Handkerchiefs

[Guest]

Hi. What is the correct size of a handkerchief? I read somewhere that it is 17 x 17 inches, is that correct?

Cheers

[Guest]

Correct for what purpose? This is not a flip answer. It matters. Note also that the material may matter. Finally, note that the penalty for the "incorrect" size is likely nil. Not much is at stake here. The worst case I can imagine is you are trying to stuff one in your breast pocket and either it wont fit or it gets lost. Either way, you will know how to solve the problem with your next handkerchief.

dopey

[Guest]

That depends upon its use, origin, etc. Most of my handkerchiefs are plain, white, hemstitched Irish or Belgian linen; they vary from about eighteen inches square to about twenty-two (these larger are from three generations ago, I think). The mostly cotton handkerchiefs I occasionally stuff into my outer breast pocket are smaller, perhaps fifteen or sixteen inches square (I've seen some much smaller still). And women's handkerchiefs, too, generally are smaller than a man's useful handkerchief (as I'm not married, I can't give you an actual measurement at the moment).

RWS