How to Fold a Pocket Square for a Wedding: Styles & Tips
A groom posing in a suit with a folded pocket square. Image by Oluwakemi Solaja.
While the bride’s dress gets all the attention, what the groom and male wedding guests wear is equally as important to maintaining the couple’s dream wedding vision. Fortunately, men's attire has come a long way from the basic three-piece suit.
Now, there are more ways than ever to let your personality shine through and elevate your wedding outfit. Pocket squares are a great way to incorporate wedding colors, and add a stylish aesthetic to any wedding suit or tux.
If you’re thinking of adding a pocket square to your wedding day look, you’re in luck! Here is everything you need to know about how to fold a pocket square, including unique folding styles and expert tips to make sure your outfit stands out!
The Basics of Pocket Squares
A pocket square is a piece of fabric meant to be kept in the outer breast pocket of a man’s jacket. It’s not to be confused with a handkerchief, which is a piece of cotton used in place of a tissue. Pocket squares for show. They are often used to elevate the look of a man’s suit or tuxedo.
Pocket squares are made from a variety of materials, like silk, cotton, linen, wool, and polyester. Which one you choose depends on the textile of your suit and how you’d like to fold it. Much like accessorizing a wedding dress, a pocket square should be styled to your look.
This stylish accessory ranges in size, from about 10 to 17-inch squares. The size you choose depends on the size of your pocket jacket. If you choose one that’s too large, it will create unsightly bulging that will ruin the lines of your outfit.
Preparing to Fold a Pocket Square
A series of different-colored pocket squares. Image by Ties.com.
When choosing a pocket square, don’t match it exactly to your tie. Choose a secondary color from a patterned tie or a complementary color. Formal settings call for a plain white pocket square, but if the wedding is more casual, you can play around with fun patterns. Whatever you choose, it should fit into the wedding theme, especially if you are the groom!
Before folding your pocket square, you’ll need to do some prep work to get the best results. You must iron the fabric, using the correct heat setting for the textile. Pay special attention to the corners and edges, making crisp lines at the points. Any wrinkles will work against your folding efforts.
Step-by-Step Guides to Folding a Pocket Square
Presidential Fold
A man wearing a suit with a presential fold pocket square. Image by Fab Ties.
The most conservative fold, the Presidential fold, is appropriate for any setting but is considered pretty casual, so skip it if you are attending a formal or evening wedding. It’s also called the square fold because of the shape created once you fold the pocket square. Here’s how to fold it:
Place the pocket square face down on a flat surface.
Fold it in half from the left side to the right.
Fold it again to the right about three-quarters of the way towards the right.
Bring the bottom side up to fold it in half.
Fold it in half once more and place it in your pocket crease side down.
One-Point Fold
This pocket square style is perfect for a business or casual setting. It’s a great choice if you’re foregoing a tie because it adds flair to your outfit. It’s slightly more complicated than the presidential fold, but easily one of the most straightforward folds. See how to craft one below.
Two-Point Fold
An up-close image of a two-point fold pocket square. Image by Poshmark.
A visual demonstration of how to do a two-point pocket square fold. Image by Real Men Real Style.
The two-point fold is the go-to style for any dressy occasion, especially a wedding! Despite its intricate peaks, it is still amongst the most straightforward pocket square folds to achieve. It looks great with any textile, but is especially interesting with a pattern that includes a contrasting border around the edge of the pocket square.
Three-Point Fold
A suit with a three-fold pocket square. Image via Ebay.
A visual demonstration of how to do a three-point pocket square fold. Image by Real Men Real Style.
A slightly more complex fold suited for formal weddings. While it’s more complicated to achieve, the triple peak design is a show-stopper. It’s a great choice for the groom since it stands out nicely.
You’ll fold it much like the two-point version, except you will fold the corners up to create the iconic three-peakered design. See the diagram below for how to fold your pocket square into a three-point fold.
Four-Point/Cagney Fold
Arguably one of the most intricate and elegant folds, the Cagney fold is known for its four-point design, reminiscent of a crown. It’s the best option for a standout look but the most complicated process of the bunch. However, if you’ve mastered the two and three-point folds, you’re already halfway there!
This fold is best done with a thin but stiff fabric such as starched linen. The trick is to start with your pocket square flat on a hard surface. Then, bring each button corner up as you fold the pocket square into a small triangle. You’ll see the four points form at the top of the pocket square. Be sure to adjust the peaks once you tuck them into your pocket!
Puff and Winged Puff Folds
A close-up of a winged puff pocket square fold. Image by Bespoke Unit.
