to your formal attire, they also add a bit of panache to one's look. They are one of the most indispensable tools for a man of style.

The key is to pick something that complements your shirt and tie, and not to match them completely. There are a few things which one must keep in mind while buying pocket squares. To play it safe, one can never go wrong with a classic white - it's tasteful and moderate. The market is flooded with options and there are different sizes, materials and various ways to fold depending on the overall look and feel of your outfit which helps in adding dept and dimension. For examples, silk pocket squares are more capable of handling complicated folds and simple folds work best with linen or cotton versions.

With time, men have become more experimental and are open to trying different types of folds beside the understated classic one - the straight fold. Few of the other popular folds are - the two peak fold, the one corner fold, the puff fold, the reverse puff, the various peaks fold, the angled peaks and the rose fold.

Another interesting way of wearing a pocket square, which has gained momentum over the years, is by wearing two of them in different textures and colours to make a unique statement. Whichever way you choose to wear your pocket square, wear it with confidence and make it your own by camouflaging it with your personal style.


Pocket squares are a great option if you want to experiment and add a bit of colour to your attire.

Traditional patterns like polka dots, ginghams, tartans also add diversity and boost the appeal of one's look. In order to spice up one's look one can experiment by adding various colours and textures. Do not match your pocket square to your tie but opt for tones and colours that work well together. With that being said it's easy to be spoilt for choice with the extensive range accessible in the market today in terms of shades, prints and sizes available.

Pocket squares have been associated with events requiring more formal clothing, e.g. weddings, supper soirées, black and white tie events. They are viewed as the best adornment for the quintessential 'fashionable' man, adding eccentricity to an outfit.

It's time to bring this seemingly simple accessory out of the closet and let your fashion sense run riot with it!