If you’re attending a casual but elegant affair, look no further than the puff and winged puff folds! This design is best for silky or smooth fabrics that will puff up nicely in your pocket.
There isn’t much folding required to achieve this style: Simply lay your pocket square on a table, design side up, pinch the center, and lift the fabric, creating a tube-like shape. Gently guide the points into your pocket, puffing up the top of the pocket square so it “poofs.”
Advanced Pocket Square Folds
The Rose Fold
A close-up of a rose-fold pocket square. Image by Ties.com.
Roses are a symbol of romance, so elevate your wedding look by folding your pocket square into a stunning rose shape!
Starting with your pocket square design side down, fold it into a triangle. Then, create a series of small pleats on either side. Once you’ve pleated both sides, roll the edges together to create the rose! This one takes a lot of attention to detail to get it right, so watch this video and follow along!
The Scallop Fold
The scallop fold has a much simpler silhouette than the rose, but it gives off high-class vibes! When completed, its edges are reminiscent of the seashell it’s named after. This style is best for formal settings, especially if you’re wearing a tuxedo!
To start, lay your pocket square face side up in a diamond shape. Create a bottom-facing pleat by folding the fabric along the center of the diamond. You will do this three more times and then tuck the ends of the fabric under to create the layered look.
Follow along with this video to master the technique!
Combining Pocket Squares with Other Accessories
When choosing the right pocket square, it’s important to consider the other accessories you’ll be wearing on the big day. Never match your pocket square to your tie. The color and pattern should complement the tie but never match it. Consider complimentary colors that pick up on the secondary colors of your accessories.
Match cool metals like silver with cool tones, like blue, green, and purple. Gold looks best with warm hues like red. Pattern mixing is a great way to elevate your look, but avoid this for more formal settings. Opt for patterns like paisley, stripes, and geometric prints if you’re attending a casual affair. Otherwise, go for solid colors with a bit of sheen to them.
You could even have a pocket square customized for you and your groomsmen and gift it to them as a groomsmen proposal idea.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A groom in a suit with a corsage and folded pocket square. Image by Full Mark S.A.
While pocket squares are an excellent choice for any wedding day look, you’ll need to take some precautions to ensure the folds look crisp and fresh from start to finish. Here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Choosing the wrong size for the fabric: If you’re choosing a silk pocket square, ensure it’s over 16 inches. Slinky fabrics are likely to slip into your pocket as the night wears on.
Selecting clashing colors: We can’t stress this enough: do not match your pocket square to your tie! If your tie is patterned, match the secondary color. If it’s solid, go for a pattern or texture that compliments not clashes.
Forgetting to match the fold to the event: The pocket square fold you choose should match the vibe of the wedding. Casual affair? Go for a simple pocket square. More formal? Keep the fold sleek and streamlined.
Straying from your style: Consider how you dress on a day-to-day basis. If you are normally a conservative dresser, choosing a flamboyant pocket square may seem out of character. Stay true to yourself and choose one that reflects who YOU are!
Practical Tips for Wedding Day Preparation
Wedding days are hectic enough. You shouldn’t be worrying about your pocket square! There are several things you can do to keep it in place.
You can use stiff fabrics to ensure the pocket square can hold itself up. Starched linen, wool, and thick cotton are best. If you choose softer fabrics, consider using a small pin to hold your folds.
The best thing to do is to spend a few dollars on a pocket square holder. You can find one online for less than 10 dollars. This holds the pocket square and your fold style in place to keep it crisp for the entire wedding. Plus, since it is reusable, you will reach for it every time you add a pocket square to your suit!
Before you enter the ceremony, do a double take in a mirror. Fluff any flattened folds and adjust the pocket square so it’s just right. Then relax! Enjoy your special day knowing that you look sharp.
FAQs
What Is the Point of a Pocket Square?
Pocket squares are added to an outfit for style and visual interest.
Can I Wear a Pocket Square Without a Tie?
Yes! Choose a fun design and your favorite folding technique since the pocket square will be the star accessory of your outfit
Does it Matter Which Way I Fold a Pocket Square?
It does! Choose a flatter, tighter fold for formal events. Experiment with puffs and exaggerated folds during casual weddings.
Conclusion
Explore your options and practice your folding techniques to ensure you are putting your best foot, and pocket square, forward on your wedding day!
The right pocket square will pull together your entire look and complete the wedding vision you and your spouse have worked to achieve. Don’t be afraid to experiment and express your personality through your choice of pocket square. After all, this day is about you and your amazing love story, so you should feel your best.